Why Do Dogs Scratch The Floor Before They Lie Down

The habit of scratching the floor before lying down may therefore derive from the need to scare away any unwanted critters.

Why do dogs scratch the floor before they lie down. 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. This way the dog would form a comfortable surface for resting and would make a nice spot to conceal from other animals. Why do dogs walk in circles before lying down. The number one purpose that staring at you while doing number two serves for dogs is protection and security.

If so this peculiar act may have you scratching your own head wondering why. By maintaining eye contact with you your dog is probably trying to make sure you re on the lookout for predators while he s relieving himself. In tall grass going around before lying down would flatten the tall grass. If your dog scratches a lot before they lie down or even in general it is possible they just want to release some of this pent up physical energy.

In the case of the whelping bitch make her a nesting box full of clean rags newspaper and other soft disposable materials early on in her pregnancy and encourage her to nest there. Individual dogs may also have more energy than others for various reasons both psychological and physical. In the wild before being domesticated canines used to sleep in the open where they often shared the environment with other small critters. Back in the day dogs would do this in the wild to create themselves a small den to curl up into.

One of the main reasons for a dog scratching the floor at night has to do with nesting. Dogs have an abundance of natural energy some breeds more than others. Why dogs scratch their bed before lying down. Some dogs scratch the floor before lying down to enhance the comfort of their sleeping area.

Domesticated dogs which scratch the floor prior to lying down might do the act due to an instinct that scratching could lead to a safer and softer resting place. However in the wild dogs would scratch the ground in order to create a temperature controlled and comfortable sleeping spots. In warm areas dogs may scratch the floor to cool down. Scratching the floor before lying down also helps dogs find the most comfortable position in which to rest.

In the wild predators can take advantage of this vulnerable position and having a fellow pack member on the lookout is helpful. So if you have ever asked yourself why dogs scratch the floor before lying down you may be interested in some of the reasons behind this. They want to be in a comfortable and secure location so they will scratch before they decide to lay down for the night. As is the case with most dog behavior analysis there are varied opinions on the subject from a multitude of sources and experts.

Sometimes her turning radius is as tight as her 3 by 2 foot dog bed in winter and others as broad as a spot against the fence outside in the.