Best Dog Beds for Diggers

Have you got one of those fur babies who paws and digs at your floor, carpet, or furniture? Some pups are just drawn to exploring, but for different reasons. While it’s instinctual for many, it’s also a way to get comfortable, relieve anxiety, or even mark their territory for others.

You might have a pup who playfully paws. Or, maybe you’ve got a determined digger who can do some damage. We’ve got you covered here at Restful Dog regardless of the situation. We’re introducing some dog beds for diggers that encourage the activity and another that’ll deter it. 

1. Casper Dog Bed 

Yes, it’s that Casper, the same company known for its 4D sleep technology for pet parents (and everyone else, too!). 

Casper produces one dog bed model, but it’s a good one. You get the whole package with a dual-layered mattress, removable cover, and super-solid structure. But there’s one more thing of particular interest: the sleeping surface. Instead of materials pulled tautly, Casper designed its cover with extra fabric in the middle. The result is a pawing and digging area that your pup will love!

Bottom Line – Whenever we discuss the best dog beds for diggers and pups who like to paw at the ground, Casper is the first name that comes to mind. That’s because the brand produces pet beds with the same quality materials it uses in its “people line.” And, it’s one of the few dog beds that encourage pawing and digging. The cover is made with excess material at the top, designed to provide hours of fun for your best furry friend.

2. PetFusion – Calming Cuddler

PetFusion’s Calming Cuddler is similar to the Casper model, as it encourages pups to paw, dig, and play. Its loose fabric topper provides plenty of texture so your fur baby can explore, rearrange, and maybe even hide a biscuit or two?

While dogs can hide prized possessions at the top, other things hide beneath the surface. The Calming Cuddler features a waterproof liner protecting a memory foam mattress from any little oopsies that can happen from time to time. Plus, the cover is removable and machine washable, so this is a dog bed for diggers that should stick around for quite some time.

Bottom Line – This particular PetFusion model is about half the price of the Casper dog bed. It’s got higher sidewalls and a bit more of a playing area. However, it won’t work for larger breeds as the biggest size is 30” x 24,” and that includes the bolsters.

3. L.L.Bean – Plush Cuddler

The L.L.Bean Plush Cuddler accomplishes two things for dogs who like to dig and paw at their bed. First, it’s a super soft and comfortable donut-style bed that provides a sense of security to pups with nervousness or anxiety. Second, the cover features long shag fur, perfect for pawing around and gentle play.

You’ll find that it’s easy to care for, as the cover is machine washable. And, this particular model is so enticing that your fur baby will curl up in it day and night (and you would, too, if you could fit!).

Bottom Line – We like the L.L.Bean Plush Cuddler dog bed for all pups, except those needing more orthopedic support. It’s an excellent pick for pups who need to feel secure and comforted, and the shag fur can take quite a bit of pawing and digging. Scratching is another thing, though. It’s possible to rip through the cover. So if your dog has some determined claws, you might be better off finding a bed to deter the behavior.

4. Kuranda – Elevated Dog Bed 

The Kuranda elevated dog bed might seem like an odd pick as one of the best dog beds for diggers. However, we include it as an option for relentless scratchers. If you have a pup who digs to make real progress, you probably noticed they go through beds like crazy. But, a cot-style bed like Kuranda’s should stick around for a while.

You won’t find any mattress or padding. Instead, the elevated model features a PVC or aluminum frame with canvas stretched across. So, there’s not much to dig at, which should be enough of a deterrent.

Bottom Line – Kuranda’s elevated cot isn’t just an excellent chew-proof and scratch-proof option, but it’s helpful for older dogs. Your aging fur baby might be scratching out of frustration or pain. This particular style makes getting up and down from the bed easier. And, with no enticing soft stuff surrounding them, the scratching and digging might subside.

What are the reasons why dogs paw or dig?

There are quite a few reasons you might find your pup pawing or digging at the floor or carpet, and seeking and destroying isn’t one of them, even if it feels like that. Some of our best furry friends look for hiding places. Maybe they want to store one of their treats for another day, so you’ll see them pawing in corners or behind objects to find the best spot. Other dogs mark their territory by pawing in a particular area (which is better than other ways they can mark their territory, right?). Then, you’ll find some pups who paw at things out of nervousness or prolonged anxiety.

What are the best types of dog beds for diggers?

You can go two ways with the best dog beds for diggers when you’ve got a pup who likes to paw on your hands – encourage or discourage the behavior. Some beds, like Casper’s, has a built-in play area that’ll amuse and appease your little paw baby. Or, you could take the opposite approach and purchase a bed like an elevated cot-style model. It doesn’t provide much for them to dig at, as there aren’t soft surfaces like filling or bolsters.

Are there dog beds that will hold up to my dog’s claws?

Yes. Some brands, like Kong, design heavy-duty dog beds for diggers with coated covers that hold up to moderate abuse. Another option is to buy a model like Kuranda’s, which resembles a military cot. It features stretched canvas over an aluminum frame. So this particular bed type doesn’t give your pup any digging area and should deter the behavior – at least at bedtime.

How can I keep my dog from damaging his dog bed by digging and scratching?

One of the best ways to keep your dog from doing any damage is to buy one of the best dog beds for diggers. That means you’ll look for a bed designed for pawing and digging or one that’s scratch-proof. We also suggest frequent trips to the groomer to keep your pup’s nails short. And, if you put their favorite toy in the bed, that could be enough of a distraction to stop the behavior, at least temporarily.

Tips for Buying the Best Dog Beds for Diggers

Pick a Priority – The first step is to decide if you want a dog bed for pawing dogs that gives them room to dig or one to help break the habit. So, you can narrow the search to beds with a custom cover providing a play area. Or, you could buy one of the models without bolsters, mattresses, or any proper digging spot.

Distraction Can Go a Long Way – Some of today’s dog beds have pawing areas that’ll hold up to moderate play. But if you have another bed or want a different model, buy some accessories designed to distract. Just be sure they can withstand some pawing, digging, or even heavy-duty scratching.

Digging or Burrowing? –  How far does your fur baby take their habit? Do they participate in playful pawing, like trying to find a hiding spot for their treats? Or, can they do real damage? If it’s just light digging, then a dog bed with excess material in the cover gives them something to sink their paws into to play. On the other hand, if you have a precious pooch with determined claws, we suggest heavy-duty beds, like Kong is known for or elevated beds with aluminum framing.

Anti-chewing is Anti-scratching – When you’re shopping for a dog bed that’ll withstand some digging, you can also search for chew-proof dog beds. If the material is strong enough to hold up to sharp teeth, it should do the same for nails.