Picture this: you just bought your dog a brand-new, cozy bed, only to find it shredded to pieces a few days later. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many pet owners face the frustration of their dog destroying bed, leaving a trail of fluff and fabric behind. But why do dogs destroy their beds in the first place? Is it just bad behavior, or is there something deeper going on?
The truth is bed destruction often stems from a mix of instincts, boredom, or even stress. Your dog isn’t trying to annoy you—they’re trying to tell you something. Once you understand why your dog keeps destroying his bed, you can take practical steps to stop it for good.
In this blog, we’ll uncover the most common reasons why dogs engage in such actions. More importantly, we’ll offer proven tips and solutions to save your pet’s bedding—and your sanity.
Let’s dive in.
Why Do Dogs Destroy Their Beds?
There are many different reasons why dogs destroy their beds. It can be a natural instinct, boredom, anxiety, and underlying health issues. Let’s look at some of them in more detail.
Boredom and Lack of Stimulation
Dogs thrive on physical activity and mental challenges. Without these, they can get bored. This boredom often causes destructive behaviors, like chewing their beds or tearing up their belongings.
When a dog is under-stimulated, boredom acts as a trigger for their natural instincts. Chewing, digging, or shredding provides an outlet for pent-up energy and frustration. For a bored dog, destroying their bed can be a form of entertainment and self-soothing.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are significant triggers for destructive behaviors in dogs. A common anxiety in dogs is separation anxiety. It occurs when they are distressed at being left alone. Dogs are social animals, and long periods of isolation can cause them to seek comfort by chewing or tearing their beds. This behavior often provides temporary relief from their anxiety. It acts as a coping mechanism.
Environmental stress is another factor that contributes to bed destruction. Changes in the home, such as a new pet, moving to a different house, or loud noises (like thunderstorms or fireworks), can make dogs feel unsettled. Chewing or digging at their bed helps them release stress. It also gives them a sense of control in an unpredictable situation.
Comfort-Seeking Instinct
Comfort-seeking behavior is deeply ingrained in dogs, stemming from their ancestral instincts. Wild canines often dig or scratch at the ground to create a soft, secure resting spot. This natural behavior helped them flatten the grass, remove debris, and regulate temperature, ensuring a more comfortable sleeping environment. Dogs no longer need to prepare their resting area. But their instinct to do so remains strong.
Many dogs mimic these behaviors by scratching, digging, or even chewing on their beds. When you notice your dog scratching their bed before lying down, they’re simply following this natural instinct to create the perfect resting spot. Some dogs may also chew or adjust the material of the bed to mold it into a shape they find more suitable for sleeping.
Territory Marking
Dogs are territorial by nature. They use scent to claim their space. Their paws and mouths contain scent glands that release unique markers when they scratch, chew, or dig into objects. When your dog tears at their bed, it’s often their way of spreading their scent and marking it as their own.
This behavior is prevalent in multi-dog households, where dogs may feel the need to establish their personal space. By chewing or scratching their bed, they leave a strong scent. It says, “This is mine.” A bed may not show damage. But the dog’s scent lingers. It gives them a sense of security and familiarity.
Territory marking can happen when things change at home. This includes new pets, strange visitors, or even new furniture. These shifts can cause dogs to reaffirm their claim over their belongings, including their beds.
What To Do If Dog Keeps Destroying Bed
To prevent your dog from destroying their bed, offer chew toys as an alternative. Get a more durable bed. Ensure regular exercise and mental stimulation. Use pheromone products to ease anxiety. If needed, try behavior therapy.
Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation
One of the best ways to stop bed destruction is to tire your dog out. Make sure it gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs are active creatures by nature. Without enough exercise, they can become destructive, like chewing their bed.
Regular playtime and daily walks are excellent starting points. A simple 30-minute walk can help burn off pent-up energy, leaving your dog calmer and less inclined to destroy their belongings. For high-energy breeds, jogging, fetch, or agility training can help. They need a tougher physical challenge.
Mental stimulation is equally important. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and hide-and-seek games engage your dog. They prevent boredom, which can cause destructive behavior. A bored dog might chew due to a lack of mental stimulation. But a dog with a treat-dispensing toy will focus on the challenge instead.
Even brief training sessions throughout the day can make a big difference. Teaching new tricks or reinforcing old commands stimulates your dog. It also strengthens your bond. By keeping their body and mind busy, you’ll help eliminate the root cause of their destructive tendencies.
Use Chew Toys and Comfort Items
Chew toys and comfort items satisfy your dog’s chewing instincts. They also keep their pet beds intact. Dogs chew for various reasons—teething, stress relief, or simply because it’s fun. When you offer them acceptable alternatives, they’re less likely to target their beds.
Chew toys come in a variety of styles to suit your dog’s needs. For heavy chewers, durable rubber toys, such as Kong or Nylabone, are excellent options. If your dog prefers softer textures, plush toys with reinforced stitching can provide a gentler outlet. For added engagement, consider toys that can be stuffed with treats or frozen for long-lasting fun. These not only keep your dog occupied but also mentally stimulated.
Comfort items, like a blanket or a piece of clothing with your scent, can help alleviate anxiety or provide a sense of security. Puppies, in particular, enjoy items that remind them of their mother or owner. Give your dog safe, fun chew toys. This will redirect their destructive chewing and protect their bed.
Invest in Durable or Indestructible Dog Beds
Sometimes, the best way to save a dog bed is to choose a bed designed to withstand a dog’s chewing habits. Choosing the right dog bed that matches your pet’s needs is crucial, especially for dogs with destructive tendencies. Indestructible dog beds are made for dogs that enjoy chewing or scratching. These beds are made with chew-resistant, heavy-duty materials. They include ballistic nylon, reinforced canvas, and ripstop fabric. Unlike regular beds, they’re designed to endure wear and tear while providing comfort.
A raised dog bed is an excellent choice to consider. Find out more raised dog bed benefits for your pup. These elevated platforms present numerous benefits for destructive dogs. The heavy-duty frame design makes them more difficult to rip apart, while the tightly woven fabric surface provides less material to grab hold of and chew on. Raised beds also provide better air circulation, helping to keep your dog cooler and more comfortable. This can help to diminish restless activity that so often leads to bed destruction.
For dogs prone to accidents or messes, a waterproof dog bed is a wise choice. These beds have moisture-resistant covers. They protect the filling. This makes cleanup easier and extends the bed’s lifespan. Even with durable beds, it’s essential to know when to replace them to maintain your pup’s comfort and health.
If your dog destroys beds due to stress or anxiety, consider anti-anxiety dog beds. These beds often come with calming features, such as doughnut-shaped designs or raised edges, which mimic the cozy feeling of being hugged. The sense of security they provide can reduce destructive tendencies caused by stress.
A durable or specialized dog bed is a wise investment. It saves you money and gives your dog a safe, comfy space to enjoy without causing damage.
Use Chew Deterrents
Chew deterrents can be a highly effective tool in discouraging destructive chewing behaviors. These sprays are designed to taste unpleasant to dogs, deterring them from chewing on their beds. Most chew deterrents are non-toxic, safe for pets, and easy to apply. Spray the product directly on the bed’s surface, focusing on areas where your dog tends to chew the most.
Popular options include bitter apple spray and citrus-based deterrents. You can also use other products designed to stop chewing. The bitter taste acts as a negative reinforcement, teaching your dog that their bed isn’t a desirable target for chewing.
While chew deterrents can work wonders, it’s essential to use them consistently and with care. Always read the product label to ensure it’s safe for fabrics and won’t harm your dog if ingested in small amounts. Don’t spray deterrents on areas of the bed your dog sleeps on. The smell might discourage them from using it.
Chew deterrents are most effective when paired with positive reinforcement. Combine them with alternative chew toys and training to help your dog develop better habits and leave their bed intact.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
If your dog continues to destroy their bed despite your efforts, it may be time to involve a professional. Destructive behaviors may come from more profound issues. They include severe separation anxiety and unaddressed behavioral problems. A dog behaviorist or trainer can assess your dog’s actions and help identify the root cause.
Dog behaviorists specialize in understanding canine behavior and can create a customized plan to address destructive tendencies. For example, if your dog destroys its bed due to separation anxiety, a behaviorist may recommend desensitization techniques. They may also suggest gradual routine changes to reduce stress.
Professional dog trainers, on the other hand, can help instill better habits through structured training sessions. These sessions focus on obedience, impulse control, or stopping your dog’s chewing.
It’s essential to seek help sooner rather than later, as destructive behaviors can escalate over time. A pro’s help can save your dog’s bed—and your peace of mind. It will also make your furry friend happier and more secure.
Conclusion
If you’re tired of your dog destroying bed after bed, you must first understand the underlying causes. It could be boredom, anxiety, or instincts. You can curb this behavior by addressing its causes. Use proven strategies, like providing exercise, chew toys, and durable beds. Seek professional help if needed.
Remember, patience and consistency are key. Dogs thrive on structure and positive reinforcement. So, give them time to adapt to the changes you make. With some dedication and trial and error, you can create a happier, more harmonious home for you and your pet.
