Why is my new senior dog digging the couch and baseboards suddenly?

Question

Our dog which we have only had a few weeks. She is a retired hunting dog about 13 years old. She can just be laying on the couch and then randomly jump up and start digging at it. She also continues to go to one spot on the baseboard and dig at it too. Why would she do this? Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Female | unspayed

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

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.

Why is my new senior dog digging the couch and baseboards suddenly?

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