Why do dogs dig on beds and couches? Simple tips to stop it!

Okay, so the other day I was chilling on the couch, and my dog, Buster, starts going absolutely nuts digging at the cushions. Like, full-on, paws flying, head down, determined digging. It got me thinking, "Why do dogs even do that?" So, I did what any curious dog owner would do – I went down a bit of a research rabbit hole.

My Little Research Journey

First, I grabbed my phone and started Googling. I typed in something like "why dogs dig on beds" and hit enter. I scrolled through a bunch of articles and forum posts. I skimmed a few, read some others more closely.

• Some folks said it's instinct, leftover from wild dogs making dens.
• Others mentioned it could be about temperature – trying to find a cooler or warmer spot.
• Then there was the whole "marking territory" thing, with scent glands in their paws.
• And, of course, some dogs just do it because they're bored or anxious.

It was information overload, I have to say that!

Putting it to the Test (Sort Of)

After getting some thory, I observed Buster's digging habits more closely. I watched him when he was on the bed, on the couch, even on his own dog bed. I tried to see if there was a pattern.

Here is what I found:

• He did it on soft surfaces, so the "den-making" idea seemed to fit.

• It was kind of hot that day, maybe he was looking for a cool spot.

My Takeaway (For Now)

Honestly, I think it's probably a mix of all those reasons. Buster's a bit of a quirky guy, so it's hard to say for sure. I do plan to get him a cooling mat for his bed, see if that helps. Maybe a new toy to keep him entertained, too.

It's an ongoing experiment, really. I'll keep watching, keep learning, and keep sharing my findings. Being a dog owner is a constant learning experience, you know?