Why do dogs dig on beds and couches?

Scritch, scritch, scritch. If your dog paws at the couch cushions or digs at their bed before lying down, you’re not alone, and it might seem weird to you. You might even worry about your pet wrecking the sofa or their favorite dog bed.

Short answer: most dogs dig at beds and couches to make a comfy spot before they lie down. It’s an old denning instinct (AKC). They may also be cooling off or warming up, leaving their scent from glands in their paws, or looking for a dropped crumb or toy. It’s worth a closer look if the digging is frantic or destructive, happens mostly when you’re gone, or your dog can’t seem to settle. That can point to boredom, anxiety or pain.

Below are the most common reasons, the signs that mean something more is going on, and how to protect your furniture without punishing a normal dog behavior.

8 reasons dogs dig on beds and couches

You’ve seen dogs digging outside, but what’s the deal with dogs scratching and digging on beds and couches? Here are the most likely reasons, starting with the most common.

1. They’re getting comfortable (nesting)

For most dogs, pawing at a soft surface like a pillow, blanket or dog bed is about making a good place to sleep. Wild canids dig dens, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) says digging on a bed or in a crate is an instinctual behavior related to digging dens outdoors. Veterinarians at VCA Animal Hospitals explain that digging historically cleared away sticks and stubble that made for an uncomfortable bed.

Your dog isn’t acting out or doing anything wrong. A few scratches, a couple of circles and a flop is normal.

2. They’re cooling off or warming up

Dens are cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather, which is one reason northern breeds such as Siberian Huskies are known for digging (AKC). VCA notes that on a hot day any dog may dig to cool off. Indoors, that can look like a dog pushing a blanket aside to reach a cooler surface, or digging into a pile of blankets to get cozy on a cold night.

3. They’re leaving their scent

Dogs have scent glands in their paw pads and between their toes, and scratching the ground spreads that scent (VCA). A 2020 study in Scientific Reports found that dogs pay attention to the paw scent of other dogs. Nobody has studied couches specifically. Still, it’s likely that some bed and couch digging is your dog making the spot smell like “mine.”

4. It’s in their genes

Some dogs dig more than others. Terriers and small hounds were bred to dig out prey (AKC), and northern breeds dig cooling holes (VCA). If you have a natural digger, expect more pawing at the cushions, too.

5. They’re hunting for something

Might there be a crumb under the cushions, or their favorite toy? Dogs have an acute sense of smell and hearing, and many dig to bury or retrieve bones and other treasures (VCA). The couch is a favorite hiding spot for both dropped snacks and stashed chews.

6. They’re bored or have energy to burn

A dog that lacks exercise or mental stimulation might dig to keep themselves entertained. Veterinarians at UC Davis say bored dogs may dig when they’re left alone, especially for long periods, often along with chewing furniture or barking. VCA adds that play and exploration are among the most common reasons for digging, especially in young, active dogs. If your dog only digs at their bed or the couch after you’ve missed a few days of walkies, you might have a bored dog on your hands.

7. They’re anxious or stressed

Some dogs dig because they’re stressed. The AKC says most dogs that dig a lot are either very bored or have separation anxiety. According to the ASPCA, dogs with separation anxiety may chew, dig at doors and doorways, or destroy things when they’re left alone. That kind of digging usually doesn’t happen when you’re home. If your dog digs at the couch near the door or window while you’re out, they may be trying to get out or get to you rather than get comfy.

8. They’re expecting puppies

Denning is a natural behavior in female dogs about to give birth. In the last week of pregnancy, a dog often starts looking for a safe place to have her puppies (VCA). Frantic nesting, like shredding bedding, along with panting and restlessness, usually means labor is starting. Cornell’s vet school says these signs usually show up 6 to 12 hours before birth but can last 24 to 36 hours. Pregnant dogs living on the streets show the same drive: a 2016 study of free-ranging dogs in India found that pregnant females tried out several den sites before settling on the one where they gave birth. If you suspect your dog is pregnant, see your veterinarian so you know what to expect.

Why does my dog dig on the couch?

The couch is a lot like a big dog bed, only better. It’s soft and padded, it’s often near a window, and it smells like you (AKC). The cushions also give and move when your dog paws at them, so they’re easy to “arrange.” And crumbs and toys love to hide in the cracks.

So when your dog digs or scratches at the couch, it’s usually one of the reasons above: making a nest before a nap, getting to a cooler or cozier spot, adding their scent to a spot that already smells like their favorite person, or digging out something interesting. If it happens mostly when you’re out, think boredom or anxiety first.

When to worry about bed or couch digging

A few scratches and a circle before lying down is normal. It’s worth talking with your veterinarian or a qualified behavior professional if:

• It’s frantic, long or destructive, like shredding cushions, or your dog seems unable to stop.
• It mostly happens when you’re gone, especially with barking, howling, pacing, accidents or damage near doors and windows. These can be signs of separation anxiety (ASPCA).
• Your dog can’t seem to get comfortable. Restlessness, pacing or an inability to settle can be a sign of pain (Cornell). VCA lists repeatedly getting up and lying down, and whining while trying to get comfortable, as possible pain signals. This matters more if the digging is new, or your dog is older.
• Their paws or nails are getting hurt. Digging driven by anxiety can lead to scraped paws and damaged nails (ASPCA).
• She might be pregnant, or is nesting, panting and restless.

How to stop your dog from digging on the couch or bed

Digging is a natural behavior, and the AKC says it’s often unfair to ask a dedicated digger to stop completely. VCA warns that blocking all digging without dealing with the reason behind it can lead to new problems, such as chewing or barking. So the goal is to redirect it, not to punish it.

1. Figure out the “why” first. Is it a quick nesting routine before naps, or digging while you’re gone? The fix depends on the reason (VCA).
2. Give them a spot that’s OK to dig in. Put a dog bed or a “digging blanket” in their favorite spot, or next to the couch. The AKC suggests putting blankets, towels and chew toys on a spot that’s theirs, and rewarding your dog with a treat when they go there instead of the furniture.
3. Interrupt and redirect, then reward. When your dog starts digging at the cushions, calmly redirect them to their spot or to another activity, like a trick or a game of fetch. Then praise and reward them (AKC).
4. Don’t punish. Scolding won’t fix the reason for the digging, and it can make digging driven by fear or anxiety worse (UC Davis; ASPCA).
5. Add exercise and brain games. Walks, play, training sessions and food puzzle toys burn energy that might otherwise go into the couch. For dogs who struggle when left alone, the ASPCA suggests at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day and food puzzles when you leave.
6. Protect the furniture while they learn. Use a washable couch cover or throw blanket. When you can’t supervise, close off the room or use a baby gate.
7. Get help for anxiety. If you think it’s separation anxiety, talk with your vet. The ASPCA recommends working with a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a qualified trainer. Your vet can also tell you whether medication might help.
8. Choose a bed that can take it. If your dog digs hard at their own bed, a tougher bed will last longer. In our indestructible dog bed tests, we found that few beds are truly indestructible, but some held up to serious digging and chewing far better than others. For dogs who burrow to stay warm, see our heated dog bed picks.

Takeaway

Dogs dig on beds and couches mostly to make a comfortable, safe spot to rest. That’s an instinct left over from their den-digging ancestors. Temperature, scent marking, breed, hidden crumbs and toys, boredom, anxiety and, in pregnant dogs, nesting can all play a part.

Most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. Give your dog a spot of their own, plenty of exercise and a bed that can handle some digging. Check with your vet if the digging is frantic, happens mainly when you’re gone, or comes with signs that your dog can’t get comfortable.

FAQs

Why does my dog dig on the couch?

Usually to make a comfy spot before lying down, the same nesting instinct that makes dogs dig at their beds. The couch is soft, and it smells like you. Your dog may also be cooling off, leaving their scent or digging for a crumb or toy. If it happens mostly when you’re gone, boredom or separation anxiety is more likely.

Why does my dog scratch the couch before lying down?

It’s a normal nesting routine. Dogs scratch and circle to arrange their bedding, and scratching also leaves scent from the glands in their paws (VCA).

Why do dogs dig in their beds?

For the same reasons: comfort, temperature and scent. The AKC calls digging on a bed or in a crate an instinctual behavior related to digging dens outdoors.

Should I stop my dog from digging on the couch?

You don’t have to stop normal nesting, but you can redirect it. Give them their own blanket or bed, reward them for using it, and protect the cushions with a cover. Don’t punish them, because that won’t fix the reason for the digging.

Do dogs dig out of anxiety?

They can. Digging can relieve stress, and dogs with separation anxiety may dig at doors and doorways or destroy things when left alone (ASPCA). If you think that’s the case, talk with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist.

Why does my dog dig when excited?

Probably the same reason some dogs run around when they’re excited about something. Digging is a fun outlet for pent-up energy, and VCA says play and exploration are among the most common reasons dogs dig.

What are nesting behaviors in dogs?

Nesting is when a dog arranges a spot to rest or give birth. Everyday nesting looks like scratching, pawing and circling before lying down. In a pregnant dog, nesting gets more intense near the end. She may look for a quiet, safe place and shred bedding, and frantic nesting with panting and restlessness usually means labor is close (Cornell).

How do dogs know their bed is theirs?

Just like a dog eventually learns basic commands or which toys are theirs, a dog can also learn which bed is theirs. It helps that their bed smells like them, partly thanks to all that scratching and pawing.