Dogs Scratching The Kennel: That’s Why They Do It!
Dogs have attitudes that humans don’t always understand. But when we see dogs scratching the ground before going to sleep, we need to know that it is a millennial ritual that they have performed since before being domesticated as companion dogs for humans. Wild dogs dig small pits to create a “nest” in which they can rest comfortably and safely. Although domesticated dogs have comfortable and safe places to sleep in their modern homes, the urge to dig into the soil before falling asleep is literally encoded in their canine DNA, making it virtually impossible to resist.
Territorial claims
Sometimes dogs that scratch the area they sleep in also do it as a kind of territorial claim. The special glands found on the underside of a dog’s paws release a special aroma that is strengthened as they perform this activity. Digging into the surface of the area where they will rest, dogs use the smell of their paws to claim the territory as their property.
Some dogs that scratch on the ground before falling asleep want to make their bed more comfortable because they usually rearrange the surface where they rest. Sand, grass, or cotton can help dogs regulate their temperature. In hot areas, dogs can dig into the soil in the house to cool it. In cool areas, they can take this attitude to create a more welcoming and warm environment. Scratching the ground before bed can also help dogs find the most comfortable position to rest.
While it may not be very fun for their owners, many dogs that scratch and scrape do it simply because they love to do it. They have fun. Soil scraping helps some dogs fight boredom and release a lot of energy.
Soil scraping is also more natural for some breeds than others. Terriers, for example, have a reputation for being great diggers.
Some scratching dogs carry their habit too far. Many destroy their owners’ carpets or dig unwanted graves in the garden. In this case, the dog must be taught that this is not an adequate behavior.
Dogs that scratch: avoidable damage
Dogs can scratch the floor or bed before falling asleep simply because their nails are too long. The solution to avoid this problem is to cut his nails. If you don’t want to do it yourself, consult your veterinarian.
Sometimes dog scratches have a destructive effect on carpets, blankets and sheets. If this happens, many experts suggest letting the dog sleep in its kennel. Provide him with a comfortable bed. Many dogs prefer circular beds with raised edges on which they can rest their heads. If your pet continues with this attitude, you can add a couple of blankets or some clothes that you no longer use to his kennel.
Dogs, by marking their territory through their urine, spread their scent. Like wolves, they too have glands in their paw pads that give off a unique scent. This happens naturally when they walk or run, but as they scrape or dig this smell intensifies. The dog that scratches in the place where it is about to fall asleep also does so to leave its scent there.
Take some steps
Even though many dogs sleep in modern kennels and eat extravagant food, they still retain many of their natural instincts. In nature, before being domesticated, dogs slept in the open area, sharing the surrounding environment with other small creatures. Dogs that scratch the ground before going to sleep can also do so because of the atavistic memory of when they had to scare away unwanted insects.
If your dog sleeps outside the house and doesn’t have a kennel, he may dig or scrape the area he will sleep in in an attempt to have a warmer or cooler environment depending on the climate. Also, even if your dog has a comfortable kennel in the garden, he may prefer to dig his own grave to sleep.
If yours is one of the dogs that scratch in the garden, get him a kennel that allows air to circulate in hot weather and blankets when the temperature drops considerably. In extreme weather conditions, have no doubts: let your dog sleep at home. This way you will avoid getting sick from low temperatures.
