Why Do Dogs Scratch the Floor? 4 Tips to Stop Dog Scratching

There are several theories about why dogs scratch the floor. Dogs might scratch the floor due to:

1. 1. Boredom: Dogs might exhibit scratching behavior as a form of entertainment. Certain dog breeds—such as terriers, collies, and huskies—find digging and burrowing a satisfying way to burn off excess energy or relieve stress.
2. 2. Emotional issues: A new dog might feel anxious when they first arrive in a home leading to scratching. Loud noises like fireworks or thunderstorms can also contribute to a dog’s anxiety, leading them to scratch. In addition, dogs with separation anxiety dig or scratch when dog owners are away from home or asleep.
3. 3. Instincts: Ground scratching harkens back to instinctive dog behavior exhibited by your pooch’s ancestors. Prior to becoming pets, dogs scratched and dug into the ground to establish a sleeping area; pregnant dogs also dug dens to give birth to their litters. That behavior remains hardwired into the DNA of wild dogs.
4. 4. Medical issues: Scratching is one of several possible signs of cognitive decline in old dogs. In some cases, a dog digs to distract itself from the pain caused by certain medical conditions like arthritis.
5. 5. Scent marking: Dogs practice marking behavior to establish territory. They accomplish this by defecating, urinating, or leaving pheromones (a scent mark from special glands in their paw pads). These sweat glands exude a unique scent as they dig or scratch, which informs other dogs about their presence in a particular area.

Here are tips for pet owners whose dogs scratch the floor excessively:

1. 1. Give them plenty of exercise: Take your dog for an extra walk or give them extended playtime if the root cause of scratching is boredom or excess energy. This is especially helpful for high-energy dogs; giving them enough exercise can help to reduce destructive behavior.
2. 2. Offer a new bed: Dogs often scratch the floor before lying down in an attempt to find a comfortable area to sleep. A new dog bed might help them achieve that goal, especially one with raised edges that mimic the protection of a den or nest. Reward your dog with a favorite toy or positive reinforcement to encourage them to lie down in their new bed.
3. 3. Provide toys: In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation alleviates boredom and stress. Give your dog a chew toy to distract them from digging or carpet scratching. Puzzle toys also occupy their attention and keep them mentally stimulated by challenging them to retrieve dog treats.
4. 4. Seek professional help: Consult your veterinarian or a behaviorist if you exhaust all other possibilities. Tests can determine if a medical condition or other health concern is the cause of your dog’s digging behavior.

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