Why your dog scratches the carpet and how to stop them

Let’s dig beneath the surface of your dog’s carpet-scratching antics.

Red a large tri-coloured crossbreed puppy, sitting on a rug on the floor in the living room

Does your pooch fancy themselves as the next Indiana Bones, specialising in carpet archaeology?

Carpet scratching is a common behaviour for our furry friends. And it doesn’t always mean there’s an ancient burial ground under your house.

So, why do they do it?

Why your dog might be scratching the carpet

Pain or illness

First, you should rule out any pain, injuries or allergies that could be behind the scratching.

Medical conditions can affect the way your dog behaves. So, a change in behaviour could be a sign of pain or discomfort.

Speak to your vet if your dog's behaviour has changed. They can investigate to see whether the problem is a medical one.

For the love of digging

No signs of something physical? There could be a behavioural reason behind your pooch’s scratching habit.

Digging is a natural behaviour for our four-legged pals. If your dog digs digging, provide them with a suitable outlet for their energy away from the carpet. Try setting up a dig pit in the garden, or a dig box for around the house.

How to make a dig box, pit and other indoor enrichment

To create a bed or rest area

Some dogs may scratch the carpet to make a soft area where they can rest their weary heads. Have a think about what your pooch already has set up in their cosy spaces. Does it meet their personal needs and preferences?

Separation-related behaviour

If your dog scratches the carpet near a doorway, it could be a sign of a separation-related problem. This could happen near a space where you’ve left them behind at some point. Or they could be frustrated at something being in their way. Speak to your vet if you’re worried. They can refer you to an accredited behaviourist.

Smells or signs

Your dog may be able to detect animals or something else that interests them in the walls or below the floor. The scratching could be an attempt to reach the source, whatever that may be. Possible triggers include rodents, birds, wires, toys, or food.

To hide a treat or food

Your dog could be trying to bury or hide a treat they intend on enjoying later. This is sometimes an abnormal repetitive behaviour. So, speak to your vet if you’re worried. They can refer you to an accredited behaviourist.

Attention

If it’s not your dog’s first carpet-scratching rodeo, they may be after some attention that you’ve given them in the past. You might tell your dog off for scratching the carpet. But they may take the attention as a reward and repeat the behaviour.

How to stop your dog scratching the carpet

To stop your dog scratching the carpet, you need to find the root cause behind the behaviour.

However, it’s generally good practice to:

keep their nails trimmed to an appropriate length
provide outlets for energy, like a different space to dig
have regular vet checks to look for any injury or pain
make sure they have enough sources of enrichment to keep them fulfilled
meet their needs with the right balance of exercise, down time, and social contact
remove access to where they’re digging. You’ll need to provide a safe new outlet for their digging energy elsewhere, so they don’t become frustrated
if they’re digging where you don’t want them to, call their name from a distance. Then introduce a distraction treat or activity
speak to an accredited behaviourist or our free Behaviour Support Line for more help and advice.

The bottom line

‘Tis but a scratch! Carpet scratching, and digging in general, is a normal behaviour for dogs. Even if you don’t dig it yourself.

However, you should check that injury or pain isn’t causing the scratching. Speak to your vet if you think there could be a physical cause to your dog’s scratching habits. An accredited behaviourist can offer advice on any behavioural worries.