Why does my dog do that?
Why does my dog like to sleep under the blanket or burrow into bedding?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Burrowing under blankets or bedding is a natural denning instinct, echoing the enclosed, warm shelters wild canine ancestors sought out for safety and temperature regulation. Certain breeds, particularly small and short coated dogs bred originally for burrow hunting such as Dachshunds and terriers, tend to seek this out especially strongly.
The denning instinct at work
A den offers protection from weather and predators along with a stable, enclosed temperature, and even generations of domestication have not fully erased the pull toward that kind of shelter, which is why many dogs happily dig, nudge, and burrow their way fully under a blanket rather than sleeping openly on top of it.
Why some breeds seek it out more
Dogs bred to chase prey underground, including many terriers and Dachshunds, carry a particularly strong instinct toward enclosed, dark spaces, and often actively dig at bedding before settling, mimicking the digging behavior their ancestors used to reach burrowed animals.
Warmth and security together
Beyond instinct, being fully covered also traps body heat effectively and can feel similar to swaddling, offering a mild calming effect that some anxious or noise sensitive dogs seek out especially during storms or fireworks.
Key takeaways
- Burrowing under blankets echoes the denning instinct of wild canine ancestors.
- Breeds developed for burrow hunting, like terriers and Dachshunds, show this especially strongly.
- Full coverage also traps warmth and can have a mild calming, swaddling effect.
- The habit is normal and often increases during stressful events like storms.