Do you wonder why do dogs dig on beds and couches?
Dogs dig on beds and couches for a variety of reasons.
Some dogs do it to create a comfortable spot to lie down, while others do it out of boredom or anxiety.
If your dog is digging on your bed or couch, there are a few things you can do to stop the behavior.
We will show you the exact reasons why dogs dig on beds and couches and what you can do about it in this article.
With some patience and training, you can help your furry friend learn that digging is prohibited on the furniture.
Why Do Dogs Dig On Beds And Couches? – The Reasons
Dogs are known for their curious and playful nature, but sometimes their behavior can become destructive.
Especially when it comes to digging into furniture.
While it can be frustrating to come home to find your couch or chair in tatters, it’s important to understand that there are several reasons why dogs engage in this behavior.
In the following chapter, we’ll explore some of the most common reasons why dogs dig into furniture and provide some tips on how to prevent this destructive behavior.
Territorial Behavior
Territorial behavior is an important factor in why dogs may dig on beds and couches.
Dogs have the instinct to claim spaces as ‘theirs,’ either to create an area or nest to rest or to mark their territory.
These instincts are fulfilled by digging on beds and couches, leaving your pet feeling security within their own space.
If a dog displays frequent digging areas, it’s important to observe other signs in their activity indicating territorial matters, such as urine marking around home furniture and fixtures.
A better understanding of your pup’s thought processes can go a long way in helping you determine how to address any issues.
Releasing Energy
Digging is normal behavior for many dogs, and can occur when highly energetic breeds release their pent-up energy.
Dogs often display this activity on soft furnishings because they’re comfortable and provide some sort of cushion against their powerful claws. It’s important to remember that this behavior isn’t always malicious.
It can simply be a way for your pup to relieve stress and excess energy.
Knowing the root cause of your dog’s furniture digging is key to properly training them otherwise.
Anxiety And Fear
Digging is a behavior that some dogs use to attempt and relieve tension or discomfort.
It is often seen in dogs who have separation anxiety.
Dogs may also dig to make a den-like environment where they can feel comfortable and secure or if they want to attract attention.
In any event, it’s critical for dog owners to detect the warning signals of anxiety in their dogs so they may take steps to calm them down before their anxious behaviors become set habits.
Look For Lost Snacks
If you’ve ever looked for a fallen piece of food around your house, you may understand why dogs take up the same habit.
While we might be using our eyes to scour the floor in search of snacks, dogs are using their noses to sniff out lost and dropped pieces of food.
Digging on beds and couches is an efficient way for your pup to find lost goodies.
As any proud parent knows, loyalty runs deep in our canine friends, as they won’t rest until every morsel is found!
Boredom And Destructive Behavior
Even though some breeds may naturally have greater instinctive desires to dig, boredom can encourage our puppies to engage in this undesirable habit.
They may use their excess energy to cause destruction, like digging on beds and couches, if their mental and physical needs are not met.
Owners should provide regular mental stimulation with toys, games, pastimes, and daily walks or runs to avoid this.
To Hide Toys
Dogs are incredibly resourceful when it comes to hiding their treats and favorite toys.
Many dogs have mastered the art of burying items on soft furniture, like beds and couches
Why do they hide their treasures?
Burying helps dogs store items where they won’t be disturbed or taken away as opposed to other places in the house.
It’s similar to having a large toy chest that securely archives all their prized possessions!
Not only does digging underneath beds or couches give them access to hide items, but it serves the practical purpose of burying objects for safekeeping. Dogs dig for the same reasons we might keep a secret cubby hole full of our most cherished stuff.
The security of knowing no one will take it from them is comforting and satisfying.
Became A Habit Over Time
No matter where they may be in the globe, dogs have used comfy couches and beds to soothe and comfort themselves over time.
As they carry on, their new behavior has established itself as an innate habit that helps them feel secure and at ease in their surroundings.
The initial instances of exploration were probably motivated by a desire, but over time it evolved into an additional comfort and safe haven for them wherever they were.
An action that was formerly carried out for safety can now turn into a habit intended for joyful relaxation as this urge was reinforced.
Fleas
In their quest to eliminate these pests, dogs instinctively dig into furniture in search of them.
If a dog owner notices fleas on the bed or couch, this could be why the pup is incessantly pawing and digging at it.
It is important to take proactive measures such as vacuuming regularly and using flea preventatives like special shampoos and collars to lower the chances of infestation.
Nesting Behavior And Maternal Instinct
It’s ordinary behavior for dogs to enjoy digging into beds and couches as an instinct that can be traced back to their wild ancestry.
They do this by “nesting,” which is a process that lets them build a cozy, warm place that reminds them of the burrows where their canine ancestors used to live.
This activity appeals to a female dog’s natural desire to take care of and protect any puppies or young animals that might be there.
This behavior could also be related to a dog’s level of comfort, since a less stressful environment makes dogs feel safer.
Allowing dogs to fulfill these normal instincts can help keep them engaged and content in your home.
Natural Instincts
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, and it can be particularly strong in certain breeds.
The key reason why your pup likes to take to the beds and couches with their claws is that they are trying to act on their natural instinct.
Dogs have an innate desire to make cozy places by burrowing, and by digging at beds and couches, they are trying to create a comfortable den-like spot.
In many cases, this careful digging through furniture could be their way of making smells that make them feel safe and secure in their surroundings.
Burying Bones
Burying bones allows the dog to hide a food source for later.
This behavior probably dates back to ancient times when wolves needed a way to ensure they’d have enough to eat during times of scarcity.
Even though domesticated dogs don’t need that same resource, the impulse persists due largely in part to genetic hardwiring
Some Dog Breeds Dig More Than Others
Some breeds tend to be more prone to this behavior than others.
Generally speaking, terriers are the biggest culprits when it comes to digging on beds and couches, followed closely by herding dogs such as border collies.
On the other hand, pointer dogs like German Shorthaired Pointers and Retrievers tend to display less of this behavior.
Unfortunately, even non-terrier or herding breeds may exhibit typical digging behaviors due to stress or a history of mistreatment.
So owners should keep an eye out regardless of what type of pup they own!
How To Stop Your Dog From Digging On The Couch And Bed
Dogs can have a fun time digging through furniture, but it can be an issue for owners who worry about the destruction of their property.
Fortunately, there are some steps that you can take to stop your pup from bouncing on the Couch or taking a nap in your bed and tearing it apart.
In this paragraph, we’ll outline how to address this wily behavior and help stop your pup’s destructive habits.
With patience and consistency, you and your dog will be barking up a new tree in no time!
Environmental Control: Don’t Allow Your Dog On The Bed Or Furniture
Environmental control is a great way to help prevent a dog from developing destructive habits, like digging into furniture.
A simple way to do this is to never allow your dog onto the bed or furniture.
They can’t do any damage if they don’t have access.
If your pup has already developed this habit, try and find alternative places for them to dig as well – like in the park or their designated space in the yard.
You should also give them plenty of exercises so they have an outlet for their energy instead of digging around the house.
Building up trust and patience with your pup will be key in helping break this naughty behavior.
Use An Anti-Chew Spray On Your Furniture
Protecting your lovely furniture from the destructive power of your clever puppy may seem like a test of will.
But an anti-chew spray could be instrumental in making sure that your Couch and bed are left alone.
Anti-chew sprays are designed to make taste-based training easier and safer than other methods.
When used correctly, they create an instinctive repulsion reaction in most animals when they come into contact with the sprayed surface.
The spray is also safe for use around your home as it is free of harsh chemicals.
Think of it as a tasty way to put up some boundaries with your furry friend!
Cover Your Furniture
If you’re looking for an effective way to stop your beloved pup from ruining your furniture, covering it up could be just the thing.
To stop your canine friend from digging into your couch and bed, cover them with soft, cozy materials.
Using blankets or sheets in creative ways can protect your house from claws and make it look better.
To sum up, there are many reasons why dogs dig in beds and couches.
There are a lot of reasons why your puppy might be digging in your furniture, like to show dominance, get rid of energy, make a nest, feel maternal instinct, or just be bored.
After finding out the reason, you can devise an effective game plan to find an appropriate solution for both you and your furry friend to coexist peacefully!
Some breeds do dig more than others, so pet owners need to take the necessary steps early on by providing the proper training and ample attention.
Ultimately each dog is unique with different behaviors, but understanding them can help us form a strong bond with each other.
Before You Go…
Now you know why dogs dig on beds and couches.
If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!
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