Why do Min Pins Burrow Under Blankets?

The Miniature Pinscher, also known as the Min Pin, is nicknamed King of the toy breed group for their bold personality that exceeds their size. This quirk has dug into many hearts along with their habit of taking naps in cozy little caves under the blankets. 

As cute as that may be, it is odd to those who don’t know the Miniature Pinscher history. After all, not every dog burrows in your bed. Why do Min Pins burrow under blankets? Is it out of fear or anxiety? Is it because they like to cuddle?

The Miniature Pinscher has come a long way from its pest-control origins, but that hasn’t stopped their natural instincts. They still love to burrow, and if left untrained or unoccupied, they get into anything else they can. Keep reading to learn why your Min Pin burrows in your bed. 

So, Why do Min Pins Burrow under Blankets?

The burrowing nature is in your Min Pin’s blood. You wouldn’t think of the Min Pin as a working dog, but their natural love of burrowing under blankets is rooted in their rat-hunting ancestry. Long ago, they were bred to be a quick and effective rodent hunter with a knack for digging burrows to catch prey that hid underground. 

They aren’t used for pest control anymore, but Miniature Pinschers still really love to dig! Due to their long history with digging and burrowing, it has become part of who they are, meaning that they naturally like to burrow. I mean, who doesn’t love digging in the dirt? 

It may seem ironic, but even though burrowing is an instinct that stemmed from hunting, they also like to burrow under blankets because they enjoy the bundled up security. This is a comfort need that goes past puppyhood, while your Min Pin was still in the womb. 

Will Min Pins Burrow in your Bed?

Though it’s never guaranteed that your Min Pin will have every personality trait associated with the breed, it is a trait that they are famous for, like hounds are for their tracking abilities. Before you crawl into bed, it’s always a good idea to check under the blankets to see if you have some company in there. We don’t want any accidents here.

We’ve already discussed how burrowing has become a natural behavior for Miniature Pinschers. Still, it’s more than just an instinct. They burrow and dig because, to them, digging and rooting around is fun! They love to be in tight spaces because it makes them feel comfortable. 

Burrowing under the covers may be cute, but there are other types of burrowing that aren’t quite as innocent. They can cause quite the ruckus inside by chewing furniture or trying to actually burrow inside the couch or your mattress. When they’re outside, it’s a whole new world to discover—and dig up!

Outdoor Burrowing 

Of course, the most obvious way your Miniature Pinscher loves to burrow is when he’s outside. If your Min Pin has free run of your backyard, it’s essential that you do not leave him unattended. As soon as you let him out, you can count on your Min Pin digging holes in the garden or, worse, under your fence.  

Min Pins are master escape artists that can quickly dig a tunnel and disappear. If you don’t have a fence, then it’s not recommended to let your pup off the leash unless he has been through extensive obedience training.

Even a fenced in backyard may pose a risk. Most garden soils are packed with fertilizer and manure, which are a recipe for a sick puppy. If possible, create a designated area in the back yard, perhaps a pile of plain sand for your Min Pin to root through. 

How To Prevent Your Min Pin From Destructive Burrowing: 

As we mentioned, some types of burrowing aren’t as adorable as burrowing under blankets. Here are some expert tips to thwart destructive burrowing.

Teach Your Pup The Boundaries

Crating your Min Pin while you’re not home could prevent these behaviors altogether. But even when he has free run of the house, he will need to learn boundaries of what he can and can’t be getting into. Block off prohibited areas and create a designated spot, like a balled-up blanket in his crate so he can burrow all he wants there, and not in your bed or on the couch!

Use Positive Reinforcement and Go To Obedience Classes

Training is a crucial part of Min Pin ownership, as these pups are famously strong-willed and somewhat challenging to teach, but consistency and obedience classes can help you train even the most stubborn dog. When you catch your Miniature Pinscher burrowing or digging where he’s not supposed to, immediately curb his attention to something less destructive. 

Understanding Min Pin Anxiety

While there haven’t been many studies done on canine anxiety, specifically in Min Pins, it is known that just like humans, dogs experience anxiety almost as strongly, specifically separation anxiety. Yes, even the fierce Miniature Pinscher can become anxious at the thought of being left alone, even for just a few minutes. 

Separation anxiety can result in your pup having accidents in the house, destroyed furniture, unrelenting whining, barking, or other unwanted behaviors from your Min Pin. Since your Min Pin loves to burrow so much, he may be tucking himself under the blankets as a self-soothing method.

Helping Your Min Pin Cope With Separation Anxiety: 

If your pup is burrowing out of stress or anxiety, it’s essential to consult your vet for help to sort out what might be causing it and how to treat it properly. Here are some great tips to help your fur baby cope while you’re gone. 

Create a Cozy Retreat:

The best way to help your Min Pin cope with anxiety is to provide him with a blanket lined crate or a bed for him to cozy up in. A snug little den will provide him with the secure spot that he needs when he feels anxious or just needs a snooze. 

Use Your Scent To Combat Loneliness:

Because dogs communicate through sense of smell, it’s also helpful to have a blanket with your scent on it to help your pup feel like he’s not alone. Include some toys to occupy his mind and help him focus on something else, rather than the fact that you’re not there. 

Keep Calm and Go:

Another trainer-recommended tip is to keep calm before you leave and when you get home. Don’t make a big deal out of saying goodbye; that only makes things worse. It’s best to keep your pup calm before you leave so they aren’t as excitable and without a way to release that energy (except emotionally). 

Do Min Pins like to Cuddle?

Bundling up in all those blankets is technically cuddling, so there’s no doubt that Min Pins do love to cuddle. That being said, even though they’re the perfect size, they are not a typical lap dog. It really all depends on the dog itself, but cuddling is generally on your Miniature Pinscher’s terms.  

The Min Pin’s signature nature can be overbearing at times, but they really are just like any dog that wants to love and cuddle their person at the end of the day. When they’ve been properly socialized, and they’ve gotten what they need, they are quite affectionate with the whole family, even children. They’ve been known to cuddle up to babies and even cats!

They may not be as affectionate as a bigger dog, but we all know that toy breeds are different. That’s why you love your Min Pin! If you give your fur baby what he needs, you can expect him to return the love by cuddling up under the covers with you at bedtime! 

Conclusion

The punchy Min Pin has made a reputation out of their attitude and because they love to burrow everything they can get into. Why? Well, there are a couple of reasons, the first and most obvious being their origins as an expert rodent exterminator. Even though things have changed a lot since then, they still love to burrow because it’s fun for them! 

Sometimes fun isn’t always safe, so pay attention to your pup while he’s outside. Some things in the back yard aren’t safe, and Min Pins are known as sneaky escape artists. Puppy-proofing your backyard and blocking your fence off will prevent escape attempts completely. 

The second reason for burrowing is because your Min Pin may feel anxious. He’s turning to digging and burrowing to make himself feel better while you’re away. It’s a need for comfort that almost every mammal feels, even us humans.

Though they seem complicated and tough on the outside, your pup loves to cuddle up under the covers, but in terms of affection, it’s more on your Min-Pin-prince’s terms instead of yours. These are just a couple of quirks that make Min Pins so darn cute!

What does your Min Pin burrow into?

Don’t forget to read our article on the best harness for Miniature Pinschers!