How to Get Your Dog to Stop Clawing His Bedding

There are many reasons why dogs claw their bedding. Most commonly it's due to their instinct; in the wild, dogs scratch the ground to gather nest materials, such as moss and leaves, to make a comfortable bed. When your dog digs into its bedding, it may be doing the same thing. However, some dogs may use destructive behavior to get your attention or because they're bored or lonely. To stop your dog from ripping up its bed, use firm disciplinary action and offer alternatives.

Things You'll Need

  • Pillows, blankets or dog bed
  • Fan
  • Dog crate
  • Rocks
  • Dirt
  • Sand
  • Dog treats
  • Dog toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Adjust your dog's bedding. Add some pillows or blankets to your dog's bed to make it more comfortable and stop your dog from clawing at it. As an alternative, experiment with different types of dog beds to see if your dog gives up the undesired behavior.

    • 2

      Keep track of the temperature. Dogs may dig into their bedding because they are looking for a place to warm up or cool off. Provide your dog with extra blankets during winter, or position your dog's bed in an area where it can access the warmth from the sun. In summer, place the bed in an air-conditioned area of the house, or turn on a fan to help keep your dog cool.

    • 3

      Place your dog in a dog crate if the clawing occurs when you leave the house. Put dog toys in the crate for entertainment. Your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. By denying it access to the bedding, it can't claw at it. As an alternative, place your dog in a room away from the bedding.

    • 4

      Offer your dog an alternative area where it can scratch and dig. Mark off an area of your yard with rocks. Place a mixture of loose dirt and sand in this area. Introduce your dog to this area. If it starts digging, give your dog a treat and praise it.

    • 5

      Discipline your dog each time you catch it clawing its bedding. Tell it "No" or "Stop." Use the same command each time it begins this behavior. Move your dog away from its bedding and bring it to the digging pit. Once it starts digging, reward it for good behavior. Over time your dog will start understanding your commands and stop clawing its bedding.

    • 6

      Spend plenty of time with your dog; walk your dog, play with it and provide dog toys for entertainment. Sometimes dogs can act up out of boredom or because they want your attention.