While domesticated dogs now have comfortable and safe places to sleep in their modern homes the urge to scratch at the floor before lying down is literally coded into canine dna making it nearly impossible to resist.
Why do dogs scratch the carpet before they lay down.
In tall grass going around before lying down would flatten the tall grass.
We all have our special bedtime rituals and so do our pets.
There is a general consensus among dog behaviorists that.
If so this peculiar act may have you scratching your own head wondering why.
Scratching and digging into bedding a sofa cushion or a chair before lying down is just one of those seemingly oddball things that dogs do.
There may be simple explanations as to why some dogs may engage in this behavior.
But just as we slather on face cream sip a mug of hot tea or prop open a book before bed dogs have their reasons for this pre sleep behavior.
So why do they do it.
At the end of a dog s paws are its claws which don t stop growing.
Other times it may be an interesting smell that compels your dog to dig at a particular location before he rolls in it much as he would do outside in the dirt.
These actions are of course futile when done today especially on a flat surface such as a modern dog bed and are therefore characterized as vestigial.
Another funny yet adorable behavior is circling round and round before settling themselves down.
Stamping or clawing at a blanket may fluff up or beat down the material in a way your dog enjoys.
Excess energy when your dog has too much energy and no way to get rid of it he may adopt some strange and destructive behaviors.
Why do dogs make circles before they lay down wag source.
This way the dog would form a comfortable surface for resting and would make a nice spot to conceal from other animals.
Out in the wild a dog will scratch against the hard ground or rocks to file these nails down when they get too long.
Part of the answer is obvious after putting in a long day of work at a demanding high stress job dogs like to kick back and relax just like the rest of us.
As is the case with most dog behavior analysis there are varied opinions on the subject from a multitude of sources and experts.
Like humans dogs need regular nail care unlike humans they are not generally interested in nail art or extensions.
If you ve spied your dog scratching pawing or even biting at his bed before lying down it may seem like an odd way to settle in for a nap.
Wild dogs used digging behaviors like scratching the floor to create a nest or den in which to rest comfortably and securely.
