What Is the Best Bed for a Dog That Digs?

Dogs dig for various reasons—instinct, comfort, anxiety, or simply excess energy. While this natural behavior can be frustrating for pet owners, choosing the right bed can significantly reduce damage and provide your dog with a comfortable place to rest. The best bed for a digger combines durability with comfort, offering features that satisfy your dog’s natural instincts while standing up to their persistent paws. Continue reading to explore which bed is best for a dog that digs.

Raised Beds

Raised beds offer excellent ventilation and a firm surface that discourages digging behavior. These beds lift your dog off the ground using a taut fabric stretched across a metal or PVC frame. The elevated design provides cooling airflow, which many dogs find comfortable, particularly in warmer climates. Diggers often lose interest in these beds because the tight fabric surface doesn’t yield to their scratching motions the way softer materials do.

Raised beds also clean easily with a simple hose-down, making maintenance straightforward for busy pet owners. The sturdy construction withstands rough treatment while providing orthopedic support for joints and muscles.

Donut Beds

Donut beds feature raised edges that create a secure, nest-like environment dogs naturally seek. The circular design with bolstered sides gives dogs a sense of security and a place to rest their heads. For diggers, the firm bolster around the perimeter often satisfies their nesting instinct without requiring destructive behavior. Many donut beds feature durable fabrics that resist tearing and puncturing.

The center cushion provides soft comfort while the raised edges contain your dog’s movements. Look for options with removable, washable covers and high-quality stitching that won’t unravel under stress.

Nest Beds

Nest beds take the concept of security one step further by creating a partially enclosed sleeping space. These beds feature high walls on multiple sides, offering maximum den-like comfort. Dogs who dig to create a safe sleeping spot often find nest beds satisfy this need immediately. The deep design prevents bedding materials from scattering across your floor during digging episodes.

When selecting a nest bed for a persistent digger, prioritize models constructed with reinforced seams and heavy-duty fabrics. An indestructible dog bed in the nest style combines the psychological comfort your dog craves with the physical durability you need.

Memory Foam Beds

Memory foam beds provide exceptional orthopedic support while offering a surface that responds differently to digging behaviors than traditional stuffing. The dense foam construction resists the tearing and shredding common with fiber-filled beds. Memory foam conforms to your dog’s body, providing pressure relief for joints and promoting better sleep quality.

For diggers, the solid foam core doesn’t allow the satisfying rearrangement they seek from loose-fill beds, which can discourage the behavior over time. Choose memory foam beds with durable, chew-resistant covers made from ripstop or ballistic nylon for maximum longevity.

Cots

Cots offer a minimalist solution that removes much of what diggers target in traditional beds. These elevated platforms feature a breathable mesh or canvas surface stretched across a metal frame. The taut surface provides no give for digging, effectively eliminating the behavior. Cots also keep your dog cool and comfortable while remaining incredibly easy to clean.

The simple design leaves nothing to destroy, tear, or shred. Many cots fold for easy storage and transport, making them practical for travel. The elevated design also keeps your dog away from cold floors or hot surfaces, depending on the season.

Choose the Right Bed and Support Positive Behavior

Selecting the best bed for your digging dog starts with understanding their specific needs and preferences. Consider your dog’s size, sleeping style, and the severity of their digging behavior when making your choice.

Combining a durable, well-designed bed with positive reinforcement training creates the most effective solution. Reward your dog when they settle on their bed without digging, and redirect the behavior when it occurs. With patience and the right bed, you can protect your investment while giving your dog the comfortable resting space they deserve. Browse our selection of heavy-duty beds designed specifically for dogs with challenging behaviors and find the perfect match for your furry friend.