Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, but it can become a problem when it damages your yard or garden. Some dogs dig for fun, others dig out of boredom, and some do it because of their breed’s natural instincts. While you can’t completely eliminate a dog’s desire to dig, you can train them to redirect their energy to appropriate activities and prevent unwanted destruction.
1. Why Do Dogs Dig?
Understanding why your dog digs is the first step in stopping the behavior.
1.1 Instinctual Behavior from Certain Breeds
✔ Some breeds, such as Terriers, Dachshunds, and Huskies, have a natural instinct to dig because they were bred to hunt underground prey or create dens.
✔ These breeds may require extra training and alternative activities to satisfy their instincts.
1.2 Boredom and Excess Energy
✔ Dogs left alone for long periods may dig as a way to entertain themselves.
✔ High-energy breeds, such as Border Collies and Labradors, may dig as an outlet for pent-up energy.
1.3 Seeking Attention
✔ If your dog learns that digging gets them attention, they may continue doing it—especially if you react strongly.
✔ Even negative attention (scolding or chasing them away) can reinforce the behavior.
1.4 Trying to Cool Down
✔ Some dogs dig to create a cool resting spot in hot weather.
✔ If the ground is cooler underneath the topsoil, your dog might dig to lay in the dirt and cool off.
1.5 Hunting Instincts or Looking for Food
✔ Dogs with strong prey drives may dig if they smell rodents, insects, or buried food.
✔ Some dogs bury their toys, bones, or treats, then dig them up later.
1.6 Escape Attempts
✔ Dogs left in fenced yards alone for long periods may dig under the fence to escape.
✔ This is common in dogs with separation anxiety or strong exploratory instincts.
Once you identify why your dog is digging, you can choose the right training method to correct the behavior.
2. How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
2.1 Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation
✔ Many dogs dig out of boredom or excess energy.
✔ Provide daily walks, play sessions, and interactive toys to keep them engaged.
✔ Puzzle toys, obedience training, and scent games can mentally tire them out, reducing their need to dig.
Tip: A tired dog is a well-behaved dog!
2.2 Provide a Designated Digging Area
Instead of completely stopping the behavior, redirect it to an acceptable location.
✔ Choose a sandbox or a specific corner of the yard for digging.
✔ Bury toys or treats in the area to encourage digging in that spot.
✔ When your dog digs in the correct area, reward them with praise and treats.
This method satisfies their natural digging instincts while protecting your yard.
2.3 Supervise Outdoor Time
✔ Don’t leave your dog alone in the yard for long periods if they have a history of digging.
✔ If they start digging, redirect them to a toy, game, or another activity.
✔ Reward them when they engage in acceptable behaviors instead of digging.
2.4 Block Off Tempting Areas
✔ If your dog digs in a specific garden bed, consider adding rocks, fencing, or chicken wire to prevent access.
✔ Use mulch or gravel instead of loose soil, as it’s less appealing for digging.
✔ Sprinkling citrus peels or vinegar can also deter dogs from digging in certain areas.
2.5 Address Escape Digging
If your dog digs near fences or gates, they may be trying to escape.
✔ Reinforce the fence by burying chicken wire or bricks along the bottom.
✔ Supervise outdoor time and never leave them alone for too long.
✔ Provide more indoor enrichment activities to reduce escape attempts.
2.6 Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
If your dog digs to cool off, provide alternative cooling options:
✔ Ensure they have plenty of shade and fresh water in the yard.
✔ Use a cooling mat or let them stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
Tip: Some dogs love small kiddie pools to stay cool instead of digging.
2.7 Break the Habit by Interrupting the Behavior
✔ When you catch your dog digging, interrupt them calmly with a verbal cue like “No dig”.
✔ Redirect them to a toy, chew, or training session to shift their focus.
✔ Avoid yelling or punishment, as this can increase stress and make the problem worse.
3. Preventing Future Digging Behavior
Once your dog learns not to dig, use consistent training to prevent relapses.
3.1 Reward Good Outdoor Behavior
✔ If your dog plays calmly without digging, reward them with praise and treats.
✔ Reinforce their interest in toys, games, and interactive activities.
3.2 Rotate Toys and Activities
✔ Switch up toys and play routines to keep outdoor time interesting.
✔ Hide toys in different locations to keep their mind engaged.
3.3 Spend More Quality Time with Your Dog
✔ Dogs that dig for attention need more one-on-one interaction.
✔ Increase training sessions, playtime, and affection to fulfill their emotional needs.
3.4 Use Safe Digging Deterrents
If your dog keeps returning to certain digging spots, try:
✔ Placing rocks, citrus peels, or motion-activated sprinklers in those areas.
✔ Sprinkling non-toxic pet-safe deterrents like vinegar (but avoid direct contact with plants).
4. When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog continues digging despite training, you may need help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
🚨 Signs You May Need Extra Help:
✔ Your dog digs obsessively and ignores redirection.
✔ Digging is accompanied by other behavioral problems (like anxiety or aggression).
✔ Your dog escapes constantly, putting them in danger.
A professional can create a customized training plan based on your dog’s specific needs.
5. Final Thoughts
Stopping your dog from digging requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By identifying the cause of the behavior and using training techniques like redirection, supervised outdoor time, and designated digging areas, you can help your dog develop better habits.
Remember, digging is a natural behavior, so instead of punishing them, focus on teaching acceptable alternatives. With time and effort, your dog will learn to enjoy the yard without destroying it.