Why Does My Dog Dig? How to Save Your Yard From Your Furry Excavator
Why Does My Dog Dig? How to Save Your Yard From Your Furry Excavator
You planted tulips, laid fresh mulch and finally got the lawn looking lovely for spring. Then you look outside and see your dog, nose deep in a fresh crater, dirt flying out behind them like a tiny furry excavator. When they finally pop up, they look delighted with themselves and absolutely covered in mud.
This guide explains why dogs dig, from instinct and boredom to cooling off, hunting and escaping, which breeds are natural diggers, how to tell what is driving your dog's digging, how to build a dog friendly dig zone, how to protect your garden and lawn, how to stop digging under fences and when digging could point to stress or a health problem. It is written for dog moms and dads who would like to keep their yard in one piece this spring.
Digging is a completely natural dog behavior. You may never stop it entirely, and that is okay. The goal is to give your dog an appropriate outlet and protect the parts of your yard you care about most.
Why do dogs dig?
It is in their DNA. Wild canines dig to make dens, bury food, find prey and stay cool or warm. Many of these instincts remain in pet dogs today. Some breeds were even bred specifically to dig. Terriers, whose name comes from the Latin word for earth, were bred to dig after rodents, foxes and badgers. Dachshunds, which means badger dog in German, were bred to dig into burrows.
It is fun. For many dogs, digging is simply enjoyable. The feel of soil under their paws, the smells released from the ground and the satisfaction of making a big hole can be very rewarding. Some dogs dig the way some people knit or garden.
It burns energy. Digging is great exercise. Dogs with lots of energy and not enough to do often find digging a wonderful outlet.
It gets results. Digging may uncover interesting smells, bugs, roots and buried treasures, or even lead to escape. These rewards keep the behavior going.
Do bored dogs dig more?
Yes. Dogs left alone in the yard for long periods with nothing to do often dig to entertain themselves. This is one of the most common reasons for digging.
Add exercise. Daily walks, games and play sessions help burn energy.
Add enrichment. Puzzle toys, chews and training sessions keep minds busy. Our guide on brain games for dogs has ideas.
Spend time together. Many dogs dig less when their person is in the yard with them.
Do dogs dig to stay cool?
Yes. On hot days, dogs may dig shallow pits to reach cooler soil underneath. You often see these holes near shady spots, under trees or along the side of the house.
Provide shade and water. Make sure your dog has shade and fresh water outside.
Offer a cooling mat or kiddie pool. These give dogs a better way to stay cool. Our guide on keeping your dog safe in summer heat has more.
Limit outdoor time in heat. Bring your dog inside during the hottest part of the day.
Is my dog digging for critters?
Possibly. Dogs may dig after moles, voles, mice, insects or other animals living underground. Holes may follow a path or be focused near tree roots.
Look for signs of animals. Raised tunnels or small holes may mean burrowing animals.
Use pet safe pest control. Never use poisons that could harm your dog. Our guide on spring lawn and garden safety for dogs explains safe choices.
Redirect hunting instincts. Scent games and toys can satisfy the urge to hunt.
Why does my dog dig under the fence?
To get to something. Dogs may dig under fences to chase animals, meet other dogs or find a mate. Unspayed females in heat and intact males are especially likely to escape.
To get away from something. Dogs who are scared of storms, fireworks or being alone may dig to escape.
Secure the fence. Bury chicken wire or hardware cloth along the bottom of the fence, place large rocks along the fence line or install an L shaped footer.
Address the cause. Spaying or neutering, reducing boredom and helping with anxiety can reduce escape digging. Our guide on helping a dog with separation anxiety has tips.
Why does my dog bury bones and toys?
Saving for later. Burying food and treasures is an instinct from wild ancestors who stored food for leaner times.
Too many toys or treats. Dogs with more than they can eat or play with may bury extras.
Give fewer, better treats. Offer smaller portions so your dog finishes them.
Use a dig zone. Let your dog bury toys in their own digging area.
How do I build a dog friendly digging area?
Choose a spot. Pick a shady corner of the yard where digging is okay.
Use a sandbox or loose soil. A child's sandbox or a framed area filled with sand or loose soil works well.
Bury treasures. Hide toys and treats just under the surface so your dog learns this is the place to dig.
Praise digging there. Reward your dog for digging in the zone. Gently redirect them if they dig elsewhere.
How do I protect my garden from digging?
Fence off beds. Use low fencing, garden borders or raised beds.
Cover soil. Lay chicken wire just under the soil or mulch in flower beds.
Use rocks. Place large, flat rocks around plants.
Avoid cocoa mulch. Cocoa mulch smells tempting but contains compounds that are toxic to dogs.
How do I fix holes in my lawn?
Fill holes promptly. Fill holes with soil and reseed or patch with sod.
Make filled spots less appealing. Some owners place a little of their dog's poop in the hole before covering it, as many dogs avoid digging there.
Water and protect new grass. Keep your dog off new patches until grass grows.
Address the cause. Repairing holes will not stop digging unless you address why your dog digs.
How do I train my dog to stop digging?
Supervise. Watch your dog in the yard and redirect them when they start to dig in the wrong place.
Interrupt calmly. Use a calm cue like leave it or call your dog to you.
Reward the right choice. Praise and reward your dog when they dig in their zone or play with a toy.
Do not punish after the fact. Dogs do not connect punishment with digging done earlier.
Which breeds dig the most?
Terriers. Jack Russells, cairns, Westies and other terriers are famous diggers.
Dachshunds. Bred to dig into badger burrows.
Northern breeds. Huskies and malamutes often dig to stay cool or make dens.
Hounds. Beagles and basset hounds may dig after scents.
Why do puppies dig?
Exploration. Puppies explore the world with their paws and mouths.
Energy. Puppies have lots of energy and short attention spans.
Teething. Some puppies dig and chew roots while teething. Our guide on puppy teething survival guide has tips.
Start training early. Teach puppies where digging is okay.
Why does my dog dig at the carpet or bed?
Nesting. Dogs often dig at beds and blankets to make a comfy spot before lying down. This is normal.
Anxiety. Digging at doors, carpets or floors when alone may be a sign of separation anxiety.
Boredom. Indoor digging can also be boredom.
Offer a digging toy. Snuffle mats and dig boxes filled with blankets give dogs a safe indoor outlet.
Can digging be a sign of a health problem?
Sometimes. Sudden or frantic digging may be a sign of stress, anxiety or discomfort.
Eating dirt. Dogs who eat dirt while digging may have nutritional issues, nausea or pica. Talk to your vet.
Paw injuries. Digging can cause cuts, torn nails or sore pads. Check paws after digging sessions.
Parasites. Soil can contain parasites. Keep your dog on prevention.
How do I figure out why my dog is digging?
Look at where the holes are. The location of the holes often tells you a lot. Shallow pits in shady spots or next to the house on hot days usually mean your dog is trying to cool off. Holes along the fence line point to escape attempts or something exciting on the other side. Holes scattered around the yard, especially near tree roots or in a line, may mean your dog is following underground critters. Holes in freshly turned garden beds often mean your dog simply loves the smell of fresh soil.
Look at when it happens. Digging that happens mostly when your dog is left alone may be boredom or anxiety. Digging right after you garden may be curiosity about new smells. Digging during storms or fireworks may be fear related.
Look at what they find. Does your dog bury toys and bones, then dig them up later? Do they seem to be chasing something under the ground? Do they lie down in the hole when they finish? Each clue helps you understand their motivation.
Keep a simple log. Write down when and where your dog digs for a week. Patterns usually appear quickly, which makes it much easier to choose the right fix.
How do I clean up a dog who loves to dig?
Set up a paw station. Keep a towel, a shallow tub of water or a paw washer and a mat by the back door. Wipe paws and legs every time your dog comes in from the yard. Our guide on mud season and your dog has an easy cleanup routine.
Check between the toes. Mud, small stones and sticks can get stuck between paw pads and cause irritation. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Trim paw fur. Long fur on the paws collects dirt. Keeping it trimmed makes cleanup easier. Our guide on how to trim your dog's nails includes paw care tips.
Bathe as needed. Very muddy diggers may need a bath now and then. Use a gentle dog shampoo and avoid bathing too often, which can dry the skin. Our guide on how often should you bathe your dog explains how often is right.
Does digging change with the seasons?
Spring. Soft, wet soil, new plants, fresh mulch and lots of underground critters make spring prime digging season. Gardeners often see their freshly planted beds turned into craters.
Summer. Dogs dig shallow pits to lie in cooler soil on hot days. Provide shade, water and a cooling mat.
Fall. Fallen leaves, bulbs being planted and animals preparing for winter can spark digging.
Winter. Many dogs love digging in snow. It is usually harmless fun, but watch for ice and keep sessions short in very cold weather. Dry paws well afterward.
Signs your dog is a professional excavator
The tunnel engineer. Your dog has built a tunnel system under the deck.
The muddy face. Your dog greets you with a face full of mud.
The garden redesign. Your dog has redesigned your flower beds without permission.
The proud presentation. Your dog drops a muddy bone at your feet like a gift.
Key facts about dogs digging
Digging is natural. Many breeds were bred to dig.
Boredom is a top cause. Exercise and enrichment help.
A dig zone gives a safe outlet. Reward digging there.
Secure fences. Bury wire to prevent escapes.
- Digging is natural.
- Boredom is a top cause.
- Build a dig zone and reward it.
- Bury wire under fences.
- Skip cocoa mulch, it is toxic.
Dig in the right places
Digging is a natural, often joyful dog behavior. Figure out why your dog digs, give them plenty of exercise and enrichment, provide shade and cooling, build a dig zone and protect the parts of your yard you love. Secure fences to prevent escapes, and call your vet if digging seems frantic or comes with other changes.
From all of us at Happy Yay, here is to happy dogs and happier gardens.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog dig holes?
Instinct, boredom, cooling off, hunting, burying treasures and escaping are common reasons.
How do I stop my dog digging?
Add exercise and enrichment, build a dig zone and protect areas you want to keep.
Why does my dog dig under the fence?
To reach something outside or escape something scary. Bury wire along the fence.
Which dogs dig the most?
Terriers, dachshunds, huskies, malamutes and many hounds.
Why does my dog dig at the bed?
Nesting is normal. Digging at doors when alone may signal anxiety.
Is cocoa mulch safe for dogs?
No. It contains compounds that are toxic to dogs.
Why does my dog bury toys?
It is an instinct to save things for later.
Does digging mean my dog is bored?
Often, yes. More exercise and enrichment usually help.
Should I punish my dog for digging?
No. Redirect and reward digging in the right place.
Can digging hurt my dog?
It can cause paw injuries and exposure to parasites or toxins.