In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why dogs scratch at their beds and how to stop it if need be. Additionally, we’ll highlight some dog beds that may help alleviate this behaviour, including making sure our dogs have quality beds like Sash Dog beds to sleep on.

Why do dogs scratch at their beds?

Dogs scratch at their beds because it’s a relic of a time when they had to dig holes in the ground to sleep in. Today they scratch at beds instinctively, to make themselves comfortable, to cool down, to “nest” or just because digging is fun!

Let’s take a closer look at each of these reasons:

1. 1. Instinct: Scratching is a natural behaviour for dogs, as they have evolved to dig and create comfortable resting spots in the wild. This instinct may carry over to their domesticated lives, leading them to scratch at their beds before settling down.
   2. Temperature regulation: Dogs may scratch at their beds to create a cooler or warmer spot to sleep. By digging down into the bedding, they can expose cooler or warmer layers of material, depending on their needs. One of the main reasons that dogs “thermo-regulate” is called conduction. This means when they dig into the cooler earth, some of their own body heat dissipates into the earth. Likewise, if it’s cold, digging a hollow spot acts as insulation.
   3. Nesting instinct: Some dogs may scratch at their beds to create a cosy “nest” for themselves. This behaviour is more common in breeds that were historically used for hunting or digging, such as terriers. Pregnant dogs will also typically dig in their whelping boxes when it’s nearly time for them to give birth.
   4. Anxiety or stress: Dogs may scratch at their beds as a coping mechanism for anxiety or stress. This behaviour may be more common in dogs who suffer from separation anxiety or who are dealing with other stressful situations.
   5. Digging for fun: it’s no secret that some dogs can amuse themselves endlessly by destroying something. Usually this means chewing, but digging can also be a great form of entertainment. Feeling something flip and sending stuffing flying everywhere is a bored dog’s idea of a great time. 

How to stop dogs from scratching at their beds

If your dog’s scratching behaviour is causing problems such as damaged furniture, there are several ways to address it. Here are a few tips to prevent problem behaviour like digging:

1. Provide adequate exercise: One of the best ways to alleviate anxiety and stress in dogs is to provide regular exercise. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical activity each day to tire them out and reduce their need to scratch at their bed. If you can’t seem to keep up with their energy levels, enlist the help of a Dog Walker or Doggy Daycare to help expel their energy.
2. Invest in a comfortable bed: Dogs may scratch at their beds if they’re uncomfortable or don’t provide enough support. Invest in a high-quality dog bed that offers ample cushioning and support. Look for a bed that has maximum padding, like the range of Sash Beds. They provide a place of calm and comfort for your dog to snooze in peace. You can read more in our article on why SASH beds are highly recommended.
3. Have your dog checked out by a vet: Never rule out underlying pain or discomfort as a reason why your dog may be restless at night and scratching at their bed. Dogs with arthritis or other physical issues may be scratching out of frustration as lying down may cause them pain. This is especially true if your dog seems restless at night.
4. Offer distractions: If your dog scratches at their bed out of boredom or anxiety, offer them distractions to take their mind off of it. This could include puzzle toys, chew toys, or interactive games.
5. Practice positive reinforcement: Whenever your dog settles down on their bed without scratching, offer them praise and treats. This will reinforce the behaviour you want to see and encourage them to continue to rest peacefully.

The importance of the right bed for your dog to help reduce scratching

If you’re in the market for a new dog bed, consider the SASH calming dog bed. The calming dog bed is designed to reduce anxiety and stress in dogs by providing a cosy, secure spot to rest.  

Another benefit is that the beds provide a natural hollow that mimics the hollow a dog would dig for themselves in the earth. For many dogs, this is enough to discourage the need to dig their own hole to lie in.

You can read more in our article on how a calming dog bed works or see our breakdown on the best calming dog beds for your pooch.

Whatever you choose, make sure the bed is made from high quality materials and is plush and plump. Otherwise you may as well be asking them to sleep on the floor.

In conclusion, dogs do love to scratch their beds and this is perfectly normal behaviour. They do it mostly out of instinct to dig a place to sleep in and to get comfortable. Help your dog with any boredom or anxiety issues they may have if the digging and scratching in their beds become excessive. A quality bed can also be the answer to their prayers (and yours), giving them a more comfortable and settled sleep, reducing the need to scratch.

Need help to expel their excess energy, or give them some company when you’re busy?

Find a trusted local Dog Walker or Doggy Daycare to help wear them out! 

The post Why do dogs scratch at their beds? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Maybe it’s a ticket to that concert you’ve been waiting for. Perhaps you’re planning on updating your wardrobe or purchasing that new couch. Whatever you’ve got your heart set on, we’re sure you’ll spend some time researching the best product for your needs before finally pressing that ‘add to cart’ button and making it your own.

Well, since your pet can’t quite click ‘Buy Now’, we’re here to remind you what’s on their must-have list!

Luxury dog beds are beloved by dogs and cats alike all over Australia – and for good reason. Not only can a luxury dog bed provide your pet with much-needed comfort and support through each night, but they’ve also come a long way in a range of beautiful designs and material options. In fact, the Sash dog bed was born out of a desire to make a luxury dog bed that wasn’t only premium in nature and comfort, but also in how it complemented modern Australian homes.

Crafted from stylish and luxurious fabric, Sash beds aren’t designed to be hidden away in the laundry: they’re right at home in beautiful living spaces and bedroom environments. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Having a sash bed in your home’s living areas has such a significant bearing on your pet’s health & wellbeing.

If you’re yet to give your pet the gift of a Sash bed, or are on the hunt for the best luxury dog bed for their needs, it’s time to pay close attention to why this is the must-have item for your pet.

A bed you won’t want to hide away in the laundry!

If your dog is anything like all of ours, there’s one place they constantly prefer to be: with you!

Dogs are social creatures, receiving much of their peace and enjoyment from their sense of connection to the family unit. When their beds are placed in areas outside of common spaces, they’re less likely to actually use them, opting to sleep on the ground instead.

By embracing design aesthetics of modern Australian homes, Sash luxury dog beds fit right into living and entertaining areas, bringing beautiful design features along with their practical qualities. As each bed is made out of stylish and luxurious fabric (including a range of boucle dog beds, durable faux fur pet beds and ‘Teddy’ material dog beds), you can find a pet bed that looks right at home in your favourite room of the house. 

Sash’s luxury dog beds are also incredibly easy to maintain. There’s no need to worry about mess or smell with one of these pet beds – simply wash the removable cover and your pets will get to enjoy that fresh sheet feeling we love so much ourselves!

Luxury dog bed, high-quality construction

Not only can a luxury Sash dog bed provide superior comfort for your pet, but they can also support the health of your dog or cat each and every day. 

The high-quality materials we use to make our Sash beds are designed to support your four-legged family member with deep, comforting slumber. As each Sash bed is guaranteed never to flatten or sink, you can trust the quality of materials to continue to deliver excellent rest day in and day out for your pet.

For example, the Sash Ultra-Calming Dog Bed is shaped with high-rimmed edging and a deep bucket centre. This intentional design replicates your dog’s mother’s warmth and security, allowing them to snuggle in and feel right at home as they drift off to sleep.

With three layers of filling for maximum plush, these beds are designed to last the distance. High-quality breathable material allows heat to move through, creating a sleeping environment that’s suitable for every season.

Improves their health & well-being

Not only are Sash’s luxury pet beds designed for physical support, but they also provide our pets with much-needed emotional and mental support.

Sash Bed’s founder, Nejra, brought Sash to life after speaking to a close friend about her dog’s severe anxiety. Her friend described the anxiety as so intense, she was unable to leave him at home alone. 

Nejra was so moved by the knowledge that her friend’s pup was in discomfort that she decided to design a luxury dog bed with a difference. Now, Sash beds are the result of more than 12 months of extensive research, product development and testing, with further sashbeds only continuing to build on the strength of this foundational work. 

Each Sash dog bed is designed to provide a uniquely safe haven for your pet to find calm and relaxation. The weighted design, along with the sash beds’ deep rimmed walls, simulates the feeling of being hugged. If you know just how much your dog or cat loves a good snuggle, you’ll know how they’ll feel when they climb into one of our luxury pet beds for a great night’s sleep! 

With so many Sashbeds now out in the world, customers are constantly commenting about how their pets seem more relaxed and able to enjoy deeper sleep when they’re in their luxury Sash bed. Since the quality of our sleep is so connected to the quality of our wellbeing, you can rest easy knowing your pet’s emotional and mental health is also supported every time they snooze in a Sash dog bed.

Prioritise your pet’s health and happiness this year

If you’re looking to invest in your own health and wellbeing this year, it’s important to do the same for your beloved pets. With dogs and cats alike loving the range of Sash luxury dog beds, you can find the perfect bed to support their physical, mental and emotional health across the year to come. 

So as we like to say: out with the old and in with the snooze! 

Enjoy the new standard in dog beds and give your pets a gift they’ll thank you for every day of the year.

The post Your pet’s must-have? A SASH Bed. Here’s why… appeared first on Mad Paws.

Of course, bouclé started trending in products for humans, not for pups, to begin with. With this durable fabric making a huge resurgence in 2020 that’s showing no signs of disappearing, the combination of texture and detail immediately adds warmth to all kinds of interior spaces. 

The magic of boucle dog beds

Bouclé gets its name from French phrases for ‘curl’ or ‘loop’. With an almost fleecy appearance that’s the result of small loops in the yarn, bouclé not only looks super stylish, but it’s also a fantastic choice of fabric for many practical reasons.

After seeing the love boucle was rightly receiving in lounge rooms, bedrooms, offices and dining rooms across the country, the team at sash beds knew there was magic to be found in bringing this luxurious, cosy texture to the creatures that deserve the best: our beloved pups.

Sash’s luxury boucle dog bed is a stylish, timeless solution to unattractive dog beds or uncomfortable dog cushions. Not only do they look completely at home next to the most luxe of interior designs, but our beds provide the very best of sophisticated snooze times to your pup.

If you’re yet to bring this beauty home, here’s five reasons why you need to invest in a boucle pet bed.

1. The perfect combination of comfort and practicality 

You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for the sake of practicality. The Sash boucle dog beds are designed to cradle your dog with ideal neck and spine support, complemented by a supportive foundation of extra padding that gives your dog a sense of weightlessness and ease as they snooze. 

Our beds pass the ultimate test when it comes to how happy the dogs are with your purchase: some customers report that their dog’s so comfortable, they won’t get out of bed, even for dinner!

Forget about trying to hose out smelly dog beds or wrestling with impractical covers. With hidden zippers and a low liquid absorption cover, the Luxe Bouclé Bed makes keeping things clean a breeze. Washable covers mean you can keep your dog’s favourite nap spot pristine by throwing them on a quick cycle – they can be fresh and back on by bedtime.

2. Designed with attention to detail

Is your pup the kind to turn in circles every night as they settle down for sleep? We can’t blame them for having a nightly routine that’s all about getting cosy. 

You’re not alone – and it’s just one of the reasons why our Luxe Bouclé Bed is complete with a non-skid base. Every inch of our bouclé pet beds are designed with great care and attention to detail. 

With a focus on making sure your dog’s as comfortable as possible, we deliver beds that help them feel comfortable, settled and safe, each and every night.

3. Complementary decor = better bonding time 

Let’s face it: nobody wants an ugly dog cushion in the middle of their lounge room. 

If your dog’s current bed or cushion is in a forgotten corner, far away from family activities, there’s a good chance your dog would prefer to lie on the floor close to their humans, rather than settling into bed on their own. Science has proven that dogs exhibit varying degrees of separation anxiety when they’re not with their humans, which is all the more reason to give our furry friends a safe, comfortable space that’s all theirs, right in the heart of the family action.

By designing a bed that’s beautiful and complementary to a wide range of interior design styles,  it brings dogs and their families closer together, making sure everyone is comfortable as they enjoy quality time together. This is also a great solution for owners who are looking to keep their dogs comfortable, while also restricting their access to the family lounge – or their own beds!

Put your dog at ease with a sophisticated, elegant Luxe Bouclé Bed that looks so good, it’ll become the centrepiece of your entertaining area!

4. Scratch-resistant durability

We’re here for the pups that like to work hard and play even harder. All sash beds are made with durable materials that are built to last, even for the most excited and active of pups. 

Combined with the machine washable cover, every inch of this bed has been brought to life with a focus on sustainability. 

No matter whether your dog’s a digger, a scratcher, a lounger or a snuggler, the Luxe Bouclé Bed’s built out of materials that will see your pup through thick and thin for years to come. 

Forget the rigmarole of bringing home uncomfortable beds, only for them to sit unused, or padded beds that are quickly destroyed. With the Luxe Boucle Bed, your pup will find themselves right at home.

5. The best bed for the best pup

We’re all a little biased when it comes to believing that our dog’s the best in the world, right? The best dogs deserve the best rest, ensuring they can run, play, explore and snuggle to their heart’s content. 

By investing in a Luxe Boucle Bed that’s designed to support your pup’s health, rest and well-being, you can bring the best of comfort and cosiness into your home. 

Support your dog’s healthy, happy daily routines with a boucle bed that’s all about them, and enjoy the beautiful tie-in with your own interior design choices at the same time!

The SASH difference

With each dog beds born out of a genuine passion for pets, the team at Sash are driven to make sure that dogs across Australia feel safe, snug and secure. It’s why SASH beds are durable, soft and welcoming, designed to make sure your pup has a safe and supportive space to rest. The Luxe Bouclé Bed is another step forward in giving our dogs the very best of care – it’s the least we can do in recognition of how much they love us! Find the right forever bed for your beloved pup today, with a Sash boucle dog bed for your home. 

The post The benefits of a Boucle Dog Bed appeared first on Mad Paws.