If you spend enough time around a dog, you’re likely to see him trying to either bury something or scavenge through a yard. They’re always looking for something or hiding something. It’s natural and completely healthy most of the time. Unless they’re scavenging your trash. Dogs tend to do this, especially to their blankets and bed. They throw them around and scratch them as if they trying to make a hole in the ground.
That got me thinking, why does my dog pull his blanket out of his crate? Most of the time, dogs are trying to create a nest for themselves by pulling their blanket out of their crates. They love the snuggle feel of a nest. Some of the times, they’re trying to scavenge the blanket as an instinct. Other times, they’re trying to mark territory by leaving their scents to the blanket as they rub themselves against the blanket.
The point is that you don’t need to worry about this. They’re just trying to do to the blanket the same they do to your backyard. It’s an instinct for them to dig holes, and they’re acting out on that.
So, if you want to know how to tell the difference on why they’re pulling their blanket out of their crate, you just have to read ‘til the end. You can better understand whether your dog is just having fun or maybe he doesn’t like the blanket or the bed that much.
Your Dog Wants A Nest
One of the reasons that dogs pull their blankets out of their crates is that they’re trying to build a nest for them. They love the sensation of having their own nest to snuggle them while they sleep. It’s also a way for them to feel safer while they sleep and rest. Dogs still worry about protecting their surroundings while they’re sleeping.
The best thing that you can do is to let your dog form his own nest, and provide a clean room with a nice temperature. This will make them comfortable and less stressed all day. A dog’s bed is more than just a place for them to sleep. It’s also a place that they feel safer and more comfortable around the house. Most dogs will spend the majority of their time laying there.
So, the best that you can do is to understand their necessity to have a nest. Let them pull out the blanket out of the crate as long as they’re not making a mess. If you must end the mess, the best solution to get them a nest bed. They’re built like a nest with no risk of a big mess. The Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave is a great option to look into. Check it out here.
Dog’s Ancestors Were Scavengers
Your dog may be only trying to dig his bed. It doesn’t make too much sense to you, but it’s just part of their instinct. They may be not just trying to dig. Dogs’ ancestors were scavengers and that’s where this necessity to dig comes from.
The theory of dog’s ancestors being scavengers comes from the belief that dogs followed humans, waiting to eat whatever it was left from their hunts. Like hyenas that eat what’s left from a lion’s feast.
This is why dogs love to dig and bury things around your yard. Pulling the blanket is just another way to move things around and practice that instinct. Of course, you may not like the mess, but it’s nothing to worry about.
So, you can discourage the behavior, but know that it’s nothing that you need to worry about. Just make sure that your dog doesn’t tear the blankets apart with this behavior.
Consider Getting A New Blanket For Your Dog
A dog usually pulls his blanket out of his crate due to instincts, but it may also be a sign that something is bothering him. Your dog may simply not like his blanket. Since dogs can’t communicate with us through verbal language, they’ve learned other ways to do it.
For instance, dogs usually seek out their human companions to help solve problems every time they’re faced with something they can’t figure out on their own. This is the result of thousands of years of coexistence. What this means for you is that your dog may be waiting for you to solve the blanket problem, which is to get a new one. It could be that they dislike it or that it’s uncomfortable.
So, if your dog is doing this repetitively, there’s a good chance that he wants you to change the blanket. Look for something more comfortable and fluffier. This will make him much happier and relaxed. The Pawsse Dog Blanket is an excellent blanket for dogs. It’s fluffy, comfortable, and durable. Get yours here.
Maybe Only A New Bed Will Lessen The Behavior
The thing is that maybe the problem is not with the blanket but the bed. If your dog is pulling the blanket out of the crate and going to lay down there, the problem may be with the bed. Dogs are territorial, so if they’re not sleeping on their bed, the reason may be that they don’t like the bed. They also need to feel safe there, which can be another problem.
What you can do is to pay attention to what your dog does after he takes the blanket out of his crate. If your dog goes ahead and sleeps on the blanket and out the crate, it’s time to change the sleeping arrangements. Since adult dogs sleep anywhere from 12 to 14 hours, they need a bed that they love.
So, make sure to look for one that feels like a nest for them. Make sure that it’s made with premium fabric, and fits your dog’s size well. If their heads are out of the bed, it’s going to get uncomfortable for them. The JOYELF Orthopedic Dog Bed is a high-rated dog bed for most sizes. Take a look here.
It Can Be For A Territorial Reason
You may have noticed whether or not your dog rubs his paws and head on the blanket. This is due to glands that they have that release their scent onto items that belong to them. It’s a way to let everyone know that something belongs to them. For instance, your dog may be pulling the blanket out to pass his scent on the blanket, which would make it a territorial thing only.
Now, if this is a territorial behavior, it may or may not be something to worry about. Dogs are territorial and there is not much to do about it. The only problem is if your dog becomes aggressive to assert his ownership of objects and places. This is the only moment that you should worry about it.
So, pay attention to whether or not he’s rubbing himself against the blanket. In this case, he just wants to mark the blanket as his. Now, continue to observe if this behavior becomes something else. If your dog becomes more aggressive toward his things, you may want to consider seeing an animal behavior expert.
Your Dog May Just Want More Toys
If your dog is either a puppy or a young dog, this can mean that he wants to play. Young dogs try to play with pretty much everything that is in front of them. This means that they’ll take the blankets and run with it around the house.
They may just be seeking your attention. The best thing that you can do is to make it clear that it’s not a toy and also ignore them. The best solution to get them real toys and make sure to play with them for a while.
So, make sure to get a toy pack for your dog. This way, he won’t have reasons to play with the blanket. The Aipper Dog Puppy Toys is a great toy pack for young dogs. Click to view pricing here.
Female Dogs May Be Getting Ready To Receive New Puppies
If your dog is a female, this whole thing may just be a way for them to get ready to give birth. This is a common behavior for female dogs that are pregnant. They take the blanket out of their crate and take it to the place that they’re going to give birth to their puppies.
This is, of course, a very specific behavior for a particular situation. Chances are that this is not your case. Still, if your dog is in this situation, you may want to pay attention to her for the next few hours.
So, make sure to have things ready just in cases this means the arrival of new puppies. If you’re nervous about it, consider talking to the vet to know if there’s anything else that you can do.
Final Thoughts
So, your dog is pulling his blanket out of his crate for many reasons. The best that you can do is try and determine which one it is. The fastest and simplest solution to get them a new blanket and a new bed. These are the most common culprits.