Do you ever come home to unsightly holes dug up in your yard? If so, you’re not alone! Digging is a very common and natural behavior in dogs. While it’s instinctive for them, it can be incredibly frustrating for us owners.
But don’t worry, there are ways to stop your furry friend from turning your backyard into a minefield. The key is understanding why they dig in the first place.
Once you know the reasons behind this behavior, you’ll be better equipped to save your yard and redirect their digging habits.
If you want to understand why your dog likes digging holes, keep on reading; some of the reasons might surprise you.
4 Reasons Why Dogs Dig Holes
Ever wonder what’s going through your pup’s mind when they’re happily digging away in the backyard?
There are actually a few reasons behind this very natural canine behavior.
Let’s take a closer look.
Breed and Prey Drive
Some breeds were literally born to dig! Terriers like Jack Russells and dachshunds were originally bred as expert diggers to hunt and chase small prey like rodents, rabbits, and foxes out of their underground dens.
So it’s no surprise that dogs from these breeds tend to have an extremely high “prey drive” and instinctive love of digging and burrowing.
Even if your digger dog has never seen a rodent in their life, that hardwired hunting instinct runs deep.
You may notice them excitedly digging holes, almost like they’re trying to catch an imaginary critter!
Boredom and Excess Energy
Dogs are high-energy beings who require plenty of physical and mental exercise each day.
When they don’t get that stimulation, digging can become an outlet for burning off pent-up energy and combating boredom.
Think of it like a dog version of doing laps around the house or doodling during a boring meeting.
If your pup is digging more holes than a construction crew, it could be a sign they need more activities and toys to keep their minds and bodies occupied.
Comfort and Protection
Even our pampered pooches can display ancestral wild instincts at times. One example is the desire to dig out a cool, shaded den to escape the heat or make a cozy nest.
It harkens back to their wolf ancestors creating dens to sleep, give birth, and seek shelter.
So while your dog may have a perfectly good doghouse, that won’t stop the urge to dig out their own little home away from home sometimes.
After all, there’s nothing quite like a custom-built doggy den!
Trying to Escape
Unfortunately, sometimes dogs dig in an attempt to get out and explore the other side of the fence.
Digging under or around barriers could signal they’re trying to escape boredom, isolation, separation anxiety, or confinement anxiety.
If your dog is an escape artist who keeps finding new ways under the fence, it’s likely a cry for more enrichment, exercise, or an end to being left alone for long periods.
A bored or lonely dog will resort to digging as a means of breaking out.
▶ You might find our guide on some of the Best Dog Digging Repellent Solutions a good read.
How to Stop a Dog from Digging
Now that we’ve explored some of the top reasons behind your pup’s digging antics, let’s dive into ways to curb that behavior.
How do you stop your dog from digging? With some simple strategies, you can save your yard and redirect that doggy determination elsewhere.
Provide a Digging Zone
If you can’t beat ’em, channel ’em! Rather than fighting the instinct entirely, consider creating a designated digging pit or sandbox just for your dog.
Fill it with dirt or sand, and when you catch them digging elsewhere, simply interrupt with a firm “No dig” and lead them over to their approved digging zone.
Reward them with treats and praise when they dig there.
It’s like giving them their very own kid’s sandbox to contain the mess! Over time, this positive reinforcement can teach them where it’s okay to dig to their heart’s content.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog – it’s one of the fundamental truths of pet parenting. If your furry pal has a surplus of pent-up energy with nothing to expend it on, you can bet they’ll try finding an outlet through digging up your yard.
Make sure to provide ample physical exercise through walks, runs, hikes, or games of fetch daily.
But don’t neglect their mental exercise needs too!
Puzzle toys, food dispensing games, and rotating new toys weekly can seriously curb boredom and destructive behaviors.
Deterrents and Barriers
Sometimes you need to get a little creative to make your yard less appealing for digging.
Things like partially burying rocks or chicken wire in digging hotspots or spreading repellents with smells dogs dislike (like vinegar) can deter the behavior in certain areas.
That said, deterrents alone don’t address the underlying reasons for digging.
For a more complete solution, you’ll need to combine them with other strategies like enrichment and training.
Training and Redirection
Positive reinforcement training can be super effective for curbing obsessive digging. The next time you catch your pup in the act of making an unlawful hole, interrupt with a firm “No dig” and quickly redirect them to an approved activity like playing with a toy or treat puzzle.
Once they’re focused on the new activity, reward them with treats and praise.
Consistency is key – over time, this will teach your dog that digging results in losing your attention, while stopping earns them rewards.
With patience and repetition, you can train an alternative behavior.
A Few Last Words on Why Dogs Like to Dig
Just keep in mind that digging is a very natural behavior for our canine companions, driven by instincts like hunting, burrowing for comfort, burning excess energy, or trying to escape.
While it can be frustrating for owners, the key is understanding why your pup digs and being proactive about meeting their needs, and they will eventually stop digging.
With strategies like creating a designated digging area, boosting exercise and mental enrichment, using deterrents smartly, and positive reinforcement training, you can effectively manage this behavior.
It takes patience and consistency, but redirecting your dog’s digging drive in a constructive way is totally doable.
Leave a Comment