Why Do Dogs Dig?

Most dog behaviors are either the product of instinct, or a learned behavior. Digging behavior is no exception; it is an instinct. In addition, there are certain breeds, Terriers and Dachshunds, for instance, which were bred specifically for their ability to dig out game, such as badgers, foxes, and otters. They have an even greater digging instinct.

Dogs dig for a variety of reasons.

  • Dogs will often dig out of boredom. If you leave your dog alone in the yard for any length of time, he may dig just for something to do. Play with him out there, or provide him with chew toys or interactive toys like a Kong. See our Pinterest page for examples.
  • Digging is often used as a means of escape. Your dog may want to leave a fenced yard because there are so many more interesting things to do elsewhere.
  • If you have an intact (unspayed or unneutered)dog, he or she may be digging to escape in order to mate with another dog. If you do not plan to breed your dog, a good way to prevent digging for this reason is to spay or neuter them.
  • Since deeper layers of soil tend to be cooler, your dog may be digging to find relief from the heat. Always provide a cool, shady place for your dog to rest when he is outside.
  • Dogs are great savers. They will bury bones or other treats 'for a rainy day' when they may need them.
  • If you use bone or blood meal to fertilize your garden, the scent may be irresistible. A dog may dig and dig trying to find that nonexistent bone. Stay away from cocoa mulch, it is toxic if eaten.
  • Any dog may dig to excavate a den. A female dog may dig in order to provide a nest for babies, whether she is pregnant or not.

Here are some solutions:

Give your dog a place where he is permitted to dig and train him, with praise and treats, to dig in that spot instead of inappropriate places. A digging area can be a cheap, plastic kiddie pool filled with sand. It can be covered when it rains and the sand will brush off your dog's coat easily.

Bury a tasty treat in the sand, let your dog see you do it, then let him dig it up. Periodically place a treat or two, or a toy in the digging area so the dog will be encouraged to dig there instead of in your garden.

Deter the dog from digging in inappropriate areas.

  • Keep them from going to the area where they are digging, or make it less attractive to them by putting rocks, chicken wire, or some other items over the inappropriate area temporarily while you teach the dog to dig in the digging pool.
  • You can try burying the dog's feces in the spots where they like to dig. Dogs generally don't like to dig through their own feces.
  • Try a commercial 'no digging' product. These products work by creating a scent in the area which is repugnant to animals, or which interferes with the animal's sense of smell. Some products can be used directly on plants and grass, some cannot. This is probably the easiest of the solutions. This will also work at repelling nuisance animals other than your own.
  • Do not plant flowers or work in your garden in front of your dog. They can learn by example and will be all too glad to help you.

Digging is a deeply ingrained behavior in some dogs. Although you may want to eliminate it altogether, you need to realize that in some breeds, this may be impossible. Sometimes it's better to allow the dog to be a dog and give him an appropriate place to dig.

The trick to stopping any pet's unwanted behavior is understanding it and then manipulating it into a behavior of which we approve. There are obvious things you can do to prevent digging, some of which are mentioned above. Punishing digging will only stop the behavior in your presence. Until you identify and address the cause and offer an alternative,the digging will continue in your absence.

Back to Training Tips

I would love to help you with your pet's training needs. Please drop me a note if you enjoyed this site or if you have any questions about classes or any other pet related questions. Check out our classes!

Thank you,

Judy Seils and Ruby

Judy Seils

Judy Seils has over 20 years of experience working with dogs and cats in the most stressful of environments, the veterinary clinic. During that time, she taught dog training classes and helped clients with behavior issues. She trained and competed with two of her dogs, Dreamer and Shiloh, in flyball, and coached other teammates in training their dogs. Judy also had fun working with Dreamer and Shiloh in freestyle.

Though currently dogless, Judy is clicker training her calico cat, Ruby who is keeping her humble as they work on such behaviors as sit, beg, give me five, wearing a harness and others. Cats are definitely harder to train than dogs, but also fun to work with.

Judy loves using her knowledge to help other people train their dogs and cats.

Shouldn't your pet have Pawfect Manners? Sign up now!

Shouldn't Your Pet Have Pawfect Manners?

You can have a well-behaved pet, let me show you how.

Schedule Your Class!

(281) 440-6818

judy.pawfectmanners@gmail.com

Last updated 5.7.2022