Digging is a natural and instinctive behavior for dogs. Whether they’re searching for grubs, trying to stay cool, or simply entertaining themselves, digging is a perfectly normal canine activity. However, when your pup starts treating your landscaped yard like a construction site, it can become a problem. The good news is that with the right approach, you can redirect their digging to appropriate areas rather than trying to stop it completely.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
Dogs dig for several reasons, including:
- Boredom – Left alone in the yard, a pup will often find their own fun.
- Instinct – Certain breeds, like terriers, were bred to dig for rodents.
- Cooling Off – Some dogs dig to create a cool spot to lay in.
- Escape – If they’re trying to get under the fence, digging can be an escape method.
- Treasure Hunting – Pups enjoy burying and unearthing bones or toys.
Setting Boundaries: Where Digging Is Allowed
Since digging is a natural behavior, it’s unrealistic to expect a dog to never dig again. Instead, the goal should be to guide them to an appropriate place, like a designated digging pit.
Steps to Teach Your Pup Where to Dig:
- Supervise Outdoor Time – If your pup is outside unsupervised and starts digging where they shouldn’t, they’ll quickly learn that digging anywhere is acceptable when you’re not around. Instead, be present to provide immediate feedback.
- Create a Digging Pit – This can be a sandbox or a specific section of the yard where digging is encouraged.
- Make the Pit Enticing – Bury treats, toys, or chews in the pit so your pup associates it with good things.
- Encourage and Praise – When your pup digs in the pit, use a phrase like "Yes! Dig in your pit!" and reward their efforts.
- Correct and Redirect – If they start digging elsewhere, calmly say “No! Dig in your pit!” and lead them to the designated area.
Preventing Problematic Digging
If your dog is digging in inappropriate places, here are a few solutions:
- Escape Prevention – Use chicken wire along the base of fences, extending underground to block escape routes.
- Cooling Solutions – Place the digging pit in a shaded area if they’re trying to cool off.
- Breaking Habitual Digging – If they’re fixated on a certain spot, try filling the hole with their own stool before covering it with dirt. Most pups will avoid digging there again (unless they have a habit of eating poop).
- Limit Unsupervised Yard Time – Until they’ve learned where digging is allowed, avoid leaving them alone in the yard for extended periods.
Digging doesn’t have to be a battle between you and your pup. By acknowledging their natural instincts and guiding them toward appropriate behavior, you can protect your yard while still allowing them to satisfy their need to dig. With patience, supervision, and positive reinforcement, your dog will soon learn the rules of the yard and enjoy their own designated digging spot!
Have more questions about digging or want an outlet for curing your pups boredom? Contact us today for more information on our training programs, daycare, or boarding!
