Why Does My Dog Drag His Blanket Around

Why Does My Dog Drag His Blanket Around?

Dogs are some of the most adorable, goofy creatures on the planet. One minute they’re chasing their tail with reckless abandon; the next, they’re curled up in a tight ball, snoozing away. And sometimes, they’ll grab their favorite toy or blanket and start dragging it around behind them. So, what could be the reason?

The no.1 reason behind your dog dragging his blanket around is its’ instincts. Dogs are territorial by nature, and dragging their blankets around is one way to mark their territory. By leaving their scent on the blanket, they’re essentially claiming the area as their own.

Keep reading this article to learn the answer to why does my dog drag his blanket around!

Why Does My Dog Drag His Blanket Around – 7 Common Reasons

How Do You Stop Your Dog From Dragging Their Blanket Around
How to Stop Your Dog From Dragging his Blanket Around

Natural Instincts

As we mentioned, dogs drag their blankets around because it’s in their nature to do so. Dogs are territorial animals, and they’re hardwired to want to protect their territory.

One of the ways they do this is by leaving their scent on things – including their favorite blanket. When your dog drags their blanket around, they’re marking its territory and claiming the area as theirs.

Another instinct behind your dog’s blanket-dragging behavior is its scavenger instinct. You might already know that dogs are descendants of wolves, and wolves have a habit of burying their food in the wild.

Likewise, your dog might be trying to bury their blanket because they see it as a valuable possession they need to protect.

Making A Comfortable Bed

Another common reason your dog drags their blanket around is that they’re trying to make itself a comfortable bed. Dogs are den animals, meaning they naturally feel safer and more comfortable in a small, enclosed space.

Dragging their blanket around could be your dog’s attempt to create their own little den. By doing so, they’re essentially trying to make themselves a cozy little nest to curl up in.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

In some cases, your dog might be dragging their blanket around as a way to get your attention. Dogs are social creatures, and they thrive on human interaction. If they feel like they’re not getting enough attention from you, they might start engaging in attention-seeking behaviors like barking, whining, or – you guessed it – dragging their blanket around.

So if your dog starts dragging their blanket around out of the blue, take a step back and assess how much attention you’ve been giving them lately. If you’ve been neglecting them, try to make more of an effort to spend time with them.

Boredom

Another possibility is that your dog is simply bored and looking for something to do. If they don’t have enough to keep them occupied, they might start engaging in destructive behaviors like digging holes in the yard or chewing furniture. Or, they might start dragging their blanket around as a way to entertain themselves.

Some dogs may also start dragging their blankets around because they’re anxious or stressed. In this case, they might pace back and forth or circle the same spot. Or, they might drag their blanket around as a way to comfort themselves.

The best way to combat boredom or anxiety is to ensure your dog has plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied. If they’re bored, try giving them a new toy to play with or taking them for an extra walk each day.

Pregnancy

If your female dog is pregnant, she might start dragging her blanket around as a way to build a nest for her puppies. This instinct is known as nesting, and it’s common in pregnant dogs (and other animals).

So if your dog is pregnant and suddenly starts dragging her blanket around, it’s nothing to worry about – she’s just following her mamma instincts.

They Learnt It From Other Pets

As we said earlier, dogs are social animals. Hence, they learn a lot from other dogs – especially if they’re raised in a pack. If you have other pets in the home, there’s a chance your dog has learned this behavior from them.

For example, if you have another dog who likes to drag its blanket around, your dog might also start doing it. Or, if you have a cat who likes to sleep in a cardboard box, your dog might start trying to sleep in its blanket (or your laundry basket).

Just For Fun

In some cases, your dog might just be doing it for fun. Dogs are known for being silly and playful creatures, so it’s not uncommon for them to engage in seemingly strange behaviors simply because they’re enjoying themselves.

Whether sniffing butts, rolling in the mud, or chasing their tail, dogs do a lot of things that don’t make much sense to us. But to them, it’s all part of the fun.

So if your dog is dragging their blanket around and there doesn’t seem to be any clear reason why it’s likely they’re just doing it for fun. There’s no need to worry – they’ll probably stop doing it eventually.

Should You Be Worried About This Behavior?

Generally, there’s no need to worry if your dog is dragging their blanket around. It’s perfectly common dog behavior, and it doesn’t mean they’re not happy or well-cared for.

However, if your dog starts doing it excessively or becomes obsessive about it, it could indicate an underlying issue like anxiety or boredom. In this case, it’s best to talk to your vet or a professional dog trainer for advice on how to deal with the problem.

How Do You Stop Your Dog From Dragging Their Blanket Around?

If you’re not a fan of your dog dragging its blanket around, the good news is you can always train them to stop doing it. Here are some solutions:

Use Basic Commands

If your dog is dragging their blanket around as a way to get attention, you can try using basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “no” to get them to stop. For example, whenever they start dragging the blanket, say “sit” in a firm voice. If they don’t listen, remove the blanket and put it out of reach.

And when they do sit, you know what to reach for – a tasty treat! Dogs are very food motivated, so this is usually an effective way to get them to listen.

With enough patience and repetition, your dog will learn that it won’t get what they want (attention or the blanket) if they drag it around.

Give Them Something Else to Do

Dogs are naturally energetic and need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If your dog is dragging their blanket around out of boredom, try giving them something else to do.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Take them for more walks or runs
  • Get them a puzzle toy to keep their mind active
  • Enroll them in a dog training class
  • Sign up for doggy daycare

Do Not Encourage This Behavior

Pet parents tend to spoil their dogs. And while there’s nothing wrong with showing your dog some love, you also don’t want to accidentally encourage them to engage in certain behaviors.

For example, if your dog drags their blanket around and you give them a treat every time they do it, or you laugh and pet them, they’re going to think it’s a good thing. And as a result, they’ll keep doing it.

So if you don’t want your dog to drag their blanket around, make sure you don’t give them any attention (positive or negative) when they do it. Just ignore the behavior, and eventually, they’ll stop doing it.

Provide Them With Their Own Space

Dogs are social animals, but they also need their own space where they can feel safe and relaxed. It’s especially true for dogs who are anxious or stressed.

If your dog is dragging their blanket around as a way to create its own space, try giving them a designated area in the house where it can go to relax. It could be a dog bed in a quiet corner of the room or a crate with their favorite toys inside.

And if possible, try to create a space just for them – somewhere they can go to escape the hustle and bustle of family life. Doing so will help them feel more secure and less stressed.

Conclusion

Why Does My Dog Drag His Blanket Around

Dragging a blanket around is a normal behavior in dogs. However, if it becomes excessive or your dog appears to be doing it for attention, there might be an underlying issue. In this case, you can consult a professional trainer or vet for advice.

In most cases, though, dogs drag their blankets around just because! So, if it’s not excessive and your dog seems happy and healthy, there’s no need to worry. Just enjoy the cute spectacle and be grateful you don’t have to deal with the mess.

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