
Female dogs dig in their beds for a variety of reasons, and it's essential to understand these motivations to address the behavior effectively.
One common reason is that female dogs are natural burrowers, and digging is an inherited trait from their wild ancestors.
Female dogs may dig in their beds due to anxiety or stress, which can be triggered by changes in their environment or routine.
Some female dogs may also dig in their beds due to medical issues, such as arthritis or skin allergies, which can cause discomfort and lead to digging behavior.
Female dogs may also dig in their beds simply because it feels comfortable and relaxing for them, much like humans enjoy a warm bath or a cozy blanket.
Causes of Dog Digging
Dogs dig in their beds due to instinctual behavior that has been passed down from their wild ancestors.
Instinct can be triggered by temperature extremes, causing a dog to dig to create a warmer or cooler place to rest.

Your dog's foot pads have glands that emit a unique scent, which they deposit when they dig or scratch their bed.
This scent marking behavior is a natural instinct that helps your dog feel secure and comfortable in their sleeping area.
Female dogs may dig to create a nest for their puppies, whether they are pregnant or not.
Dogs may also dig due to a desire to create a den or hiding place, a behavior that is still present in domesticated dogs despite their lack of need for it in a home environment.
An arthritic dog may dig at their bed in an attempt to alleviate pain and discomfort, often by circling and digging to create a more comfortable surface.
Is It Normal?
Dogs scratch and dig at their beds because it's a natural behavior, just like how humans brush their teeth and wash our face before bed. It's a self-soothing ritual that helps them get comfortable.

This behavior is seen in many different kinds of dogs, and it's not something you should worry about unless it's stress-driven or compulsive. If your dog is digging in their bed and appears agitated, it's a good idea to talk to a vet.
Your dog may spin in a circle a few times before settling down, just like how you might fluff your pillows before getting into bed. It's a comforting habit that helps them relax.
It's perfectly normal for your dog to dig in their bed, and it's not a cause for concern unless it's accompanied by signs of stress or anxiety.
Stopping Dog Digging
Digging is a natural instinct for dogs, so it's unlikely you'll be able to completely break your dog of the habit.
Your dog digs because of her natural instinct, not because she's misbehaving. It's essential to understand this before attempting to redirect her behavior.
To encourage your dog to sleep elsewhere, create a comfortable space for her to sleep in where she can dig as she likes. This area can include a dog bed, old blankets or rugs, or all three.

Be patient and hold onto the understanding that this is part of what dogs do, and as a result, you will never be able to break them of the habit completely.
You can redirect your dog's digging to a more appropriate place such as a sandbox or other designated spot outside.
The quality of your dog's bed might be the actual problem, not the digging itself. Consider investing in a durable bed that can withstand her scratching.
The Snooz Crate Pad is a great option for comfort-seeking diggers, as it's crafted with luxurious, orthopedic memory foam and is tear-resistant.
Scratching-Resistant Materials for Dogs
Dogs dig due to natural instinct, so it's essential to redirect their behavior rather than trying to retrain them. The Snooz Crate Pad is a great option for comfort-seeking diggers, featuring luxurious, orthopedic memory foam that's tear-resistant.
You can encourage your dog to sleep elsewhere by creating a comfortable space for her with a dog bed, old blankets, or rugs. The Pillo Dog Bed is an ultra-durable solution for vigorous diggers, with a tough exterior and plush filling that accommodates natural nesting instincts.

Dogs may damage floors or bedding, so it's crucial to consider a scratching-resistant material. The Bolstr Dog Bed features a water-repellent, durable fabric that's perfect for both in-crate and standalone use.
Redirecting your dog's behavior can be achieved by praising and treating her when she chooses the designated sleeping area. The Snooz Crate Pad is ideal for dogs that dig to find the coziest sleeping position, and it's not just comfortable but also durable.
Understanding Dog Behavior
Dogs dig in their beds due to their natural instinct to create a safe and warm shelter, a behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. This instinctual behavior is not easily trainable, but can be redirected to a more suitable place.
A dog's desire to burrow or hide is another reason they dig in and around their bed, often seeking to keep themselves or their toys safe. They may not perceive an active threat, but their instinct to hide remains.
They Want to Hide

Dogs dig in their beds because they want to hide, often due to their natural instinct to burrow underground. This behavior is a holdover from their wild ancestors.
Many dogs still have this present instinct, even if they don't perceive an active threat. They may seek to hide themselves or a toy, and it's not uncommon to see them dig and burrow in their beds.
Dogs may also hide in their beds to feel safe and secure, much like they would in a den or a burrow in the wild. This behavior is especially common in puppies, who are still learning about their environment and may feel more secure when hidden away.
Play or Boredom
Dogs dig in their beds for a variety of reasons, but one common cause is playfulness. Rambunctious puppies, in particular, may be prone to digging in their beds due to their lively and energetic personalities.
A dog that's frequently bored may also make a habit of digging in their bed to try and entertain themselves. Excessive digging due to boredom can become a problem if your dog makes a habit out of it, causing them to be rough with their belongings.

Providing your dog with plenty of other outlets for their playful behavior is key. This includes training and exercising with your dog every day to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Here are some ways to keep your dog entertained:
- Train and exercise with your dog every day
- Provide a rotation of toys to keep them engaged
By giving your dog the mental and physical stimulation they need, you can reduce the likelihood of them using their bed as a toy.
What Else Can Cause a Dog's Illness
Dogs can dig in their bed due to instinctual reasons, but other motivations can also be at play. In fact, it's true that the majority of reasons a dog will dig in their bed are instinctual in nature.
Some other motivations that are not uncommon include a desire for comfort and relaxation. Many dogs dig in their bed to create a cozy spot to rest.
Dogs may also dig in their bed due to anxiety or stress. This is often a result of their instinctual nature to burrow and hide.

Additionally, some dogs may dig in their bed due to medical issues. For example, a dog with arthritis may dig to find a more comfortable position.
Other possible reasons for a dog's digging behavior include boredom and lack of exercise. If a dog is not getting enough physical and mental stimulation, they may resort to digging in their bed.
It's worth noting that some dogs may dig in their bed simply because it's a fun and enjoyable activity for them.
What's in Her?
Your furry friend's digging in her bed is more than just a quirk - it's a natural behavior rooted in her wild ancestors' instincts. This instinct to dig into her bedding is still present in domesticated dogs, and it's not about misbehaving, but rather about creating a comfortable and protected space.
Dogs dig into their bedding for various reasons, including to regulate their body temperature. They may also dig to "mark" the bed as theirs, which is a way of claiming ownership and establishing a sense of security.

Some possible reasons behind your dog's digging behavior are:
- Her body temperature
- The desire to “mark” the bed as hers
- To hide herself
- To create a nest for her puppies
- Comfort
By understanding these underlying reasons, you can take steps to address your dog's digging behavior and create a more comfortable and safe sleeping environment for her.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog digging my bedsheet?
Your dog is likely digging your bedsheet due to its natural instinct to create a comfortable space, possibly seeking the texture and warmth of the sheets as a reminder of its natural bedding. This behavior is a leftover from its wild ancestors, who scratched to create a nest or cooler ground.
Sources
- https://wagwalking.com/symptom/why-is-my-dog-digging-in-her-bed
- https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/dogs/why-does-my-dog-dig-in-my-bed
- https://www.diggs.pet/blog/pet-parenting/dogs-dig-beds/
- https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/why-do-dogs-dig-in-their-beds
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reasons-why-dogs-dig-bed-naima-rabbie
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