Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, but excessive digging can be frustrating for owners who want to maintain a nice yard. Some dogs dig for fun, while others do it due to boredom, anxiety, or instinct. Understanding why your dog digs and implementing the right training techniques can help redirect their behavior in a positive way.
1. Why Do Dogs Dig?
Before you can stop your dog from digging, it’s important to understand the reasons behind their behavior. Dogs dig for a variety of reasons, and each requires a different solution.
1.1 Breed Instincts
Some breeds have a strong instinct to dig because they were originally bred for hunting burrowing animals or working underground.
✔ Terriers (Jack Russell, West Highland White Terrier, Dachshund, etc.) – Bred to hunt rodents and burrow underground.
✔ Huskies and Malamutes – Dig to find cooler ground in warm weather.
✔ Beagles and Bloodhounds – Have strong sniffing instincts and may dig while tracking scents.
If your dog is from a breed known for digging, it may be harder to eliminate the behavior completely, but it can be redirected.
1.2 Boredom and Excess Energy
Dogs with excess energy and no outlet for their physical and mental needs often turn to digging for entertainment. Signs of a bored dog include excessive barking, chewing, and destructive behaviors.
✔ Lack of exercise and stimulation leads to frustration.
✔ Digging becomes a fun activity for a dog left alone too long.
✔ Smart and high-energy breeds need mental challenges to prevent bad habits.
1.3 Seeking Comfort (Cooling Down or Warmth)
Dogs may dig in the yard to regulate their body temperature.
✔ In hot weather, dogs dig to reach cool soil for relief.
✔ In cold weather, they may dig to create a warm and insulated den.
If digging is temperature-related, providing an alternative cooling or warming option can help.
1.4 Hunting and Prey Drive
Dogs with strong prey drives may dig in search of underground creatures like moles, gophers, or insects.
✔ Dogs with heightened senses of smell may detect rodents underground.
✔ Even if they never catch anything, the act of digging is rewarding.
If this is the cause, addressing potential pests in your yard is an important step.
1.5 Anxiety, Stress, or Seeking Escape
Some dogs dig as a coping mechanism for anxiety or an attempt to escape a confined area.
✔ Separation anxiety – Digging near doors or fences when left alone.
✔ Fear-based behavior – Thunderstorms, loud noises, or stressful situations can trigger digging as a self-soothing action.
✔ Escape attempts – Some dogs dig under fences to escape confinement or chase something outside the yard.
If anxiety or escape attempts are the cause, focusing on training, enrichment, and security is key.
2. How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
Once you understand why your dog is digging, you can take steps to stop or redirect the behavior.
2.1 Provide More Exercise and Mental Stimulation
One of the best ways to prevent digging is to ensure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
✔ Increase daily walks – A tired dog is less likely to dig out of boredom.
✔ Interactive toys and puzzles – Give your dog activities that challenge their mind.
✔ Playtime and training sessions – Keep your dog engaged with fetch, tug-of-war, or new tricks.
If your dog has a strong digging instinct, giving them alternative ways to release energy will reduce their urge to dig.
2.2 Make the Digging Area Less Appealing
If your dog has a favorite digging spot, making it less attractive can discourage them.
✔ Cover the area with rocks, bricks, or chicken wire to prevent access.
✔ Use a motion-activated sprinkler to startle your dog when they dig.
✔ Place their own waste (poop) in the holes—many dogs dislike digging in areas with their own waste.
Making the digging spot less enjoyable helps break the habit.
2.3 Create a Designated Digging Zone
Instead of completely stopping your dog from digging, give them a special area where it’s allowed.
✔ Set up a sandbox or a soft dirt area in your yard.
✔ Bury toys, treats, or chews in the digging area to encourage use.
✔ Reward them for digging in the right place while redirecting them from other areas.
For dogs with strong digging instincts, this is often the best compromise.
2.4 Provide Shade and Cooling Areas
If your dog digs for temperature regulation, ensure they have a comfortable alternative.
✔ Provide a shaded area or cooling mat in the yard.
✔ Use a kiddie pool filled with water to help them stay cool in hot weather.
✔ In colder months, provide a doghouse with blankets to keep them warm.
Making sure your dog is comfortable reduces the need for them to dig for relief.
2.5 Prevent Escape Attempts
If your dog is digging under fences to escape, reinforce the area to stop them.
✔ Bury chicken wire or large rocks at the base of the fence.
✔ Install a concrete or brick barrier along the fence line.
✔ Supervise outdoor time and prevent opportunities to dig.
If escape attempts are due to separation anxiety, addressing the underlying cause with training and enrichment is crucial.
2.6 Address Prey-Driven Digging
If your dog is digging to hunt underground creatures, you may need to eliminate the source of the problem.
✔ Use humane pest control methods to remove rodents or insects.
✔ Block access to certain areas where prey activity is high.
✔ Provide alternative scent-tracking games to satisfy your dog’s prey drive.
Without a reason to dig, many dogs will stop the behavior on their own.
3. Common Mistakes When Trying to Stop Digging
Many owners unintentionally reinforce digging behavior or use ineffective methods to stop it.
3.1 Punishing Your Dog After the Fact
Dogs don’t associate past actions with punishment. If you scold them after they’ve already dug a hole, they won’t understand what they did wrong.
✔ Instead, redirect them in the moment and reward better behaviors.
3.2 Not Addressing the Root Cause
Simply filling in the holes won’t stop a dog from digging. You must address why they are digging in the first place.
✔ Determine the underlying reason and adjust their environment and routine accordingly.
3.3 Allowing Digging Sometimes
If you sometimes let your dog dig but scold them at other times, they will be confused.
✔ Be consistent in redirecting them to appropriate areas.
4. When to Seek Professional Help
If digging continues despite training efforts, a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can help identify underlying behavioral issues.
4.1 Signs You May Need Help
✔ Digging is severe and constant, despite redirection efforts.
✔ Digging is linked to extreme anxiety or destructive behaviors.
✔ The dog ignores all deterrents and continues digging aggressively.
A trainer can offer customized solutions based on your dog’s specific needs.
5. Final Thoughts
Digging is a natural behavior, but excessive digging can be managed with the right approach. By providing exercise, mental stimulation, and appropriate outlets for digging, you can prevent your dog from ruining your yard. Understanding their motivation and using positive reinforcement will help create a balance between their instincts and your expectations.