Dogs love being close to their owners. However, a few of their habits can cause a lot of trouble. For example, dogs love to jump into your well-made bed and mess it up. They will ruin your bed and dig and scratch at the sheets.
You might wonder, “Why does my dog mess up my bed”?
While it is not common, dogs can mess up your bed for many reasons. They can simply do it to mark their territory or just want to get cozy in your bed. A dog who wants to play may also exhibit their behavior. They can also do it because of anxiety, stress, or boredom. If you have a female dog, they can also do it as a maternal instinct.
To know more about the reasons why dogs mess up in bed, continue reading this article.
Why Does My Dog Mess Up My Bed?
Here are some common reasons why dogs love to mess up your bed.
- Your Dog Wants To Play
Playing with your dog is important. It’s a fun way to bond, burn off excess energy, and help your dog develop new skills. However, if you don’t play with your dog, they will start doing a different thing to grab your attention. They will often jump in your bed and mess it up to seek attention.
You might notice signs of playfulness in their behavior. Besides watching your dog’s body language, there are other ways to determine when your pooch is excited. For example, your dog might exhibit a wiggle or wagging tail. If you see a wag, it’s a sign that your dog is interested in playing.
- Your Dog Is Anxious
If your dog is anxious, it will want to stay close to you. You might notice them messing up your bed and sleeping in it if they are anxious. One of the first things you should do if your dog is anxious is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. He or she can help you determine if the anxiety is a medical problem or a behavioral issue.
If your dog is anxious, you will also need to give him or her a lot of exercise. This will reduce stress and keep the pup in a good mood.
- Your Dog Is Making The Bed More Comfortable
If you’ve got a dog, you probably have noticed that he or she is doing a number of things. One of them is making your bed. It isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but there are some things you can do to prevent your dog from doing it.
Your dog will jump in your bed and will try to mess up the sheets. They are simply doing it to make the bed comfortable to sleep in. Make sure you don’t encourage this habit, as it can become a nuisance.
- Your Dog Is Bored
If you’re a dog owner, you know that boredom can lead to destructive behavior. Some dogs will become hyperactive and destroy your home or yard. Others will be naughty and demand attention from you. Your dog might also mess up your bed due to boredom.
One way to fight boredom is to engage your dog in interactive playtime. This can include fetch, tug of war, and other games that require a bit of strength.
- Your Dog Is Showing Her Maternal Instincts
Some dogs, especially intact female dogs, have no idea that they are in heat. For them, the birthing process can be overwhelming. Female dogs will often mess up your bed and scratch your sheets as a maternal instinct. It is a nestling behavior that is common in female dogs.
If you’ve noticed that your dog is showing maternal instincts, it can be a sign that she is pregnant.
- Your Dog Does It Out Of Habit
Your dog may be messing up your bed out of habit. This can be annoying, but it’s important to keep in mind that it’s normal. Dogs are very social animals. As such, they will spend as much time with you as possible. However, this can also cause territorial issues.
If your dog is bored or anxious, he or she may do things that you don’t want the dog to do. The key is to keep them entertained and avoid situations where they may do something they shouldn’t.
- Your Dog Is Feeling Curious
If your dog is feeling curious, it may be messing up your bed. Your dog may want to chew on your favorite comforter, scratch the bed sheets or dig holes. It’s natural for dogs to be curious. You can train them to stop this behavior.
A dog with a curious mind will always want to know more. They will follow you around and check out everything you do.
- Your Dog Is Marking Their Territory
It’s natural for dogs to mark their territory. They’re assertive animals and mark their space to protect their belongings. Dogs may also mark their territory to communicate to other pets that they have exclusive rights to an area.
Often, they’ll mark their territory by messing up your bed. If you notice your dog’s marking, you can take steps to stop the behavior. The first step is to know why your dog is doing it. This can help you identify whether it’s a behavioral issue or a medical problem.
Tips On How To Stop a Dog From Messing Up Your Bed
If you want to stop your dog from messing up your bed, read on to find out some tips.
- Use a Dog Repellent
If you want to keep your dog away from your bed, a dog repellent (affiliate link) is an effective way to do so. However, it depends on your specific circumstances.
You can get one that will deter your pet, or you can use one of the many homemade solutions to keep him or her out of your bed. The best dog repellent is a natural one. Vinegar works well as a repellent.
- Set Up A Pet Gate
You can also set up a pet gate in your home to stop your dog from messing up the bed. There are a variety of pet gates on the market. The one you choose should fit your home and your dog’s needs.
You should consider the height of the gate, the size of your opening, and the type of material used in the construction.
- Train the Dog to Avoid the Bed
There are a number of ways to train your dog to avoid messing up your bed. This may involve using a leash, a distraction, or a combination of the two. A dog bed is a great way to provide your pet with a comfortable sleeping space and stop them from ruining your bed.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your dog might mess up your bed. It could be to mark his territory due to anxiety or boredom.
The first thing you should do is observe your dog. If you notice a pattern, you may be able to determine what’s behind the behavior.
You may also be able to teach your dog to stop the act. One of the best ways to do this is by training your dog to correct the behavior.
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Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
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If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
