The Truth Behind Dachshunds Digging Before Sleep

If you’ve ever had Dachshunds, you’ve likely seen their constant digging at the bed before sleeping. At first, it feels cute and entertaining like your dog is hunting for hidden treasure. Many pet parents wonder why this behavior is so common, but there are simple reasons behind it. It’s a natural instinct, and while it may seem mysterious, it goes back to their hunting roots.

Still, this habit can turn irritating when your dog has dug so much that he risks destroying his bed. I’ve learned that understanding these instincts makes it easier to prevent the habit from getting out of control while keeping both pet parents and their furry friends happy.

The Truth Behind Dachshunds Digging Before Sleep – Short Answer

Dachshunds often dig at their bed before sleep due to their natural hunting instincts. While the behavior can seem cute and entertaining, it may become an irritating habit and risk destroying the bed, so understanding the reasons helps prevent damage.

The Instinct Behind Digging

Dachshunds have a strong denning instinct because they were originally bred as den animals to hunt badgers and burrow deep underground. When you see them digging at their bed, it actually mimics preparing a den for rest, just like their ancestors once did. 

This natural behavior is part of their survival heritage, which makes it both fascinating and easy to understand. Their unique body shape also gives them an advantage. 

With long bodies and strong paws specifically designed for digging, Dachshunds are built for this instinctive action. Knowing this helps pet owners understand why this habit comes so naturally and how it connects deeply to their breed history. For those starting out, understanding basics like crate routines can make managing natural instincts easier.

Reasons Dachshunds Dig Before Sleeping

1) Comfort & Bed Preparation

Dogs, especially Dachshunds, have a strong natural desire for a comfortable sleeping spot. When they start digging or scratching at the ground or their bedding, they’re often trying to shape their area to their liking. This behaviour isn’t random—it’s an instinctual act rooted in their history of creating safe spaces in the wild.

By doing this, Dachshunds ensure they have a cosy and secure place to rest. It’s their way of preparing a perfect little nest where they feel safe and relaxed. Understanding this natural habit helps pet owners support their dogs’ comfort rather than stopping the behavior entirely — much like establishing good puppy potty habits from the start.

2) Temperature Regulation

Sausages have a unique body shape with long bodies and short legs, which plays a role in their natural digging habits. When they dig, they might be trying to create a more comfortable sleeping spot by reaching cooler ground during hot weather or warmer layers during colder days.

This instinctive action helps them regulate their body temperature to some extent, keeping them safe and comfortable no matter the season. Understanding this habit allows pet owners to support their needs rather than misinterpret the behavior.

3) Safety & Security

Burrowing gives Dachshunds a strong sense of being protected from predators and external threats, serving as a natural throwback to their wild survival instincts. In the wild, their ancestors dug deep burrows to stay hidden and safe, and this inherited behavior still shows up today when they prepare their sleeping spots.

By recreating this secure environment, Dachshunds find comfort and reassurance, helping them feel safe enough to rest peacefully. Understanding this instinct allows pet owners to better support their need for safety while respecting their natural habits.

4) Scent & Territory Marking

Digging can also be a strong territorial behaviour that comes from the wild instincts of dogs. In nature, they often dig to create a den or nest where they feel safe and in control of their surroundings. Your Dachshund may be exhibiting this same habit as a way of marking their territory and making the space truly their own.

By doing this, they establish a sense of belonging while creating a familiar and secure environment. It also helps them relax and settle comfortably into their sleeping spot. Understanding this natural behavior allows pet owners to respect their instincts while keeping them happy and stress-free.

5) Hunting Instincts

Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting small game like badgers and rabbits, which often required digging deep into burrows to track their prey. This natural behaviour we see today could be a remnant of those strong hunting instincts that remain deeply ingrained in the breed.

Even though most modern Dachshunds no longer hunt, the desire to dig before resting reflects their ancestral roots, connecting their everyday habits to their rich history.

6) Boredom or Anxiety

Sometimes, excessive digging before sleep can be a sign of boredom or anxiety. If your Dachshund isn’t mentally or physically stimulated enough during the day, they may resort to digging as a way to release pent-up energy or cope with their anxiety.

Providing more playtime, mental challenges, and exercise can help reduce this behavior, keeping your Dachshund happier and more relaxed before bedtime. Building structure around routines also helps — something especially useful if you’ve ever wondered whether training them overall is easy or not.

When to Be Concerned

This digging habit is generally harmless, but it can become worrying when it turns excessive. Watch for warning signs like damaged paws, destroyed bedding, or compulsive digging, as these may point to stress, anxiety, or even physical discomfort. Ignoring these behaviors for too long could lead to injuries or worsening habits.

In such cases, it’s best to consult a veterinarian or an experienced dog trainer. A professional can help uncover whether the issue stems from health concerns, lack of stimulation, or behavioral triggers, and provide the right strategies to manage it. This ensures your Dachshund stays healthy, happy, and safe while still respecting their natural instincts. This guidance is especially helpful if your doxie struggles to stay relaxed during things like house guests.

How to Manage or Redirect Digging

1) Provide Designated Digging Areas

One effective way to protect the areas you don’t want your dachshund to burrow into is by giving them a designated space to satisfy their digging instincts. Outside, you can create a differentiated area, like a sandbox, where digging is allowed. 

Using sand instead of soil makes it easier for your doxie to understand where they can and can’t dig, and you can make it fun by burying their favorite toys for them to find.

If they start digging in your garden or near the fence, redirect them to their digging spot and offer rewarding praise or treats when they choose the right place. This method keeps your yard safe while letting your Dachshund follow their natural instincts happily.

2) Create Cozy Indoor Burrowing Spots

The same principle works indoors too. Set up a cozy spot with blankets where your pup can feel comfy and have a place to retreat and burrow. Pick an area low to the ground to avoid jumps that strain their joints, and layer a few clean blankets on their bed for comfort.

Be cautious if your doxie burrows into your bedding; ensure it’s not tightly tucked into the mattress so they can get out safely. Burrow beds or cave beds are great alternatives to keep them safely snuggled and content.

3) Keep Bedding Clean & Fresh

Some Dachshunds dig to remove unwanted scents from their bedding. Keeping it clean and fresh through regular washing helps them feel more comfortable, prevents irritation, and reduces the chance of them digging out of frustration or discomfort. Maintaining a tidy sleeping area ensures your pup has a safe and inviting spot to rest every night.

4) Increase Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Digging is a natural way for dachshunds to release some of their wiggles, but if your pup goes a little overboard, it may indicate they feel cooped up or understimulated. Prioritizing sufficient exercise for your doxie is an effective way to channel their energy into other activities. 

Daily walks, a game of fetch, or interactive play can tucker them out, reduce unwanted digging, and minimize clean up from their playful ventures, keeping your pup happy and your home more peaceful.

5) Address Triggers

If your Dachshund’s digging is caused by hunger, loneliness, or a lack of attention, it’s important to address these triggers promptly. 

You can adjust their feeding schedule to ensure they aren’t digging out of hunger, maintain a consistent daily routine to provide structure, and increase interactive engagement with toys, walks, or playtime to keep them mentally stimulated. 

Meeting these needs helps reduce unwanted digging, keeps your pup happy, and strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Addressing triggers can also reduce vocal habits like excess barking, which often go hand in hand with restlessness.

Conclusion

Digging before sleeping is a normal, instinct-driven behavior for Dachshunds and often nothing to worry about. It only becomes a problem if it turns destructive or excessive, causing damage to bedding or surroundings.

By providing the right environment, enough exercise, and cozy comfort options, you can help your Dachshund safely satisfy this natural habit while keeping their space and belongings protected.

FAQ’s

Why does my dog dig before he goes to sleep?

Dogs often dig before lying down as a remnant of their instinctual behaviors. This habit comes from their wild ancestors who created nests for comfort and safety. Even today, Dachshunds inherit this natural instinct, using digging to prepare a cozy, secure spot before resting.

Why do Dachshunds scratch before lying down?

They often scratch or dig before lying down because it’s an instinctual behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. In the past, dogs would create small nests to improve comfort and safety. This natural habit helps them prepare a cozy, secure spot to rest.

Is it normal for Dachshunds to dig?

It’s completely normal for Dachshunds to dig. They were originally bred as hunting dogs to burrow after prey, so this behavior is part of their instincts. While usually harmless, providing proper outlets like a designated digging area can help manage it if it becomes excessive.

Why do dogs dig and circle before lying down?

Dogs often circle and dig before lying down as a deeply ingrained instinctual behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. While this habit isn’t always needed in a modern setting, it still serves important purposes related to comfort and safety, helping Dachshunds create a secure and cozy resting place.