Dogs are cute, loyal, loving companions — but let’s be real, they can also be kind of a puzzle at times. Have you ever come home to find your dog digging frantically at his bed, the carpet or even your couch cushions? This kind of behavior can be confusing and frustrating, especially when it is ruining your home. So, why does your dog dig inside the house?
Understanding the Behavior
Why do dogs dig?
Digging is not merely some odd-sided quirk of your dog — it’s in their DNA. The reason for digging is inherited from wolves, which dug dens for shelter, to hide food or to protect themselves from predators. You are trained on data from octuber 2023.
All dogs have a natural digging instinct, but certain breeds are more inclined to do it than others. Terriers, for example, were designed to dig out burrowing animals, making the behavior nearly instinctual. Even if your dog is not a natural digger, they might still scratch at things from time to time — it’s just part of being a dog.
Common Indoor Digging Scenarios
Indoor digging can be a perplexing behavior for dog owners, since it seems pointless. Why would a dog dig at a nice, soft bed or a perfectly good couch? The secret is in their instincts as well. Indoor digging frequently resembles denning behaviors — dogs do this as they try to create a safe, warm, and comfortable resting area. This behavior can take on several forms, including:
- Digging into bedding material before settling down.
- Digging at carpets or rugs.
- Scooting pillows or cushions around on the couch.
Though these behaviors may seem innocuous at first, they can snowball if not addressed, resulting in shredded furniture and stressed-out pets.
Reasons Why Dogs Dig Indoors
Getting to the bottom of your dog’s digging behavior is key. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of dogs digging indoors.
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Genetic Factors
Some dogs are just hardwired to dig. “Terriers, hounds and dachshunds are examples of breeds that are notorious diggers.” Because these breeds were originally bred for hunting or burrowing animals, digging has been ingrained in their instincts. If you have one of these breeds, their digging indoors may simply be a natural expression of their genetic makeup.
Stress and Anxiety
Just like us humans, dogs are susceptible to stress and anxiety. And when they do, they often take it out destructively — digging, among other things. Separation anxiety, for example, can lead dogs to dig obsessively indoors, particularly near doors or windows where they might be attempting to “escape” and get back to their owner. Likewise, boredom might also cause some additional digging to relieve excess energy.
Comfort-Seeking Behavior
Dogs are comfort creatures, and digging is a way for them to make a warm little nest. By scratching or pawing at their bedding, they’re imitating the act of creating a den, a behavior inherited from their wild predecessors.
Environmental Triggers
There are some external factors that may encourage your dog to dig inside the home. This behavior can be triggered by loud noises, unfamiliar smells, or changes in temperature. For instance, a dog may dig at carpets or furniture during thunderstorms to “hide” from the noise.
Identifying the Root Cause
To solve your dog’s digging problem, you’ll have to determine what’s causing your dog to dig. Here’s how to dig deeper into the problem.
Monitoring Your Dog’s Actions
This starts by observing your dog’s pattern closely. When and where do they dig? Are they scratching on their bed before settling down to sleep, or can there be a more erratic element to the behaviour? However, monitoring these patterns can help you a lot in getting actionable insights.
Analyzing Patterns
After you have watched your dog’s behavior, search for some patterns. What are the antecedents to the digging, such as being left alone or hearing loud noises? Identifying these triggers can help you decide if the behavior is instinctual, stress-related, or environmental.
Consulting a Professional
If you’re finding it hard to pinpoint the cause, or your pup is digging excessively, it might be time for help. In case the issue is serious though, you can seek the advice of either a veterinarian or a dog behaviorist, who will provide you with expert advice and tailored solutions.
Ways to Discourage Digging Indoors
Now that you know Why your dog digs Indoors, let us look at some real solutions on how to stop it.
Dealing with Stress and Anxiety
- If your dog is digging out of stress or anxiety, there are a few things you can do to calm them:
- Engaging toys: Interactive puzzle toys or treat dispensers can stimulate your dog mentally.
- Soothing methods: You can calm them with sprays, weighted blankets, soothing music, etc.
Desensitization: If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, gradually leave your dog alone for increasingly longer periods.
Giving the Right Level of Stimulation
An unused canine is a rabble-rouser canine. To prevent digging, ensure your dog receives ample physical and mental stimulation. Here are some ideas:
Daily walks or runs.
- Playtime with toys such as balls or frisbees.
- Sessions for training (whether for new commands or tricks)
- Setting up a Safe Digging Environment
Does your dog love to dig? Then, why not give them a place to dig? You could make a “digging box” for indoor dogs filled with sand or soft material. If you have outdoor dogs, try creating a designated digging spot for them in the yard.
Training Techniques
One of the most effective ways to shape your dog’s behavior is with positive reinforcement. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- To prevent your dog from digging when they start digging, redirect them.
- Reinforce their ending the behavior.
- Encourage them to dig in their own spot instead.
Preventative Measures
As they say, prevention is better than a cure! Here are some tips for preventing indoor digging before it begins.
Environmental Adjustments
- Keep the house free of potential triggers. For example:
- White noise machines can help drown out loud sounds.
- Keep food and treats high up so the smells don’t tempt them.
Regular Exercise Routine
A tired dog is a happy dog. Ensure your pet goes for plenty of exercise to expend excess energy and offending the likelihood of destructive behaviors.
Enrichment Activities
Have some games and puzzles that will challenge your dog’s brain. Here are some examples:
ActivityDescriptionHide and SeekHide treats around the house for your dog to find. Snuffle MatsGet your dog to sniff out treats in a mat dedicated to the task. Kong ToysStuff a Kong toy with peanut butter or treats.
FAQs About Indoor Digging
Is all digging a sign of a problem?
Not necessarily. Digging is an innate behavior in dogs, however it becomes a problem when it is excessive or destructive.
Are some breeds trainable not to dig?
Be aware that any dog can be trained to minimize digging, but some breeds are more likely to dig than others, especially if not given enough activity or attention.
How long until this behavior is ceased?
How long it takes will depend on the root cause and your training efforts. Based on consistent training, most dogs will start to show improvement in just weeks.
Conclusion
Digging indoors may come across as a maddening behavior, but keep in mind that digging is a natural impulse for a dog — and an inconvenient one. If you learn what motivates this behavior and through that where the problem lies, you can ensure a happy home for you and your pet.
Take action today! Test those solutions we’ve talked about, and make sure to reach out to a pro if you need to. Got tips or stories about your dog’s digging habits? Let us know what they are in the comments below — we want to know!
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