Today, we’re talking about a very interesting topic- why your dog flips his bed over!
Does your dog do strange things such as spinning around before lying down or flipping their bed?
Then you might be wondering what your pooch is trying to tell you and if you should worry.
Fortunately, I’ve got 10 reason why your dog carries their bed around or flips it over for you to check.
Why Does My Dog Flip His Bed Over?
Do you know how much time dogs spend sleeping?
Usually, healthy dogs sleep around 12 hours in various positions and places. Some even love napping on the hard floor.
Having a dog bed is necessary so that your dog can relax comfortably, and you’ve probably spent long hours picking the best dog bed for your pooch.
As such, it can be quite disappointing to see your dog digging to the bed or flipping it over.
While it’s hard to say what goes through your dog’s mind, I’ve got a few pretty good guesses why your pooch flips their bed over or moves it around.
Are you ready to see them? Let’s unravel the mystery of why dogs move their beds around together.
#1 I’m Getting Comfortable
What do you do when you’re preparing to go to sleep?
You fluff your pillows and arrange your blankets to be comfortable in bed.
Your dog throwing their bed around and digging into their blankets is something similar.
In the wild, dogs have to make their nests out of grass and whatever else they can find.
Usually, they tramp, dig, and stomp the place until they have a cozy bed without any sticks or stones to poke them.
So, your dog might move their bed around because they’re trying to get comfortable.
It might be something as simple as a pebble stuck in the bedding, uneven floors, or something only your dog can feel.
#2 I Don’t Like My Bed
Just like people, dogs have preferences when it comes to their sleeping arrangements.
Usually, small breeds prefer enclosed beds, while large dogs like to stretch.
However, it depends a lot on your dog’s temperament.
If your dog doesn’t like their bed, they might flip it over or move it around to mold it to their preferences.
They don’t care if it’s Eco-friendly, waterproofed, or orthopedic since it doesn’t live up to their expectations.
#3 I’m Checking for Dangers
Wild dogs often have to deal with nasty surprises, such as spiders, snakes, and other pests.
That’s why they stomp the ground or dig into the grass to ensure that their sleeping place is secure.
While the possibility of such intruders into your house is slim, some dogs still need to make sure that they’re safe.
So, your dog might throw their bed around to make sure no dangers are lurking. Or get rid of a bug that has crawled inside.
#4 I’m Feeling Anxious
Think about where you have placed your dog’s bed. If the spot is too exposed or in a high-traffic area, your pooch might be too anxious to sleep.
There might also be something that bothers them, such as loud noise from the street.
In these cases, your dog will move their bed to a secure location where they will be safe from “dangers.”
Some dogs also move their blankets around to create a snug nest that makes them feel protected.
#5 It’s Mine
Another reason why your dog moves blankets around is possessiveness and resource guarding.
That’s possible if you have another dog or a cat that frequently sleeps in the bed or children that bother the dog while sleeping.
In these cases, your pooch might feel the need to protect what’s theirs and move the bed or blankets whenever the other dog/cat is around.
You might also notice how your pooch scratches or digs into the bedding.
While it might seem like your dog is trying to ruin the bed, your pet is marking it to warn intruders to stay away.
Dogs have glands on the paws and leave a distinctive scent when they scratch at something.
#6 I’m Cold/Hot
Are you wondering why your dog keeps pulling their blanket out of the kennel?
Then your dog is probably cold or hot and trying to find a new bedding spot.
During summer, it might be too stuffy inside your dog’s house, or the bed might be in a sunny location.
So, your dog might carry their blankets around the house, searching for a cool spot to rest.
In winter, your dog’s bed might get too cold.
While some dogs can tolerate freezing temperatures, all dogs prefer to sleep somewhere warm and cozy.
So, they might flip their bed over or move the bed near a heat source.
#7 I Want to Be with You
Besides being hot or cold, your dog might carry their blankets from room to room because they want to be near you.
Some breeds are famous for their clinginess and follow you everywhere you go.
Moreover, some dogs are prone to separation anxiety, and they might stick to your side to make sure that you won’t leave them alone.
So, it’s not a surprise that these dogs might drag their beds along. Your dog wants to be comfortable while they’re keeping an eye on what you’re doing.
#8 I Want Privacy
Do you bother your dog while they’re sleeping?
You know you shouldn’t, but sometimes your pet looks so cute and funny that you can’t resist petting them or taking a picture.
Unfortunately, some dogs don’t like the attention and might pick their bed and move to another part of the house where you won’t be able to bother them.
Remember that some dogs are less affectionate and more reserved than others.
These dogs value their privacy and will want some me-time.
#9 I’m Bored
Have you ever gotten home only to discover that your dog has destroyed their bed when left alone?
Then your dog is probably bored out of their mind and looking for ways to burn off some energy.
If you haven’t left any suitable toys, your dog might amuse themselves by flipping their bed over or tearing up the bedsheets.
Getting your dog tired and leaving some interactive toys will help with the boredom.
In some cases, destroying the bed might be a sign of separation anxiety if your pooch seems too distressed when you leave for work.
Keep that in mind if your dog acts up every time you go out of the house.
#10 I’m Nesting
Another reason why your dog moves their bed around is nesting. Female dogs look for the safest location to have their litter.
As such, if your dog is pregnant, you might notice her carrying the bed around looking for a possible birthing location.
In these cases, you should let the mother pick where to give birth unless she chooses a spot that’s dangerous for the puppies.
As you see, your dog might be flipping their bed around for many reasons.
However, it’s usually nothing serious, and you shouldn’t worry about it. It’s normal canine behavior.
