Why is my dog suddenly scratching or digging the wall at night?

I'm wondering if Bootsee could have some separation anxiety when you go to sleep. I recommend crating her at night. The crate will provide her a small space where she can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train her to get used to a crate. Start putting her in it when you are home and sitting nearby so she doesn't think you are abandoning her, and slowly increase the time she is in it. She can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that she has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to her in the crate. That will keep her occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that with a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with her skin. I hope this helps!

If your dog is whining or "digging" at bedding, it may be that she is attempting to nest with her favorite toys. Dogs that are unspayed may be showing signs at the beginning of a heat cycle (displaying nesting behavior to get things ready for puppies), however spayed dogs may also have this behavior just as a comforting factor. Digging helps create a nice soft bed, and bringing a toy means having something to cuddle! It may also be that your dog is feeling a little distressed or bored, especially if the behavior happens when you are doing something else (such as focused on another task, or out of the home). If this is the case, providing a nice place for your dog to rest (such as a big bed or a kennel) may help. Providing toys that also distract such as ones filled with treats or puzzles can also help with anxiety. Leaving behind a shirt or object that smells like you in the bed may also help to comfort your dog if she is anxious. If you are concerned about your dog's behavior and do not think it is related to anxiety or normal doggie behavior, it is always a good idea to make an appointment with your local vet. Your vet can perform a complete examination and rule out any signs of illness or pain to make sure everything is OK.

This sounds like territorial behavior. Dogs are naturally driven to mark their territory. You’re probably aware that dogs urinate on objects to claim them as their own, but that isn’t the only way to mark territory. Dogs have glands in their paws that leave a distinctive scent on bedding or other objects whenever they scratch. Both male and female dogs can do this. Dogs are more likely to return to a bedding spot if they already feel it’s theirs. This may be why scratching behaviors sometimes begin or intensify when a new pet or person has moved into the house, or there has been another type of major change in the household. Since this is a new dog to your house she is likely marking her territory. I see that listed her as not spayed. If she is pregnant and getting ready to have her puppies she may do this behavior as well. I sure hope she is not pregnant at 13 years of age! Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It is probably worth getting her seen by your vet since any changes of behavior could indicate changes in her mentation, she could be getting hard of hearing and/or her sight may not be good. Since she barks when you aren't nearby, I suspect she may be losing her sight. That could be what is causing her to scratch, since maybe she can't see to get to the door as before. Also, the change in environment in the new home could be confusing her, especially if she lived for a long time at the old place.

Hello, it could indeed just be behavioral or he may be sensitive to the type of detergent or softener that you are using at home and on your bedding. You could try to use something that is indicated for sensitive skin and see if this resolves his itchiness. Especially if it only happens when he is on the bed and going to sleep without any other signs prior to this scenario. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dog behavior is very complex sometimes and does not always make sense. Dogs dig for various reasons including digging at the ground and circling before lying down, as though they're trying to make a softer resting place (many dogs do this on the carpet or furniture as well.) Dogs also dig when trying to get warm or stay cool, to entertain themselves, to bury valued items, and when hunting ground-dwelling animals. Oftentimes we see our pets do things that seem odd and there isn't a good answer for their behavior. I'm not really sure in this case why Chacha is doing this but I wouldn't worry about it too much unless you start to notice other odd behaviors or signs that something is wrong with her medically. Good luck with Chacha.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. This sounds like a normal healthy dog who is interested in her surroundings. The solution here is to redirect her into doing something else. Spend time playing fetch or get her a new, interesting toy (maybe one that you can hide a treat or peanut butter in). Best of luck to you and Snickers!