Why Dogs Dig and How to Stop It: Tips for Managing the Behavior

Imagine stepping into your backyard to find holes, upended plants, and scattered soil. If your dog has turned your yard into an excavation site, you’re not alone.

Digging, while frustrating, isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s a natural instinct tied to breed and personality.

The good news? You can manage and redirect this habit without punishment. This guide explains why dogs dig and offers simple, humane strategies to help you regain control of your yard.

Why Dogs Dig? Understanding the Root Cause

To tackle your digging problem, you first need to understand why your dog digs. Here are some common motivations behind this natural instinct:

Natural Instincts

Certain breeds just love to dig—it’s in their DNA. Terriers and Dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt small animals hiding in underground dens, leading to their strong “earthdog” instincts. Even in pet homes, these breeds often carry the urge to dig.

Boredom & Lack of Exercise

A bored dog is often a destructive dog. When left alone with too much pent-up energy and nothing to do, dogs will resort to self-made entertainment—digging being an interactive and rewarding activity that keeps them busy.

Seeking Comfort

On warm summer days, dogs might dig shallow holes in cool soil to regulate their body temperature. Thick-coated breeds like Huskies and Malamutes are especially prone to digging comfortable resting spots.

Hiding Treasures

Dogs are natural hoarders. Many will bury toys, bones, or food to ” save” them for later. This behavior is tied to their survival instincts, even if there’s no threat in your cozy home.

Escape Attempts

Have you noticed your dog digging along the fence or near barriers? Your furry friend might be trying to escape, whether out of curiosity, anxiety, or searching for a mate.

Prey Drive

If your yard has moles, voles, or other burrowing critters, your dog might dig to hunt them down. Their acute sense of smell and hearing often makes it impossible for them to ignore the underground noise.

Attention-Seeking Behaviors

Sometimes, digging happens because it works. If your dog learns that you respond—whether positively or negatively—they might dig to get your attention when they feel neglected.

Understanding the root cause of the behavior is key to addressing it effectively. Now that we’ve uncovered the “why,” it’s time to explore what you can do about it.

How to Stop Unwanted Digging

Curbing your dog’s digging behavior requires patience, observation, and positive reinforcement training. Here’s how to address it step-by-step:

1. Identify the Cause First

Start by observing your dog’s digging habits:

• When do they dig? After being left alone for long periods? On hot days?
• Where do they dig? Along fences, under trees, or scattered randomly across the yard?

Understanding the motivation—whether comfort, boredom, or prey drive—will help tailor your approach.

2. Provide Sufficient Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a happy dog! Regular exercise helps reduce boredom and burn off excess energy.

• Daily Walks: Provide at least 30-60 minutes of walking every day.
• Brain Games: Use puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games to keep their mind engaged.
• Training Sessions: Teach commands like “leave it” or “come,” which can also serve as tools for redirection.

3. Create a Dig-Friendly Zone

If your dog loves digging, give them a designated space for it.

• Set Up a Sandbox: Fill an area with soft soil or sand where your dog can dig freely.
• Bury Rewards: Hide toys or treats in this spot to make digging here rewarding.
• Redirect & Praise: When they start digging elsewhere, gently redirect them to the digging zone and lavish them with praise for digging in the right place.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement to Redirect Behavior

Dogs respond best to rewards for good behavior rather than punishment for bad behavior.

• Reward Non-Digging Behaviors: Give treats and affection when your dog stays in designated areas instead of digging.
• Offer Alternatives: Provide chew toys, rope toys, or balls as outlets for those busy paws.
• Teach Commands: A simple “come” or “leave it” can redirect their focus away from digging.

5. Block Access to Digging Spots

Sometimes, the environment needs a little adjustment too.

• Reinforce Fences: Bury chicken wire or use underground barriers to prevent escape attempts.
• Cover Problem Areas: Place rocks, mulch, or garden barriers over frequently dug zones.
• Remove Burrowing Critters: Use humane pest control methods to eliminate prey that entices your dog to dig.

6. Avoid Punishment – Here’s Why

It can be tempting to scold your dog for digging, but punishment often backfires.

• It Creates Anxiety: Dogs may start digging more out of stress or frustration.
• It Damages Trust: Scolding can erode the bond between you and your dog.
• It Fails to Address the Root Cause: If boredom or anxiety is causing the digging, punishment won’t solve the problem.

Always focus on redirection and treating the root cause of the behavior.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried these techniques without success, or if digging is part of a larger behavior problem, it may be time to consult a professional.

Consider reaching out to a trainer or behaviorist if:

• The digging is excessive and unmanageable.
• It’s coupled with other issues, like separation anxiety or destructive chewing.
• Your dog’s digging leads to escape attempts that threaten their safety.

Good Buddy Dog Training, for example, specializes in private, in-home training tailored to your dog’s unique needs. A professional approach can make all the difference.

Help Your Dog Dig Into the Right Behavior

With patience, consistency, and the right strategies, you can help your dog redirect their digging instincts in a way that works for both of you. Remember, digging is a natural behavior—it’s not about stopping your dog from being a dog, but about guiding them toward more constructive outlets.

If you’d like expert guidance, Good Buddy Dog Training is here to help. Schedule a consultation with one of our dog behavior specialists and watch your four-legged friend thrive!