Has your dog turned your lawn into a moonscape, with craters everywhere? If so, your dog isn’t doing this out of spite or a desire to destroy your landscaping. More likely he’s seeking entertainment, attention, comfort, escape, prey, or protection.
To address this problem, you first need to learn why your dog digs and then figure out how to stop it.
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Breed Predisposition
What breed is your dog?. Smart breeds (for example, Border Collies, Yorkshire terriers, Basenjis), dogs bred for killing vermin (dachshunds, terriers), gun dogs (retrievers) and some hounds tend to dig more than other dogs, although all dogs will dig if they’re bored enough. If you have one of these breeds, there are some strategies that you can use to help prevent or eliminate the problem.
Some breeds are genetically hardwired to dig. If you’re considering adopting a Staffy or Cairn, make sure you’re aware of the potential havoc that these dogs can wreak in the space of a single afternoon! This isn’t to say that they will definitely dig – plenty of ‘digging’ breeds are perfectly content to keep all four paws out of the dirt. However, it still pays to consider all possibilities.
One possible solution is to choose certain areas of the yard for your dog to disarrange as he sees fit. You could invest in a large, deep sandbox, and fill it with earth or sand. You can even plant grass on the top to really make your dog happy (for some reason, many dogs prefer to attack lush green grass rather than raw dirt). It won’t take long before he understands that the sandbox/corner of the yard/patch under the tree etc is where he can dig, and nowhere else. Initially, keep a close eye on him: when he starts to dig in an inappropriate area, swoop down on him with a “NO!”. Immediately redirect him towards the designated area, and praise him as soon as he starts to dig.
A mistake many dog owners unfortunately make is to rebuke a dog well after he or she has committed the ‘crime’. If you yell at your dog or attempt to punish him after digging, then you will only confuse and frustrate the dog. Dogs do not have the sense of time that we humans have, so make sure that if you reprimand him, it’s right in the middle of the act! In order for a correction to make any kind of sense to your dog, you have to catch him in the act.
In the Warmer Months
Dogs learn quickly that digging exposes cool, moist dirt that will help keep them at a comfortable temperature. In summer, some dogs will dig beds in the earth for reasons of comfort. All dogs need access to plenty of shade and cool water (if you have a flat-faced dog like a pug or a Bulldog, this is literally a matter of life and death for your pet, as brachycephalic (pug-nosed) dogs can’t self-regulate their body temperature). Make sure your dog has a place to go when outside that is shady and cool – if you’re lacking in trees, erect an awning, or shade his kennel by stretching sheets or canvas over it (much like the fly of a tent). Ensure he has a supply of fresh, cold water at all times. Another option is to give him a shallow pool to splash about in (water dogs like Retrievers, spaniels and poodles will especially enjoy this; if you have a Bulldog or Boston Terrier, steer away from pools: these dogs are physically unable to swim). A small children’s paddling pool will do the trick – your dog is cool, happy, entertained, and has no reason to dig any more.
Digging for Bones
Dogs have always concealed treasured food and bones underground – this habit traces back to their days in the wolf-pack, where food would be buried for later consumption.
Today, dogs no longer need to hunt for their food, but the instinct to bury leftovers remains a basic instinct in many. It’s a difficult habit to break, as it is completely natural to dogs, so instead of fighting it, meet your dog’s motivation. Provide him with his own digging area full of buried treasures–toys, and certain food treats (just be sure to avoid giving him ones you don’t want to spoil and stink up the yard!). If your dog ever digs in an off-limits area, correct him WHILE HE IS DIGGING – not afterwards – and take him straight to the digging-accepted area. It may help to pick up his bone or food item yourself and make scratching motions in the dirt until he picks up the idea. As soon as he starts to dig in the appropriate area, praise him instantly and exaggeratedly.
Stop Digging in Inappropriate Areas
Of course, we all know that your dog is going to find ways to get to certain areas of the yard while we’re away or not looking. To prevent your dog digging in your prized garden or other areas, try some of these tactics:
Salt the earth with small rocks, which will feel unpleasant to the dog’s paws.
Try ground pepper, the smell of which offends and deters most dogs.
Most effective of all, place chicken wire mesh around plants or shrubs you want to protect, as well as underneath the ground your dog always seems to pester. After a short time your dog should get discouraged and stay away from that particular area.
This last option is a bit disgusting, but it really is effective. Dogs, despite their capacity for eating poop, don’t like to dig where it is. Try picking up a bit of your dog’s poop and placing it in a current hole. It’s virtually guaranteed that he won’t finish the job (although he may well start again somewhere else. This isn’t really an option for ‘blanket’ diggers, as most people don’t wish to spread their lawn liberally with poop).
Boredom
If your dog spends large amounts of time alone – for example, if you work outside home – and has little to occupy his time, it’s almost guaranteed that he will turn his attention to ‘irritating’ habits like barking and digging. This is not his fault; those long lonely hours can really stretch out, especially for companionship-oriented animals like dogs, and he NEEDS something to stimulate his mind and body. There are several ways to counteract the effects of boredom:
Exercise him frequently and vigorously. Take your dog for a long, brisk walk in the morning – depending on the breed, this can be anything from a 20-minute power walk to an extended hour-long hike. This will help him to sleep away some of his solitary hours once you’ve gone – tired dogs are less likely to initiate trouble.
Consider asking a trusted neighbor to drop round and visit once or twice a day.
Look in your phone book for dog-sitters: these are basically babysitters for dogs, and for a small fee will visit your house, exercise your dog, and spend time playing with him and keeping him company.
You can also consider doggie day-care, which is similar to a play-center for small children. You drop your dog off in the morning and pick him up after work; experienced trainers at the center will supervise play with other dogs, and supply them with engaging, stimulating activities. This option is a little more expensive, but very effective – your dog will be MUCH happier.
Additionally, make sure you’re stimulating your dog’s mind. Try to provide at least 10 minutes of training daily; dogs actually enjoy the challenge of learning and mastering different commands. Sparing time for that, leave your dog with plenty of toys and puzzle games. There are lots of toys available at pet stores that challenge your dog’s mind; one in particular I recommend is the Kong toy . This toy is made of stout plastic with a cavity inside that is filled with small amounts of food, such as cheese or peanut butter. Dogs can literally spend hours trying to get the food out of the hole. And more importantly, they won’t spend their time digging!
If you don’t have extra money to spend on designated dog toys, simple chew toys should get the job done. Balls are terrific as the dog can push and toss them around and will self-exercise throughout the day – although NOT tennis balls, as the furry outer coating is easily ripped off and can cause intestinal blockages or choking. Choose a ball that’s too big to fit into the dog’s mouth, and that is made of hard, non-puncture plastic or rubber.
QUICK VEIW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
SEEKING ENTERTAINMENT
Dogs may dig to entertain themselves when they learn that roots and soil “play back.” Your dog may be digging for entertainment if:
He’s left alone in the yard for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with his human family.
His environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys.
He’s a puppy or adolescent (under 3 years old) and doesn’t have other outlets for his energy.
He’s a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig.
He’s a particularly active type who needs a job to be happy (such as a herding or sporting breed).
He’s recently seen you “playing” in the dirt (gardening or working in the yard).
Recommendations:
Expand your dog’s world and increase his people time in the following ways:
Walk your dog at least twice daily. Insufficient exercise is a leading cause of problem behaviors.
Redirect your dog’s energy by teaching him to fetch a ball such as Kyjen IQube replacement balls or flying disk such as Bounce n Play Jolly Ball by Jolly Pets and playing with him as often as possible. (A tired dog is a good dog.)
Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. Practice these every day for 5 to 10 minutes.
Take a training class with your dog and practice daily what you’ve learned.
Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy when you’re not around. Kong®-type toys filled with treats or busy-box dog toys work especially well. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting.
For dedicated diggers, provide an acceptable area for their excavation activity:
Choose an area of the yard where it’s okay for your dog to dig, and cover the area with loose soil or sand. Or use a child-size sandbox.
If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and say, “No dig.” Then immediately take him to the designated digging area. When he digs in the approved spot, reward him with praise.
Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at least temporarily) by placing rocks or chicken wire into the dirt.
Make the acceptable area attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for him to discover.
SEEKING PREY
Dogs often dig in an effort to catch burrowing animals or insects that live in your yard. This may be the case if:
The digging is in a specific area instead of at the boundaries of the yard.
The digging is at the roots of trees or shrubs.
The digging is in a “path” layout.
Recommendations
Solve the prey problem by:
Searching for signs of burrowing animals, then use safe, humane methods to make your yard unattractive to them.
Don’t resort to methods that could be toxic or dangerous to your pets or other animals.
SEEKING COMFORT AND PROTECTION
In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind, or rain or to find water. Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if:
The holes are near foundations of buildings, large shade trees, or a water source.
Your dog doesn’t have a shelter or his shelter is exposed to the hot sun or cold winds.
Your dog is lying in the holes he digs.
Recommendations
Provide your dog with the comfort or protection he seeks:
Follow our tips for providing your dog with a comfortable doghouse that affords protection from wind and sun.
Your dog may still prefer a hole in the ground, in which case you can try providing an “approved digging area” as described above. Make sure the allowed digging area is in a spot that’s protected from the elements.
Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that can’t be tipped over.
SEEKING ATTENTION
Any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if the dog learns that he receives attention for engaging in it. Remember, even punishment is attention. Your dog may be looking for attention if:
He digs in your presence.
He has limited opportunities for interaction with you.
Recommendations
Provide your dog with the attention he deserves.
Ignore the attention-seeking behavior and give your pooch lots of praise for “good dog” behavior.
Make sure your dog has sufficient time with you on a daily basis. Walks, games of fetch, and basic training are all good ways to interact with your dog.
SEEKING ESCAPE
Dogs may try to escape to get to something, to get somewhere, or to get away from something. Your dog may be digging to escape if:
He digs along the fence line.
He digs under the fence.
Recommendations
Figure out why your dog is trying to escape, and remove those incentives. Make sure his environment is a safe, appealing place for a dog.
To keep your dog in your yard:
Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. Be sure to roll the sharp edges away from your yard.
Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line.
Bury the bottom of the fence 1 to 2 feet below the surface.
Lay chain link fencing on the ground (anchored to the bottom of the fence) to make it uncomfortable for your dog to walk near the fence.
Work on modifying his behavior to stop his escape efforts.
WHAT DOESN’T WORK
Regardless of the reason your dog is digging, don’t:
Punish your dog after the fact. This won’t address the cause of the behavior, and it will worsen any digging that’s motivated by fear or anxiety.
Stake out your dog near a hole he’s dug or fill the hole with water. These techniques address neither the cause of the behavior nor the act of digging.
Prevent Access
If your dog can’t access the yard, he can’t dig. Simple as that. If all else fails, and you REALLY don’t want your dog to dig, you can restrict his access to the garden unless he’s actively being supervised. This is a pretty harsh method, and it won’t be much fun for the dog (or for you, really – the primary reason most dogs dig is an excess of energy and not enough stimulation, so if you take that outlet away, he’s REALLy going to be wired); but it does work. To compensate for his new, restricted life, you’ll need to take him outside and play with him lots of times during the day – at least four or five, for at least five to ten minutes on average – and also allow him some supervised time just to sniff around without being engaged in active play.
Next steps
If you’ve tried the recommended strategies and you still can’t solve your dog’s digging problem, keep him indoors with you and supervise him during bathroom breaks in the yard. You may also want to consult a behavior professional for additional help.
If in doubt consult your vet.
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