Why Do Dogs Scratch Their Bed

If you’ve ever watched your dog circle, paw, or dig at their bed before settling down, you’ve probably wondered what’s going on. It might look strange—or even a bit destructive—but it’s completely normal behaviour. In fact, scratching or digging at a bed is something dogs have been doing for thousands of years.

This instinctive behaviour comes from their wild ancestors. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about creating a space that feels safe, secure, and theirs.

Instincts Passed Down Through Generations

Before dogs were domesticated, their ancestors lived outdoors. When it was time to rest, they would paw at the ground to flatten grass, move debris, or even dig a shallow hole. This made the spot more comfortable and helped regulate body temperature. The action also marked the area with their scent, a natural way of claiming territory.

Even though modern dogs have cosy beds and a roof over their heads, those instincts haven’t gone away. Scratching at their bed is a leftover habit from their wild past, carried on as a routine that just feels right to them.

Marking Their Territory

Dogs have scent glands in their paws. When they scratch their bed—or even your sofa or carpet—they’re leaving behind a subtle scent that says, “this is mine.” It’s a way of claiming their space, especially in homes with other pets or lots of activity.

This behaviour is particularly common in dogs who are nervous, adjusting to a new environment, or sharing space with others. The scratching helps them feel secure by creating a space that smells and feels like theirs.

Creating Comfort

Much like how humans fluff pillows or adjust blankets before lying down, dogs scratch and dig to get comfortable. It’s their way of preparing the space to meet their needs—softening it, adjusting the temperature, or simply getting into the right mindset for rest.

If your dog is especially energetic or anxious, the scratching might be more vigorous. Providing a bed with enough padding and space can help make them more comfortable and reduce excessive digging.

When Scratching Becomes a Problem

While it’s normal for dogs to scratch their bed occasionally, constant or aggressive digging could be a sign of something else. If your dog seems restless, anxious, or destructive, they might be bored, stressed, or dealing with an underlying medical issue like skin irritation or joint pain.

Make sure their bed is clean, comfortable and placed in a quiet area of the house. If the scratching continues non-stop or seems obsessive, it’s worth chatting with your vet or a behaviourist.

Summary

Dogs scratch their bed because it’s hardwired into their instincts. It helps them feel safe, mark their territory, and settle in for a good rest. While it might seem odd, it’s a completely normal behaviour that echoes their wild roots. As long as it’s not excessive or linked to anxiety, there’s nothing to worry about—just another one of those little quirks that makes dogs so fascinating.