It’s common for dogs to knead and bite at blankets, and this behavior is often perfectly natural. Many dogs exhibit this behavior from puppyhood into adulthood. There are a few reasons why your dog might be kneading and biting their bedding.
Kneading and Nursing Instincts
Kneading blankets is an instinctive behavior that originates from when dogs are puppies nursing from their mother. The kneading motion stimulates the mother’s breasts to release milk. The sensation of kneading also provides comfort and security to puppies. This is why many dogs continue to knead blankets throughout their lives.
When your dog kneads a familiar blanket, it helps satisfy those innate urges and provides a sense of pleasure and contentment. Some dogs may even suckle the blanket while kneading, which further soothes those natural nursing instincts.
Creating a Comfortable Sleeping Area
In the wild, dogs would use their paws to create a comfortable sleeping area. By digging, walking in circles, and kneading the ground, they could clear away sticks and stones and flatten down the surrounding area. Domestic dogs don’t have to forage for a place to sleep, but that instinctive need to “fluff” their bedding before settling down remains.
When your dog kneads and bites their blanket, they are likely trying to mold the material into a comfy nest. This fluffing ritual helps them relax and get ready for sleep. Many dogs will continue kneading and digging long after their bed is deemed adequately fluffed out of habit.
Marking Territory
Dogs also exhibit kneading and blanket chewing as a territorial behavior. By leaving their scent on the blanket and manipulating the material with their paws and mouth, your dog is marking the blanket as their own.
This reaction is particularly common in dogs when they are first introduced to a new blanket. It helps them feel a sense of ownership and familiarity with the object. After a dog has thoroughly worked on a blanket and added their odor to it, they are less likely to feel the need to keep kneading and chewing it.
Alleviating Stress or Anxiety
Some dogs start excessively kneading and biting at their blankets due to feelings of stress or anxiety. The repetitive motion and manipulation of the familiar fabric can have a calming effect. Dogs may exhibit this reaction in tense environments or situations that trigger their anxiety.
Separation anxiety is another common cause of blanket chewing and kneading. Your dog may cope with anxiousness from being left alone by compulsively pawing and mouthing their bedding.
Excess Energy
Puppies and high-energy dogs seem especially prone to intensive bouts of blanket chewing and kneading. When dogs don’t get enough physical and mental exercise, they may turn to destructive behaviors like shredding bedding to expend their pent-up energy.
Make sure your energetic dog gets adequate daily activity and playtime. Providing chew toys can also help satisfy your dog’s needs to dig, chew, and keep busy.
Teething Behavior
Teething puppies tend to want to chew everything in sight. The pressure and chewing motion helps relieve some of their sore gums. Don’t be surprised if your pup seems obsessed with biting, pulling, and chewing their blanket during this phase. It’s a natural reaction to their teething discomfort.
Be sure to provide plenty of chew toys that provide an acceptable and non-destructive chewing outlet for your pup.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Some dogs will intentionally exhibit naughty blanket chewing and shredding because they’ve learned it gets a reaction from their owner. Even scolding can be perceived as rewarding to dogs in this situation because it’s seen as attention.
If your dog seems to act out their blanket chewing whenever you are present, this can be a sign they’ve associated the behavior with receiving attention. Try to avoid giving them any reaction and redirect them to more positive outlets instead.
When You Should Be Concerned
Most light chewing and kneading of blankets is normal canine behavior. But excessive, obsessive chewing can signal an underlying behavioral or medical issue that needs attention.
See your vet if your dog seems unable to control blanket chewing or if the behavior suddenly becomes much more frequent or intense. Rule out any medical causes like dental or gastrointestinal pain that could be causing your dog distress.
Consulting with an animal behaviorist can also help identify and treat behavioral triggers like severe anxiety, OCD tendencies, or other psychological factors leading to destructive blanket chewing.
How to Curb Excessive Blanket Chewing
To discourage your dog from destructive blanket chewing and shredding try these tips:
- Spray blankets with taste deterrents designed to prevent chewing
- Use blankets that don’t resemble typical bedding material
- Limit access to blankets when you are away
- Provide alternative chew toys and treats
- Increase daily exercise and playtime
- Avoid scolding or reacting to the behavior
- Use crates, baby gates or closed doors to restrict access
- Tire your dog out before leaving them alone
Are Some Blankets Better Than Others?
Yes, some types of material seem less enticing for dogs to destroy.
| Blanket Material | Chewing Temptation |
|---|---|
| Fleece | High |
| Woven wool or cotton | High |
| Flannel | Moderate |
| Sherpa | Moderate |
| Tightly knitted wool | Low |
| Outdoor/camping fabric | Low |
In general, thicker and more tightly woven blankets hold up better for dogs inclined to chew and tear. Fleece and other soft, loose-knit fabrics are probably the most tempting for dogs to destroy.
Other Tips for Choosing Dog Blankets
- Look for chew-resistant brands designed for pets
- Select dark colors to hide dirt and hair
- Machine-washable is ideal for easy care
- Buy several blankets so you can rotate for washing
- Choose bigger sizes that your dog can “nest” in
Managing Your Dog’s Kneading and Chewing
For most dogs, light chewing or sucking of blankets is perfectly normal. But destructive levels of biting or shredding bedding can become a nuisance over time.
Use positive reinforcement techniques to curb excessive blanket chewing. And be sure to provide plenty of approved chew toys so your dog has an acceptable outlet for their innate urges to dig, suck, and bite.
With some patience and training, you can teach your furry friend to keep their chewing focused on toys instead of your beloved blankets.