Why Does My Dog Drag His Blanket Around? (9 Reasons)

Dogs are the best! They are loyal and goofy and make the best friends. If you’re lucky enough to have a dog you know just how true this is. Dogs have been by our side for centuries, helping us out in many different ways.

Whether it’s going on walks, playing fetch, or just being there when we need a cuddle, dogs are always ready and willing to lend a helping paw. It’s no wonder they’re considered man’s best friend.

On the other hand, though, dogs do some really weird things like chasing their tales, biting us in the swimming pool, moving their beds, and even barking at nothing. But even these funny habits can’t take away from how wonderful dogs truly are.

Our male dog had the odd habit of moving and dragging his blanket around. Sometimes dogs do these things because there is something wrong. Other times they are up to no good and then there are the times they are just being silly dogs.

So, about dogs dragging their blankets around? Why does my dog drag his blanket around? The behavior likely boils down to one of several possibilities: Your dog is making a comfortable bed, claiming territory, nesting, hunting, playing, imitating other dogs, needing something to do, looking for a better place to sleep, or acting on scavenger instincts.

Let’s go into more detail and explore some ways to stop the behavior.

Making A More Comfortable Bed

Your dog might not always be satisfied with the bed you’ve created and might want to make it more comfortable. If your dog is constantly rearranging his sleeping blankets or trying to make a nest, it could be a sign that he isn’t comfortable.

Take a queue from what he is doing and set up his blankets in a way that will satisfy both of you.

Your Dog Is Moving Blankets Around To Claim Territory

Dogs have an instinct to protect their territory and establish dominance. By moving blankets around, your dog could be trying to create a boundary or mark his territory. This could be a sign that he feels threatened or is trying to assert his dominance over other family members or pets in the home.

If your dog is constantly moving blankets around and is aggressive, it might be time to talk with your veterinarian to see if any underlying issues could be causing this behavior.

Your Dog Is Pregnant And Is Nesting

Some pregnant dogs will move their blankets around and make a nest in preparation for the birth of their puppies. This is a behavior that pregnant dogs do as they get closer to giving birth. This is an instinct that helps the mother prepare for the big day.

If this is the case with your dog, you might not want to prevent it. Just make sure she’s picking a good place to nest.

Smaller Dogs Were Used To Hunt Prey In Tunnels

Some dogs, like Dachshunds, were bred to hunt prey that lived in underground tunnels. This contributes to their instinct to drag blankets around. They are trying to create a small space that resembles a tunnel. They’re looking for their next meal!

Discouraging this behavior is fighting instincts. It can take a lot of work, but you can slowly break them of dragging blankets around if this is the reason.

Your Dog Is Playing

To you, a blanket is a blanket, but to your dog, it might be a toy. Dogs love to play and will often grab anything they can get their teeth on – including blankets! If your dog is constantly dragging his blanket around, he might just be trying to have some fun.

Exercising your dog more or getting her more appropriate toys should easily solve this issue.

Your Dog Is Imitating Another Dog

Dogs are social creatures and love to imitate other dogs. If you have more than one dog in the house, maybe the dog started dragging his blanket around because he saw another dog doing it.

This behavior isn’t necessarily harmful, but if you want your dog to stop, try to discourage the behavior by using the ‘No Command’ on the dog who is imitating and praising him as he learns not to imitate.

It’s Something To Do

For some dogs, the simple act of dragging a blanket around is just something to do. If your dog doesn’t seem to be doing it for any particular reason, he might just think it is a good way to occupy his time.

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If your dog is bored, he might start picking up bad habits. Be glad your dog decided to start carrying his blanket around rather than chew on furniture or bark like crazy!

Provide your dog with treats, exercise, and toys to keep him occupied and he should soon stop dragging his blanket around.

Your Dog Wants To Sleep Somewhere Else

Dogs have a lot of instincts that drive them, one is to be safe at night. In the wild, dogs would often sleep in dens which would protect them from predators and the elements.

Now that your dog lives in your home, he might still have this instinct to find a safe place to sleep. If your dog is dragging his blanket around, he might be trying to create a safe space for himself.

This was what was driving my dog. He was moving his blanket and bed from against the wall to a spot in the corner near a dresser. This gave him ‘protection’ on 3 sides at night.

Fortunately for us, this was harmless. When we realized what was going on, we relocated his bed into a better and more protected spot in the bedroom. After that, all was well.

Scavenger Instincts

As we all know, dogs are descendants of wolves. In the wild, wolves would eat whatever they found. If there was anything left over, they might try to bury it so they had another meal later.

While your dog might not be as scavenger-like as his ancestors, he still has some scavenger instincts. This is why some dogs will try to bury their food or toys.

In this case, the blanket may be acting as the ‘food’ to be buried or if your dog drops it and digs into it, the blanket is a safe place to ‘bury’ things.

Should I Care If My Dog Drags His Blanket Around?

After looking at all of the likely reasons your dog is moving his blanket around, odds are it is no big deal. If your dog is doing it for fun, he’s not harming anything.

The same goes for if he’s trying to create a safe space or imitate another dog. These are all perfectly normal dog behaviors that you don’t need to worry about.

If your dog is moving his blanket around because he’s trying to bury food or toys and is accidentally damaging things such as by scratching the floor beneath the blanket, you may want to put a stop to the behavior.

Likewise, if your dog is being territorial. They could do some real damage by biting another dog who gets too close to their blanket.

In other cases, like when my dog wanted a more secure sleeping area, try to learn what your dog needs and accommodate them as best you can.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Dragging Her Blanket Around?

If you want your dog to stop dragging her blanket around, there are a few things you can do.

The first thing you should do is identify the reason why your dog is doing it. If your dog is doing it for fun, you can try to redirect her attention with a toy or treat.

If your dog is trying to create a safe space, try moving her bed to a more protected area.

If your dog is being territorial, you’ll need to work on teaching him to be less aggressive. This might include obedience training and socialization.

Finally, if your dog is trying to bury food or toys, exchange the blanket for a toy. Using the ‘No Command’ along with praise as appropriate will also help a great deal.

You may also want to try using the ‘No Command’ any time you see your dog start to drag her blanket.

With most dogs, the ‘No Command’ is enough to get them to stop the behavior. If your dog doesn’t respond to the ‘No’, you may need to provide more of a deterrent such as clapping your hands.

The key is to be consistent with whatever method you choose. If you only use the ‘No Command’ sometimes, your dog won’t understand that he’s supposed to stop the behavior for all time.

Summary: Why Do Dogs Move Blankets Around?

Dogs move blankets around for several different reasons. The most likely reasons dogs move blankets around is because they are:

• Making a comfier bed.
• Being territorial
• Nesting and pregnant
• Creating a tunnel to hunt in.
• Playing.
• Copying another dog.
• Needing something to do
• Moving their bed to a safer location.
• Acting on scavenger instincts.

Most of these reasons are perfectly normal dog behaviors that you don’t need to worry about. However, if your dog is moving his blanket around because he’s trying to bury food or toys and is accidentally damaging things, or being territorial you may want to put a stop to the behavior.

The best way to stop your dog from dragging her blanket around is to identify the reason why she’s doing it and then take appropriate action.

In most cases, the ‘No Command’ is enough to get them to stop the behavior.