Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, but it can get them in trouble if they dig their way outside the fence, dig up your vegetable garden, or rip up the grass. Understanding this behavior is an important first step in reducing troublesome situations. We will explore why do dogs dig and how to manage this behavior.
Digging to cool off
Some dogs treat your yard like a spa day; they dig a small hole, lie down on their bellies, and enjoy the cool, fresh earth. Dogs are more likely to do this on hot days or in areas with limited shade.
To manage this behavior, ensure your dog has access to a breezy area with shade and plenty of fresh water available. Raised dog beds, like Kurandas, can help with airflow. If you’re outside for a while, a kiddie pool can provide your dog with a nice place to have fun and cool down, with no digging required.
Digging for fun (because why not)
Some dogs love to dig just because it’s fun (especially if they have a friend who’s helping them). These holes are usually smaller and deeper; they’re not made to be wide enough to lie down in. But instead, the digging helps to burn off energy, explore, and turn your yard into their personal DIY construction project. For now to manage the behavior, keep outdoor times supervised. Block off previously dug areas with chicken wire or rocks and then plant grass on the surface to prevent repeat performances.
Boredom is a huge factor in digging. Make sure to give your dog backyard-only toys to play with, and use stuffed kongs to keep them entertained. Exercise is a priority for stopping the digging behavior. It often occurs when dogs aren’t getting enough physical or mental exercise. A couple of walks in the neighborhood each day is not enough; they need to run! Engaging in long games of fetch at the park, running alongside a bike, or spending time at a doggy daycare can help burn off their excess energy in a more productive way.
Digging to escape
Some dogs are more motivated than others to see what’s on the other side of the fence. It could be because they want to reach the neighbor’s dog, or they come to you once you’ve left home.
To manage this behavior, add a barrier, such as chicken wire, along the bottom of the fence or landscape rock. Give your dog toys and stuffed kongs to keep them entertained. Most importantly, do not leave dogs unsupervised for extended periods. Dogs who are left alone for a long time in the yard may get creative in how they entertain themselves, and that creativity can lead them straight out of the backyard. Dogs that spend a long time outside without supervision will find it difficult to control their troublesome behavior and also tend to lack important social skills.
Digging to bury treasure
It’s less common, but some dogs will bury “treasures,” which can be highly valued items such as bones. This behavior is instinctual and often linked to resource guarding.
To manage this behavior, if your dog tends to guard or bury bones, toys, or treats, it’s best to limit access to those items in the backyard. Instead, engage them by playing a game of fetch or taking them for a walk.
Should you let your dog dig?
Digging doesn’t always have to be a problem. If your dog isn’t escaping, damaging anything important, and you’re comfortable with a designated “dig zone,” you might decide to allow them to dig. Just keep in mind that digging behavior can increase if it is reinforced. Once a dog realizes they can dig, they are likely to do it more frequently.
We’re here to help:
Do you need any help teaching your dog obedience commands and manners or addressing behavioral issues such as digging, resource guarding, and reactivity? You can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team. All of our training programs take place with one-on-one sessions at your home and in your local Dallas neighborhood.
Our co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, provides virtual consultation programs. During these programs, she will develop a personalized training program with support and step-by-step guidance.
You can check out our free Training Videos with co-founders Dr. Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage, who break down common behavior and puppy training questions. We also offer our “Dalla’s Dog Friendly Guide” and “Puppy Training” Blogs on our Dallas Website. We also have available “Dr. Echterling-Savage’s Science-Based and Experience Driven Dog Training Blog” on our national website.
