Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, but when it damages your yard or garden, it can become frustrating. While some dogs dig out of boredom, others do it because of their breed’s instincts or to cool down. Instead of punishing your dog, understanding the reason behind their digging and redirecting their behavior to more appropriate activities is the best approach.
1. Why Do Dogs Dig?
1.1 Instinctual Behavior from Certain Breeds
✔ Some breeds, like Terriers, Huskies, and Dachshunds, were bred to dig for hunting or survival.
✔ These breeds may require extra training and alternative activities to keep them engaged.
1.2 Boredom and Excess Energy
✔ Dogs with too much energy or little mental stimulation find their own entertainment, like digging.
✔ If a dog lacks enough exercise, they may dig as a way to release pent-up energy.
1.3 Seeking Attention
✔ If a dog learns that digging gets a reaction from their owner, they may continue doing it.
✔ Even negative attention (scolding) can reinforce the behavior.
1.4 Trying to Cool Down
✔ Some dogs dig to reach the cooler soil underneath the surface, especially in hot weather.
✔ Dogs with thick coats are more likely to dig for this reason.
1.5 Hunting Instincts or Looking for Food
✔ Dogs with strong prey drives may dig if they smell insects, rodents, or buried food.
✔ Some dogs bury toys or bones and then dig them up later.
1.6 Escape Attempts
✔ Dogs that dig near fences may be trying to escape.
✔ This is common in dogs with high curiosity or separation anxiety.
2. How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
2.1 Provide More Exercise and Mental Stimulation
✔ Many dogs dig out of boredom, so increasing exercise can reduce the behavior.
✔ Daily walks, interactive play sessions, and training exercises can help tire them out.
✔ Mental stimulation, like puzzle toys and obedience training, keeps their minds occupied.
2.2 Create a Designated Digging Area
✔ Instead of stopping digging completely, redirect it to an appropriate spot.
✔ Set up a sandbox or an area in the yard where they are allowed to dig.
✔ Hide toys or treats in the area to encourage them to dig there instead.
2.3 Use Positive Reinforcement
✔ Reward your dog when they dig in the approved area instead of scolding them for digging elsewhere.
✔ If they start digging in an unwanted spot, gently redirect them to the designated area.
2.4 Supervise Outdoor Time
✔ Avoid leaving your dog alone in the yard for long periods if they have a history of digging.
✔ Engage them with toys or structured activities while they are outside.
2.5 Block Off Tempting Areas
✔ If your dog digs in a specific garden bed, consider using fencing, mulch, or decorative rocks to make the area less accessible.
✔ Sprinkling citrus peels or using pet-safe deterrent sprays can also help discourage digging.
2.6 Prevent Escape Digging
✔ Reinforce fences by burying chicken wire or placing bricks along the bottom.
✔ Ensure your dog gets enough attention and exercise to prevent escape attempts.
2.7 Keep Your Dog Cool in Hot Weather
✔ Provide shaded areas and plenty of water to keep them cool.
✔ Consider a small kiddie pool if they enjoy water, as an alternative to digging for cool soil.
2.8 Interrupt Digging and Redirect Behavior
✔ If you catch your dog digging, interrupt them calmly and redirect their attention.
✔ Give them a chew toy or engage them in a game to shift their focus.
3. Training Exercises to Stop Digging
3.1 Teaching the “Leave It” Command
✔ Hold a treat and say “Leave it” when your dog tries to grab it.
✔ Reward them only when they stop trying.
✔ Use this command when they start digging to teach impulse control.
3.2 Redirecting with Toys or Activities
✔ Provide interactive toys, like food puzzles or tug toys, to keep them engaged.
✔ Rotate toys to maintain interest.
3.3 Practicing Reward-Based Digging in a Designated Area
✔ Bring your dog to the digging spot and encourage them to dig.
✔ Reward them with praise and treats for digging in the right place.
4. Preventing Future Digging Behavior
4.1 Be Consistent with Training
✔ Dogs learn best through repetition and consistency.
✔ Always redirect them to the designated digging area instead of just saying “no.”
4.2 Keep Your Yard Enriching
✔ Make your yard more interesting with different textures, hiding spots, and toys.
✔ If your dog enjoys sniffing, create a scent trail with hidden treats.
4.3 Address Underlying Anxiety or Stress
✔ If digging is linked to anxiety, address the root cause.
✔ Try calming aids like Adaptil diffusers or anxiety wraps.
5. What NOT to Do When Stopping Digging
🚫 Never Punish Your Dog for Digging – Digging is instinctual, and punishment can create fear.
🚫 Don’t Expect Immediate Results – Training takes time and patience.
🚫 Avoid Leaving Your Dog Alone for Too Long – Bored dogs are more likely to dig.
6. When to Seek Professional Help
If digging continues despite training, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
🚨 Signs You May Need Extra Help:
✔ Digging is excessive and destructive.
✔ Your dog has severe anxiety or obsessive digging behavior.
✔ Your dog repeatedly escapes by digging under fences.
7. Final Thoughts
Stopping your dog from digging requires understanding their motivation, redirecting the behavior, and providing enough physical and mental stimulation. By using positive reinforcement, supervision, and alternative digging areas, you can help your dog develop better habits.
With time and consistency, your dog will learn where digging is allowed and how to engage in more appropriate activities.