Digging is a natural habit, so dogs often dig in their beds to feel better, mark their territory, or create a safe place to sleep. This is something that wolves do to keep warm and safe. We observed many times that some dogs also dig when they’re bored, anxious, or want attention. If you know why your dog digs, you can stop it without punishing it.
Quick Summary
- Dogs dig beds for instinctive reasons, comfort, nesting, scent marking, or anxiety.
- It can also happen from boredom, extra energy, or habit.
- Provide a cozy sleeping area, exercise, mental enrichment, and training to stop the behavior.
- Check for anxiety signs or skin issues if digging becomes excessive.
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What does science say about this behaviour?
Studies in veterinary medicine and animal behavior show that dogs dig for several reasons—instinct, scent communication, stress hormones, and even genetics. These science-supported findings explain why digging is perfectly normal for many dogs, but can become excessive in others.
1. Wolves passed down the instinct to build nests
Just like their wolf ancestors, dogs naturally “nest” before they sleep. Digging helps them make the spot feel safe, comfortable, and just right before settling down. Digging helps them change the temperature of their sleeping area and make it feel safe and comfortable.
2. Digging lets pheromones out through glands in the paws.
Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and when they scratch the bed, they release pheromones. This is their “safe zone,” which is why they often dig in the same spot.
3. Stress and high cortisol levels can trigger digging
When a dog feels stressed or anxious, their cortisol levels rise. This spike in stress hormones can lead to “out-of-place” behaviours—like circling, scratching, or digging—especially at night or during tense situations
4. Breed Genetics Play a Big Role in Digging Habits
Some breeds are just more likely to dig than others. Working, terrier, and hunting breeds are more likely to dig because it’s in their genes and was part of their original jobs.
5. Over-Arousal Can Lead to Displacement Digging
When dogs are too excited, frustrated, or don’t know what to do next, they sometimes dig. Displacement digging is a behaviour that usually happens when someone is too excited.
Why Dogs Dig on the Bed — The Most Common Reasons
Veterinary behaviorists have found that digging and nesting are completely normal dog behaviors. They help dogs feel safe, mark their territory, and even release stress. According to the AKC and VCA Animal Hospitals, these behaviors come from a mix of wolf survival instincts and how modern dogs cope with their environment today.
Nesting Behaviour That Comes Naturally
Dogs dig to create a soft, secure spot to rest — a behavior inherited from wolves.
- Helps regulate temperature
- Creates a “nest” for safety
- Makes bedding feel more comfortable
Wolves make shallow nests in the wild to stay warm or cool, depending on the weather. This instinct is still strong in today’s domestic dogs, which is why many of them dig or scratch at their bed before they settle down to sleep or relax
Your dog wants to be comfortable.
When your dog digs, it might simply be trying to fluff up the blankets or move the bedding around.
- They try to make the surface softer
- They change the texture to suit their preferences
- Common in small or sensitive breeds like Chihuahuas and Greyhounds
Digging for comfort is perfectly normal, but if it becomes too intense, it can end up damaging or tearing blankets and bedding
Scent Marking Behavior
Your dog might dig on your bed to leave their scent there because it smells like you.
- Dogs sweat through their paws
- Digging leaves pheromones on the surface
- It makes them feel connected and safe
YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS: How to Stop Your Dog from Scratching Constantly: 8 Easy Solutions Backed by Vets
Anxiety or Stress
- Loud noises
- Separation anxiety
- Changes in routine or environment
According to veterinary behavior experts, repetitive digging or pacing can be a sign of emotional distress and may need behavioral training.
Boredom or Extra Energy
Dogs that don’t get enough exercise for their bodies or minds often dig or scratch the bed.
- Lack of walks
- No toys or enrichment
- Pent-up energy
This is especially common in active breeds such as Huskies, Border Collies, and terriers.
Behaviour that is learnt or seeks attention
Dogs quickly learn that digging on the bed gets a reaction from their owner.
- You look
- You talk
- You come closer to stop them
Even negative attention can reinforce the habit.
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READ MORE: Why Is My Dog Licking Their Paws? 10 Vet-Approved Reasons and How to Help
Is Digging in the Bed Normal or a Problem?
Most dogs dig in their bed from time to time, and that’s completely normal. However, veterinarians recommend watching for digging that becomes obsessive or destructive. If the digging seems painful for your dog, makes them anxious, or causes skin irritation, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.
Normal Digging Signs
- Happens before sleeping
- Light scratching or pawing
- No signs of stress
- Doesn’t destroy bedding
Problematic Digging Signs
- Excessive, nonstop digging
- Digging paired with whining or pacing
- Tearing sheets or hurting paws
- Triggered by anxiety or fear
If digging leads to obsessive routines, a vet or dog behaviorist should evaluate it.
How to Stop Your Dog From Digging on the Bed
Veterinary training sources say that instead of punishing the behavior, you should change it by giving them more things to do, making them more comfortable, and rewarding them for good behavior. Dogs learn best when they have regular routines and are rewarded for good behavior.
1. Provide a Comfortable Dog Bed
Give your dog a cozy, soft, clean resting spot so they’re less attracted to your bed.
- Orthopedic beds
- Calming donut beds
- Memory foam beds
- Beds with bolsters
To keep the bed smelling fresh and inviting, wash it once a week.
2. Add Blankets for Nesting
Some dogs simply love blankets.
- Give them a “digging blanket”
- Create a small den area
- Use soft fleece materials
This satisfies their natural nesting urge.
3. Increase Physical Exercise
A tired dog is less likely to dig.
- Longer walks
- Fetch or tug games
- Evening play sessions
- Off-leash time is safe
Active breeds need 60–90 minutes minimum daily.
4. Add Mental Enrichment
Mental workouts prevent boredom digging.
- Puzzle toys
- Snuffle mats
- Lick mats
- Interactive feeders
These keep your dog calm and mentally engaged.
5. Manage Anxiety Triggers
If digging is a sign of stress, find out what is causing it and deal with it.
- Keep a routine
- Offer safe spaces
- Use calming aids (pheromones, chews)
- Provide slow, structured training
6. Redirect the Behavior
- Say a calm cue like “Uh-uh” or “Leave it.”
- Redirect to a blanket, chew toy, or bed.
- Reward when they settle.
Never shout or punish — it increases anxiety and makes digging worse.
When to See a Veterinarian
If the behavior gets worse or happens all of a sudden, experts from the AKC and veterinary journals say you should see a doctor. Sometimes digging is a sign of pain or skin problems.
See a vet if you notice:
- Sudden change in behavior
- Excessive paw licking
- Skin irritation
- Allergies causing discomfort
- Restless sleeping
A behaviorist may help if anxiety or compulsive digging doesn’t improve with training.
FAQ
Why does my dog dig before lying down?
It’s a normal nesting behavior used to make the sleeping spot comfortable. Dogs inherited this instinct from their wild ancestors.
How do I stop my dog from digging my bed?
Provide a comfortable dog bed, offer enrichment, reduce anxiety, and redirect the behavior with positive training.
Is it bad if my dog scratches the bed?
Light scratching is normal, but excessive digging can damage bedding or signal anxiety, boredom, or allergies.
Why does my dog dig on my bed when excited?
Some dogs dig when overstimulated or seeking attention. Excitement digging often happens before play or when you arrive home.
Why does my dog burrow in blankets?
Dogs burrow for warmth, comfort, security, and instinct. Small dogs and anxious dogs do this more frequently.
Karim Kaifi is an experienced pet owner and writer. He shares practical, research-backed advice based on over 10 years of caring for cats and dogs.
