Why Do Dogs Scratch the Floor? Exploring the Instinctive Roots

If you’ve ever watched your dog scratch and dig at the floor and wondered why they do it, you’re not alone. This behavior is rooted in the wild and is a result of dogs’ ancestors’ need to scratch out a comfortable place to sleep, mark their territory, hunt, and even cool off in the heat.

While it can be annoying to pet parents, especially when it leads to a mess, scratching is a natural behavior that has several benefits for dogs. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the research on why dogs scratch the floor, including where this behavior comes from and what it means for dogs today. This information will help you better understand your dog and learn how to redirect their scratching in ways that will help you build a better relationship with your pet.

Evolutionary Roots of Scratching

The behavior of scratching before lying down is a leftover from dogs' wild past and their evolutionary history. In the wild, dogs and their ancestors would scratch at the ground to create a shallow depression in which to sleep, as K&H Pet Products points out. This behavior would help them keep warm and comfortable while also hiding from predators. Scratching and digging also helped dogs mark their territory with the scent glands in their paws.

Meanwhile, circling and burrowing into bedding are instinctual behaviors that would have helped wild dogs stay warm and hidden, according to Casper's research. The ancestors of today's dogs would have developed the habit of digging to find shelter from the elements, and even today's dogs still exhibit this behavior when they're getting ready to settle down for a nap.

While today's dogs no longer need to dig to survive, these behaviors are still hardwired into them as natural instincts, as Dogster explains. Dogs are still genetically programmed to live outside, and the behavior of scratching their bed is a leftover from the days when they would have slept in the open without the luxury of a soft dog bed. Even though the circumstances have changed, the drive to create a warm, comfortable den is still part of dogs' genetic makeup. This helps explain why dogs still scratch their beds today.

Why Do Dogs Scratch the Floor?

There are many reasons why dogs might scratch the floor, including boredom, anxiety, seeking attention, nail maintenance, paw cleaning, and marking their territory. According to DogTime, stress, frustration, or excitement can cause a dog to scratch even if they don’t have an itch. Dogs may scratch the floor to relieve boredom and a lack of mental stimulation, according to Zigzag.

In addition to these reasons, scratching can help dogs shed dead layers of their nails and clean their paws, and it can be a way for dogs to mark their territory. WebMD notes that compulsive scratching can be caused by hormonal imbalances, skin problems, and parasites. Dogs with certain genetic predispositions, such as terriers, may be more likely to scratch due to their natural instincts, according to Zigzag. Understanding these reasons can help dog owners address their dog’s scratching in a more effective way.

How to Stop and Deal With Floor Scratching

To prevent floor scratching, make sure to keep your dog's nails trimmed and filed so they are short and smooth, as suggested by 50Floor. You can also redirect your dog's natural urge to scratch by providing scratching posts or digging areas, according to HomeServe USA.

If your dog is already scratching the floor, you can discourage the behavior by using deterrents like double-sided tape or anti-scratch sprays, says District Floor Depot. In addition, making sure your dog gets enough physical and mental exercise through regular walks, play, and interactive toys can help prevent boredom and anxiety-related scratching, according to DogTime.

Positive reinforcement and rewarding your dog for good behavior can be an effective way to discourage excessive floor scratching and help you and your dog find a way to work with their natural instincts in a way that's beneficial for everyone.

How to Prevent Dog Scratches on Wood Floors

In addition to keeping your dog’s nails trimmed, there are several other ways to prevent dog scratches on wood floors.

Regular cleaning and waxing of hardwood floors can provide traction and protection against scratches, as Singapore Flooring points out. Using non-slip rugs, mats, or carpet runners in high-traffic areas can create a barrier between dog nails and floors, according to Living Spaces.

Applying protective finishes or coatings can help harden the surface and make it more resistant to scratches, as Floor Street explains. In addition, dog booties or nail caps can create a physical barrier between your dog's nails and the floor, according to Living Spaces.

Finally, designating specific areas or rooms as pet-free zones can help minimize damage to hardwood floors, according to Floor Street. By taking these proactive steps, you can protect your home's hardwood floors while fostering a harmonious relationship with your canine companion.

How to Have a Better Relationship With Your Dog

Learning to better understand and manage your dog's scratching can help you and your pet feel more comfortable and secure in your relationship. By learning to see scratching as a way your dog communicates, you can learn to adapt your training and reactions to it. By making sure your dog has ways to express their natural instincts, you can help them feel more satisfied and content.

You can also work to train your dog to scratch in ways that are more acceptable to you. By learning to understand your dog's needs and working with their natural instincts, you can build a better relationship with your dog.