Why Does My Dog Scratch Its Bed? Understanding the Digging and Pawing Behavior
You might have noticed your dog scratching and pawing at their bed before settling down to sleep. This behavior, which can sometimes seem a little excessive, isn't just random; it's often rooted in a combination of instinct, territorial marking, and the simple desire for a comfortable rest. Territorial Marking One of the primary reasons dogs scratch at their bedding is to mark their territory. Dogs have scent glands located in their paws, and when they scratch or paw at a surface, they release these unique scents. This act of scratching is a way for your dog to claim their bed as their own space. It's like they're putting their personal stamp on their sleeping area, clearly stating, "This is my spot". Even though dogs don't sweat like humans do, they do have sweat glands in their paws which contribute to this scent marking. Instinctual Behavior Before domestication, dogs, like their wolf ancestors, would dig into the earth to create a secure and comfortabl...