Why Do Dogs Circle Their Beds Before Laying Down?
Whether their bed is big or small, dogs often circle it one or more times before they lay down. The reason dogs do this is to establish a safe perimeter.
This behaviour goes back to dogs’ wild roots, where they had to ensure their sleeping area was safe from predators or pests. Walking around in circles makes enough of a disturbance that it scares off rats, mice, and snakes that may be hiding in their sleep spot.
While we know that our living room doesn’t have any of these pests, our dog still feels the need to double-check.
Dogs may circle their beds to stomp down the area to create a comfortable surface to sleep on.
Wildlife experts also believe that wolves circle their sleep space to determine the direction of the wind. Then they sleep with their noses to the wind to pick up any threatening scents in the air.
Why Do Dogs Scratch Their Beds?
Scratching the ground before laying down for the night is another instinctive behaviour our dogs have inherited from their wild relatives.
When dogs scratch and circle their bed, they are staking a claim to their territory. Dog’s paw pads have scent glands that allow them to “mark” a space with their paws.
Scratching their bed serves two different purposes. First, it chases away unwanted guests and marks the bed with their scent. This scent sends a message to other dogs who might try to lay on the spot. It says the space belongs to another dog.
Second, scratching or digging at the ground creates a shallow space below ground level that allows them to retain body heat in their “nest” when sleeping in the cold.
Why Do Dogs Dig at Their Beds?
Dogs dig as a way to warm up or cool down. If your home’s heating or air conditioning temperature isn’t quite comfortable for your dog, they will rely on the same temperature regulation strategies as they use outside.
Dogs pant or sweat through their paws when they get overheated, but they have a harder time cooling off than humans. This is where digging behaviour comes in.
Digging at their bed is similar to how humans fluff their pillows and toss and turn before going to sleep. It’s an effort to get comfortable. Digging at the bed creates a more comfortable space for a restful sleep.
Is Nighttime Scratching a Problem?
Circling, scratching, and digging at their bed is normal behaviour for dogs. Instinctive behaviour helps them make a safe space for sleeping in. Even if the behaviour is driving you crazy, try not to get frustrated! Your dog is just doing what their instincts tell them to.
If your dog has recently gotten a new bed or bedding, or you have washed their existing one, they may paw, scratch, and dig more than usual. This is so they can mark the bedding with their scent. Dogs often resist new beds until it smells like their own.
