With a new puppy in the Wagworld family, there’s a LOT of general chewing and biting going on. Of course, pup gets a free pass because he’s still learning and teething. We researched why adult dogs can be unintentionally destructive with their beds and here’s what we found…
Digging is in their DNA
It’s instinctual for dogs to dig and scratch around the area where they want to lie down. You’ll notice them digging in hot sand to expose the cooler sand that lies below the surface. Digging and circling is also said to be built into their DNA. Circling in particular is said to be a throwback from their more feral days when they would need to clear their sleeping area of bugs, snakes and critters. Circling is also how dogs would typically “flatten” their sleeping surface (grass, leaves etc.) to make it more comfortable.
If your dog digs and scratches their bed a lot, one solution is to make sure their claws are neatly trimmed to reduce the damage to the bed and cushion. Another solution is to put a blanket on top of the bed’s cushion that they can “rearrange” as they wish.
Sometimes dogs dig to release their scent and mark their territory. They have glands on the bottom of their paws which secrete pheromones.
Excessive scratching and digging in their bed may be a sign of anxiety and you should probably get advice from a dog behaviourist if you’re concerned.
Chewing to stop “stewing”
The urge to bite and chew (on things other than food) is hardwired into dogs. Chewing and biting (not the aggressive type) are both ways that dogs relieve stress. If you find your dog is chewing their bed (or other things for that matter) chances are they’re trying to relieve boredom, anxiety, loneliness, stress and/or frustration.
Canine Behaviour Practitioner Julia Langlands of Balance Behaviour says that:
“The act of chewing has a calming and comforting effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain – it triggers the release of endorphins, and as such is a tool that the dog has at his disposal in order to ‘self-medicate’ for anxiety and stress.”
One way to reduce destructive chewing is to provide your dog with alternative “chewables” (such as big bones, cow hoofs etc.) The caveat with chew-paraphernalia is to make sure that it won’t break and become lodged in your dog’s mouth or throat – especially if you’re out for the day. If you have more than one dog, you’ll need to give each dog their own bone or hoof to prevent resource guarding.
Another solution to dog bed chewing, is to provide mental stimulation for your dog – particularly if it’s left alone a lot. Burying bones in a designated area of the garden or sand pit can prevent boredom. You might also try something like a Kong that’s stuffed with treats. If your dog stays inside while you’re out, snuffle mats are a great way to reduce boredom.
If you know that your dog suffers with anxiety while you’re out, there’s a soothing podcast (My Dog’s Favourite Podcast) you can play for him/her. In fact, we’ve listened to it and it’s so soothing that you might want to stay home and listen to it too!
Why do Dogs Chew, Scratch and Bite their Beds
With a new puppy in the Wagworld family, there’s a LOT of general chewing and biting going on. Of course, pup gets a free pass because he’s still learning and teething. We researched why adult dogs can be unintentionally destructive with their beds and here’s what we found…
Digging is in their DNA
It’s instinctual for dogs to dig and scratch around the area where they want to lie down. You’ll notice them digging in hot sand to expose the cooler sand that lies below the surface. Digging and circling is also said to be built into their DNA. Circling in particular is said to be a throwback from their more feral days when they would need to clear their sleeping area of bugs, snakes and critters. Circling is also how dogs would typically “flatten” their sleeping surface (grass, leaves etc.) to make it more comfortable.
If your dog digs and scratches their bed a lot, one solution is to make sure their claws are neatly trimmed to reduce the damage to the bed and cushion. Another solution is to put a blanket on top of the bed’s cushion that they can “rearrange” as they wish.
Sometimes dogs dig to release their scent and mark their territory. They have glands on the bottom of their paws which secrete pheromones.
Excessive scratching and digging in their bed may be a sign of anxiety and you should probably get advice from a dog behaviourist if you’re concerned.
Chewing to stop “stewing”
The urge to bite and chew (on things other than food) is hardwired into dogs. Chewing and biting (not the aggressive type) are both ways that dogs relieve stress. If you find your dog is chewing their bed (or other things for that matter) chances are they’re trying to relieve boredom, anxiety, loneliness, stress and/or frustration.
Canine Behaviour Practitioner Julia Langlands of Balance Behaviour says that:
“The act of chewing has a calming and comforting effect on the adrenal-pituitary axis in the brain – it triggers the release of endorphins, and as such is a tool that the dog has at his disposal in order to ‘self-medicate’ for anxiety and stress.”
One way to reduce destructive chewing is to provide your dog with alternative “chewables” (such as big bones, cow hoofs etc.) The caveat with chew-paraphernalia is to make sure that it won’t break and become lodged in your dog’s mouth or throat – especially if you’re out for the day. If you have more than one dog, you’ll need to give each dog their own bone or hoof to prevent resource guarding.
Another solution to dog bed chewing, is to provide mental stimulation for your dog – particularly if it’s left alone a lot. Burying bones in a designated area of the garden or sand pit can prevent boredom. You might also try something like a Kong that’s stuffed with treats. If your dog stays inside while you’re out, snuffle mats are a great way to reduce boredom.
If you know that your dog suffers with anxiety while you’re out, there’s a soothing podcast (My Dog’s Favourite Podcast) you can play for him/her. In fact, we’ve listened to it and it’s so soothing that you might want to stay home and listen to it too!
Sources:
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-walk-in-a-circle-before-lying-down
https://www.thedodo.com/close-to-home/why-do-dogs-scratch-carpet-bed-floor
http://www.balancebehaviour.org/detaiul
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