Why Does My Dog Scratch The Carpet? 16 Reasons Why Your Dog Trying To Dig In The Carpet

Any experienced owner has likely seen their dog or someone else’s dog dig into the carpet at some point in time.

While this may seem like a rather strange thing to do for us humans, it is perfectly normal dog behavior and there are some reasons behind it.

Why Does My Dog Try To Dig In The Carpet?

Let’s be honest, it may be funny to look at the first time your dog digs in the carpet, but it becomes a whole lot less funny when the carpet is torn to shreds and you have to pay hundreds of dollars to get it repaired. A dog scratching at the carpet is definitely less than ideal.

Therefore, in this article, we are going to look at why your pet digs in the carpet and how to get them to stop.

1. Digging up crumbs

No matter how good your cleaning is and how powerful your vacuum cleaner is, you are likely to leave a few crumbs behind here and there.

Unfortunately, thanks to our four-legged friends’ powerful sense of smell, they will be able to sniff out these crumbs.

Once they source the smell of food, they are also likely to dig down into the carpet to retrieve the morsels of grub.

This may be tedious work, but if you think crumbs could be the source of your pet’s digging, then the easiest fix is to give your carpets and rugs a deep clean. In the future, it is also wise to not let your dog eat food over the carpets to avoid more crumbs getting trapped in the first place.

2. Sleeping spot

We all have our favorite place to sleep and do our own little things to make it as comfy as possible. Some dogs like to dig into their sleeping area and turn around a few times before lying down for a snooze.

This behavior dates back to when dogs lived in the wild and would have to create a flat and cozy space to nap in. This is natural dog behavior and nothing to be worried about.

The best way to stop them from digging into the carpet is to buy them a dog bed and train them how to use it. That way they can dig into the material of the bed rather than the carpet.

3. Enticing smells

Much like the smells related to food crumbs in the carpet, dogs may dig if they smell something new or enticing. You may not realize that your carpet smells any different, but dogs have a heightened sense of smell and will notice any changes.

For example, it could be that you dragged a bit of dirt into the carpet from the garden.

If you notice that your pup seems particularly interested in digging around one spot on the carpet, use some carpet cleaner and thoroughly scrub the smell away.

4. Excitement

When your pup gets extremely excited about something, they may dig and scratch at the carpet as an outlet for all their extra energy.

The usual causes for such behavior are your dog seeing a bird outside, but they can’t get to it. Or perhaps there is another dog outside the front door, but they are not being allowed to say hello. Or they can hear the voice of someone they really want to hug.

Whatever the case, your pet may be overexcited, and the only way for them to release that energy is via the carpet. Try to distract them at times like these by playing with them or taking them on a walk.

5. Boredom

When a dog is bored, destruction is usually not too far behind. If your pet is left home alone without any toys to play with or puzzles to keep them occupied, they may resort to digging into the carpet and other destructive behavior, both as entertainment and a way to release energy.

If you think your dog is digging due to a lack of mental and physical stimulation, then you should provide them with entertaining alternatives.

Purchase some puzzles and toys for them to play with while you are out of the house. Then, make sure to play with them and take them on walks when you are in.

6. Separation anxiety

Another possible reason for your dog digging into the carpet is separation anxiety. When they feel anxious and lonely, they often relieve that stress by digging.

If you notice that your pooch is often digging close to the front door, it may be due to missing you. Lots of dogs resort to destruction to find comfort.

If you notice aggressive digging on the carpet or scratching on wooden floors, it may be because of separation anxiety. If so, you need to treat these feelings, which do not happen overnight. Fortunately, there is professional help out there and doggy medication to ease feelings of anxiety.

7. Hiding things

Dogs are also known to try and dig into the carpet to bury things they deem valuable. Of course, they are never going to be able to bury something in the carpet as they would in the garden, but it is a natural impulse for dogs.

The way to stop this is via positive reinforcement. When it seems as though your dog wants to bury something, ask them to bring it to you and praise them for their efforts, then play with them or give them a treat as a reward.

8. Temperature control

Dogs are also known to dig into the carpet when they are feeling too hot or too cold, and this links to how wolves dig in the wild to regulate their temperature.

If you think your dog is too hot or too cold, chance the temperature in your house to ensure they are comfortable.

Dog sweaters, heating pads, and blankets are great for the winter, while fresh water and air conditioning are great in the summer.

RELATED: How Do I Keep my Dog from Scratching at the Door?

9. Attention seeking

If you react in a certain way to your dog digging into the carpet, they may do it again in the future as a form of attention-seeking. They know you are going to laugh or shout or react, so they do it to trigger those reactions.

You need to replace this behavior with some genuine attention, so make sure to take them on a walk or play with them, even for short periods across the day.

10. The breed of the dog

Certain dog breeds have more of an instinct to burrow than others. For example, Terrier breeds are known to love a good dig.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to erase the natural instincts of a breed of animal.

The best thing you can do is make sure it is well exercised and mentally stimulated to cut down on the carpet digging.

READ MORE: Friendliest Dog Breeds

11. Change in household or circumstances

If there has been a change in the household, your dog may be undergoing stress or anxiety. They may also be getting used to new smells around the new home, and both of these reasons can cause digging into the carpet.

12. Injury or ailment

The strange new behavior can always be an indication of an injury or ailment. If you think they may be struggling with a physical or mental condition, take them to the vet immediately for a check-up, and you can then follow veterinary advice.

13. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Dogs can suffer from OCD just like humans. Digging into the carpet may simply be a habit that your dog cannot shake.

The best thing you can do is make sure they are well exercised and stimulated. Take a note of the behavior and ask your vet about it.

14. As a way to communicate

The dog may be scratching the carpet as a way to communicate with you, so pay attention to their behavior before and after.

15. Pesky pests

Your dog may hear or smell pests like rats or cockroaches underneath your home. Certain breeds were trained to hunt vermin and those instincts are still there.

RELATED: How to Tell if Your Dog Has Fleas?

16. Claiming territory

When a dog scratches, they release sweat through their paws and mark the area with their scent.

They may simply be trying to claim the territory as their own, especially if a new animal has been introduced into the home.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Scratching the Carpet?

Discipline and Training

Firstly, you need to let your dog know that this is not acceptable behavior. Firmly tell them no without shouting at them.

Train your dog to recognize this command. Then redirect them to other desirable activities and use positive reinforcements to replace digging with them.

You can also take them to a professional trainer to seek expert advice.

Provide an Outlet for High-Energy Dogs

If your dog has a lot of energy and is taking it out on the carpet, redirect that energy elsewhere. Make sure they are getting plenty of walk time.

Add in an extra walk or some extra playtime to wear them out further. You can also introduce puzzles for a mental workout.

Make Sure They Have Good Bedding

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is purchase them a dog bed so they can dig around in that instead of the carpet.

RELATED: The 15 Best Dog Beds

Consider a Dog Behaviourist

If nothing is working, consider taking them to a dog behavioral expert to seek further advice and find a solution to the digging.

Testing/Treatment

Finally, you may also want to take your dog for a vet check-up to discuss digging and scratching behavior.

It may point towards an illness or ailment, and the vet may be able to prescribe medication or offer advice.

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