Last updated on April 20th, 2026 at 05:08 pm
Dog digging furniture can go from mildly annoying to seriously expensive, very fast. One day, it’s a little scratching, the next day, your couch looks like it lost a fight.
The tricky part is that digging is a completely natural dog behavior. Your pup isn’t being bad, instead your buddy is trying to solve a problem.
The key is figuring out why your dog is digging your furniture in the first place. Once you understand the cause, stopping it becomes much easier (and a lot cheaper).
In this guide, I’ll break down the most common reasons for dog digging, and 25 simple, realistic ways to stop it.
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Note: Never yell at your dog. It can create another behavioral issue. Find out more about why you don’t want to yell at your dog in this article.
Budget tip:
Curtailing your furry buddy's need to dig in unwanted areas, keeps them safe and saves your furniture and home from destruction. It may take a bit of time and effort to change the digging behavior, but in the end it's a major win-win for you and your dog.
Quick Fixes for Dog Digging Furniture (What Can Actually Help)
If your dog is digging your furniture right now, these simple tools and swaps can help redirect the behavior while you work on the root cause.
- Snuffle mat – this is a great way to engage your dog’s brain and redirect digging energy
- Lick mat – my Henry loves his licks, and it definitely redirects him when needed
- Kong toy – an interactive toy like a Kong toy can be a game-changer
- Calm diffuser – some pups do very well with this diffuser for a calm dog
- Dog gate – a gate is a great way to keep your dog out of rooms that trigger digging
Why Is My Dog Digging Furniture? (And Why It Matters)
While it may be funny to watch your pup dig a hole in a chair or couch you’ve given them, there are reasons to curtail this destructive behavior. The reasons you may overlook include furniture damage, injuries, hygiene, and simply bad habits
No, it’s not that your dog hates your taste. It’s a bit deeper.
Inhibiting or preventing all digging, without understanding and dealing with the dog’s motivation could result in new behavior problems such as chewing, excessive vocalization, or escape behaviors. ~ VCA Hospitals
These are the top reasons why your dog is digging your furniture, and a few solutions:
Why Is My Dog Digging Furniture When Bored?
How to Stop It: Dogs who are bored will find their own fun, and unfortunately, that often means your furniture. Increasing daily exercise is a great start, but mental stimulation is just as important.
Try adding simple brain games (like these easy mind games for dogs) or structured activities to keep your pup engaged. If your schedule is packed, options like doggy daycare or even a reliable dog walker can make a huge difference in burning off that extra energy.
Why Does My Dog Dig the Couch Due to Anxiety?
This includes separation anxiety and being scared of noises like fireworks, wind, or thunder.
How to Stop It: If anxiety is the cause, your goal is to help your dog feel safe and secure. Creating a dedicated safe space in your home can give your pup somewhere to retreat when he/she feels overwhelmed.
For dogs who struggle when left alone, a heartbeat toy (which my Henry loves) can mimic companionship and reduce stress. You can also try calming sounds or gentle calming aids to take the edge off during triggers like storms or fireworks. These are the calm cookies that work best for Henry.
Why Dogs Dig Furniture When They Have Too Much Energy?
How to Stop It: Again, more walks, hikes, agility training, doggie daycare, playdates, or a dog walker
Why Do Dogs Scratch Furniture Due to Pain?
If your pup is experiencing pain in any form, including long nails or arthritis, it can induce a need to dig.
How to Stop It: If this is the cause of digging, then talk with your vet about the hidden pain issues. If you suspect these tricks to soothe arthritis may help. Also, by keeping your pup’s nails tidy, you’ll reduce furniture damage.
Why Do Dogs Dig Furniture When They Are Hiding Toys or Hunting?
Your pup may love to hide or hunt for hidden toys, treats, or dog food, which could mean digging your furniture.
How to Stop It: If this is the cause, then try giving your dog a spot that’s okay to dig, like a digging pit. You may also want to think about teaching your dog boundaries, or the command “let it go” can also be effective.
Why Do Dogs Follow Their Nose To Dig Furniture?
Your dog’s sense of smell is 100,000 times stronger than your abilities. This means your pup could be chasing after prey or small animals like bugs or even mice while digging. Also, your buddy could smell a potato chip that fell under the cushions, and digging is a way to reach what’s a yummy treat.
How to Stop It: If your dog is digging with their nose leading the way, then make sure your furniture and pillows are clean. You may also need to mitigate for bugs or other critters.
Why Do Territorial Dogs Dig Into The Couch?
Some dogs have a strong sense of territory and want to mark to protect it.
How to Stop It: If this is your dog, then again, try teaching boundaries, let it go, or simply place a baby or dog gate at the entrance to the room that triggers the digging.
Do Do Dogs Who Are Nesting Scratch Chairs?
If you have a female dog, she may exhibit unwanted digging in furniture as she prepares for her puppies to be born.
How to Stop It: Provide a comfy bed and soft space where nesting is permitted
Why Do Dogs Scratch Furniture When They Are Looking For A Comfortable Spot?
How to Stop It: Provide a comfy bed near or even on the couch.
Why Does A Dog Whose Self-Soothing Digs Furniture?
Much like a child clinging to their favorite blanket or sucking their thumb, digging could be a form of self-soothing.
How to Stop It: If this is your dog, make sure to provide your pup with a safe spot. Also, you may want to try a heartbeat toy, which works well for Henry. Or you may want to try a calming cookie, which also works amazingly well for Henry.
How Does Furniture Digging Become A Habit For Dogs?
Your furry friend could learn couch digging from another buddy, or it could be a habit of your pup. Henry started digging to bury his food after spending time with his pupmate, who learned it while in foster care.
How to Stop It: If digging has become a habit for your dog, then try to redirect your pup with a toy or treat, and use the commands “let it go” or “let it be”. Also, again, training your dog to know boundaries is helpful.
There are more unique ways, like an upside-down carpet runner, aluminum foil, or double-sided tape on your couch or chair, which can be effective. If you want to keep your buddy off the furniture permanently, then you can try a DIY pet-friendly deterrent.
Why Does A Dog Who Needs Attention Scratch Furniture?
Your buddy may be doing what a lot of kids do and doing something naughty to gain attention so they can play or engage with you or other furry family members.
How to Stop It: If your dog is digging for attention, then try to add more play or snuggle time to your dog’s day. Even a frozen treat or mind game can be effective.
Why Do Panting Dogs Dig Furniture To Regulate Their Temperature?
If your buddy is too hot? Then digging may be a result of trying to find a cooler spot. Keep in mind that your temperature gauge probably doesn’t match your pup’s gauge. That means if your home is warm in the winter or summer, your pup may seek a cooler spot. Of course, some pups, like a furry husky, may naturally love the cold weather and environment.
How to Stop It: If your dog is panting and trying to get cool by digging, then help your dog with a cooling vest, which works very well for Henry. Or you can even give your dog a cool treat or frozen Kong toy.
Note: If your pup is chewing on your furniture, it could be due to teething as well. In this case, try a frozen chew toy.
How to Stop Dog Digging Furniture (25 Proven Ways)
There are many ways to stop your pup from digging your furniture. While you may have discovered a solution above that works with the reason for your pup digging, here is a complete list by category.
Training & Behavior Solutions
Once you know why your dog is digging, you can choose the right fix. These solutions are grouped to help you quickly find what works for your situation.
- Redirect their unwanted digging to an appropriate digging zone, digging pit, or designated digging area.
- Use positive reinforcement with high-reward treats, pets, and voice cues (I tell Henry “good boy”) to encourage better behavior.
- Train the commands “leave It”, “let it go,” “stop,” or “off” can be a game-changer. Specifically, these commands are invaluable for breaking focus and redirecting attention to a better spot.
For example, I use “let it go” with Henry when he tries to dig into a bunny hole outside. It’s also handy to get him to stop barking. However, a young dog may simply need basic puppy training. - Provide mental stimulation through puzzles and interactive toys. Even if your pup doesn’t like toys, mental stimulation aids are helpful. Henry loves his lick mats, which are very helpful.
- Address anxiety triggers with calming aids, desensitization techniques, or even a heartbeat toy, and provide a safe spot for your pup to retreat.
If your dog’s behavior is costing you money (chewed furniture, destroyed items, constant replacements), it adds up fast.
My ebook, Stop the Dog Money Worry, shows you simple ways to prevent expensive habits before they start.
Home & Environment Fixes
- Increase daily exercise with walks, playtime, or agility training. If you don’t have the time for more exercise, then consider a dog walker or even doggie daycare. Henry loves doggie daycare, and he always comes home exhausted and too tired to do much besides eat dinner.
- Give them a dedicated digging area, such as a digging pit or designated area in your yard. Henry has a few spots on the property he is allowed to dig, and he enjoys them all.
- Use furniture covers or a deterrent spray to keep your pup off the couch or protected from digging.
- Wash furniture covers and pillows. Remove all bits of food, loose dirt, and traces of vermin.
- Rearranging furniture can act as digging deterrents. For example, if your pup jumps on the couch with a toy from their nearby toy box, move the toy box.
- Block off areas with baby or pet gates or install other physical barriers, such as closing a room door.
- Teach your dog boundaries and to stay out of a certain room or off the furniture.
- Keep your pup’s nails trimmed and address any joint or pain issues.
- Regular dog grooming can help keep allergies in check.
- Use a plastic carpet runner placed nub side up to deter digging.
- Place aluminum foil on the couch or chair as a deterrent.
- Use double-stick tape to make it an unpleasant experience.
- Make sure your pup isn’t too hot. Often, a cooling vest can help. Or if your buddy is cold, try a sweater.
Distraction & Comfort Alternatives
- Providing a cozy bed in a calm spot can ease nesting behaviors
- Rotate their toys to keep your pup engaged more.
- Use calming scents such as lavender or even pheromone diffusers to reduce stress.
- Provide frozen treats, long-lasting chews, or stuffed (and frozen) Kong toys to keep them occupied.
- Use white noise, calming music, or TV to provide a more soothing environment and ease anxiety.
Fixing Root Causes
- Check with your vet to address possible allergies, skin irritations, joint pain, or other discomfort issues.
- Consult a professional dog trainer or pet behaviorist if all other solutions have failed.
NOTE: Always supervise your pup when you’re attempting to change behavior and reward with treats, pets, and verbal cues when your buddy does what you desire.
Is there a certain dog breed that is more prone to digging?
Yes, some dog breeds may be couch potatoes, while others will want to dig a hole to plant a potato in your couch. If you have any of the following breeds, you may have a DNA-certified digging dog:
- Terrier, including Jack Russell Terrier
- Husky, including Siberian Husky
- Shepherd
- Hound
- Collie, including Border Collie
- Schnauzer
- Dachshund
- Beagle
How Can Solving My Dog’s Furniture Digging Save Me Money?
While you may think that resolving the digging simply saves your furniture. That is true, but it can save other future expenses as well. Consider the following for a moment:
| Possible Issue | Estimated Cost |
| Furniture replacement | $500 – 10,000 |
| Pain issues treated early | $225 – 4,000 |
| Injuries avoided (puncture and blockages) | $100 – 5,000 |
| You have less stress | PRICELESS!!! |
| Happy and healthy pup | A happy and healthy pup |
Related articles:
- How Can I Turn a Bored Dog Into a Happy Dog for Pennies?
- 17 Things to Look for in an Amazing Good Dog Walker
- Mind Games for Dogs Every Dog Loves!
- How Do Dogs Learn Weird Behaviors?
- Behaviorists for Dogs: Miracle Workers for Mischievous Mutts
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
- How A Dog Who Doesn’t Like Toys Plays!
- Surprising Ways To Calm A Dog With Severe Anxiety
- 5 Free, Unusual, And Fun Dog Activities
- Reaping Rewards of a Dog Digging Pit
Dog Digging Furniture FAQs
Why is my dog suddenly digging the couch?
It could be anxiety, boredom, or a change in the environment.
Can you train a dog to stop digging furniture?
Yes, but you need to be consistent with training.
Should I punish my dog for digging?
No. Never punish your dog. Instead, redirect your dog’s attention with a mental game or a round of fetch.
Do dogs grow out of digging behavior?
Sometimes a dog can outgrow digging with age. But usually, your dog will need some kind of intervention.
What can I spray on furniture to stop digging?
You can try a deterrent. But make sure you test on a hidden spot to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.
Still Dealing With Dog Digging Furniture?
While it can be frustrating to see your pup digging and attempting to destroy your pricey furniture, there are reasons for the behavior. Once you discover why, you can begin to mitigate the issue.
For example, my dog, Henry, will occasionally dig my couch. However, I know when he does it’s because either he has too much energy or he has anxiety. Thus, when he has burnt off all his energy with a long walk, hike, or doggie daycare, he’s not interested in digging.
Additionally, if he’s stressed, I turn on his heartbeat toy, put his covered crate near me, and give him a calm treat, and his desire to dig is gone.
Thus, all you need to do is figure out why (or ask your vet or pet behaviorist for assistance) and then implement the best solution for your pup. Don’t pull your hair out or yell at your pup, there is a solution!
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Such a great post, Terri! And I chuckled when I spotted Siberian Husky on your list! Of course! Mine loooooved to rip up their own beds! I can’t tell you how many times they were given new ones! They would nest and circle and then riiiiiiiip! Stuffing everywhere! (They didn’t seem to mind!) I did exactly what you mentioned – exercise, mental stimulation with puzzle games, frozen Kongs, and the main treat – they had an entire size of the yard to dig to their hearts’ content – oh, and they sure did! Your recommendations are all excellent, and I’m sure will be very helpful to dog parents! I’m still chuckling remembering some of the destroyed dog beds…thankfully, they did not do it to our furniture, just their own. ;-). Sharing this great info with my readers!
Oh my! What a fun memory of your fivesibes. I bet it was a competition to see who could do the most damage first. I’m so grateful you like this post and I’m very blessed you shared with your readers. Thank you!
Great post as always, I never realized all this and learned also, Nili only digs on my bed to get comfy an then goes to sleep. Cookie for Henry
Nili is a good girl. Henry says thanks and says Nili needs a yummy treat too.
These are fantastic tips to prevent indoor digging into the furniture! I had to create a dig pit for our Husky in the yard because she was making holes everywhere! She once dug a hole in the mattress in our guest room! My brother in law was visiting and on his last day there she jumped up on the bed and somehow dug a big hole in the mattress! I was stunned and quite horrified, she had never dug into furniture before. I had told him to close the door each time he left the room because I knew she’d jump on the bed to lay on it, but he forgot that last day and sure enough she was on the bed, and this time she dug into it!
I wonder if Icy was trying to reclaim the space for herself? Hmmmm…They generally have a reason for their actions. I’m glad you didn’t get mad at her and realized it was one of those things that happens and that you knew how to prevent it happening again. Great memory of Icy, Cathy! Thanks for sharing!
There is so much useful information here for desperate dog owners!
The most important thing I had not thought about was injury to the dog itself and the expense that might cause. This is gold dust!!
Yeah, they can definitely get hurt digging into furniture. Most pieces of furniture have springs and then there’s also the stuffing and fabric which shouldn’t be ingested. They keep us on our toes for sure. I’m glad you found this post insightful.