Jean Marie Bauhaus
|January 30, 2021
A digging dog can destroy your yard, track mud and dirt into your house and force you to drop everything to give them a bath. Even worse, if your digging dog is tunneling under a fence to escape, this can place them in danger. If you're fed up with your dog's behavior, keep reading to learn how to stop a dog from digging.
Understanding why your dog digs is an important step in minimizing this behavior. Here are the most common reasons why dogs dig.
Digging is an instinctive behavior dogs inherited from their wolf ancestors, points out the American Kennel Club (AKC). All dogs dig to some extent; it comes as naturally to them as barking or wagging their tails. Even if your dog is not a problem digger, you've most likely seen them "dig" in their bedding or sofa cushions before lying down.
Dogs with a high prey drive are likely to dig in order to go after rodents or other small animals they can hear or smell underground. This is especially true of terriers and small hound breeds such as dachshunds, who were bred to hunt rodents and small game.
In hot weather, dogs will sometimes dig themselves a spot in the dirt to lie down in and cool off. Larger dogs with thick coats who are bred for colder weather, such as the Siberian husky, are particularly prone to this behavior, says AKC.
One of the most common answers to the question of why dogs dig holes is that it's just plain fun. For dogs, digging is a great way to relieve boredom or distract themselves from anxiety, says The Spruce Pets. Often, chronic digging can be a sign that your dog isn't getting enough physical activity or mental stimulation.
Some dogs like to bury treasures, such as a treat or a favorite toy, for safekeeping. Unfortunately, they don't always remember to make a treasure map, which leads to more digging as they search for their hidden cache.
If your dog feels compelled to leave your yard, tunneling under the fence is usually easier than finding a way over it. Typically, this type of tunneling behavior is prompted by wanting to get to something on the other side of the fence, such as another dog.
Because digging is so deeply ingrained in dogs, it's unlikely that you'll be able to put a complete stop to it. But you can minimize the behavior and reduce the damage to your yard by following these tips.
Place obstacles and deterrents where your dog likes to dig. This might include burying chicken wire along fences, placing rocks or paving stones in garden beds, or planting bushes around the perimeter of the yard.
If your male dog is an escape artist, having him neutered will reduce his desire to roam.
Designate a spot where it's okay for your pooch to dig. A sandbox can work great for this if your dog likes to dig for fun, suggests Rover.com.
Provide an outdoor bed in a shady spot for dogs who like to dig to cool themselves off. Redirect them to this spot when you catch them digging.
If you have a dog with a strong prey drive, controlling the rodent population in your yard will help reduce their temptation to dig for prey. Avoid using poison, which could end up getting transferred to your pup.
Don't allow your pup to take treats or toys outside if they like to bury them.
Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to help reduce the drive to dig. High-energy dogs like terriers need at least 30 minutes to an hour a day of activity and exercise, which can include walking and playing games like fetch, says The Spruce.
While it's unlikely that you'll completely dig-proof your dog, you can certainly dig-proof your yard to minimize damage and maximize your dog's safety. By channeling your dog's digging urges into more productive and less destructive activities, you and your pooch will both be happier.
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger, and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of fur babies.
Fewer calories for less active dogs, who prefer smaller kibble
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small Paws dry dog food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Supports energy level & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, heart & kidneys healthy
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Supports lean muscle for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Turkey & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep dogs active and healthy
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful coat
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Supports energy & beautiful coat. Helps keep immune system, joints, heart & kidneys healthy
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous coat
Learn about megaesophagus in dogs, how it makes digestion difficult & impacts your dog's health, and tips for helping you manage this condition.
Discover the benefits of cold laser therapy for dogs, including how it works, conditions it's typically used for, and any safety concerns you might have.
Learn what causes brain aging, behavioral changes and alertness in your aging dog. Discover what you can do to help prevent some of these dog diseases.
Burrs on dogs are a common problem for pet parents, especially if your dog is outside a lot. Learn how to remove burrs from your dog's fur safely.
Learn more about a dog's devotion and loyalty to you and how you can tell whether it is real or just a ploy for more treats.
Keep your dog healthy this Halloween by following these safety tips. Taking the necessary precautions will keep your dog from harm.
Discover the clinical symptoms of anemia in dogs, why the condition occurs, how its diagnosed & treated, and how you can help with prevention in your dog.
Discover reasons why your dog might be acting lethargic or not enjoying play & exercise like he used to, as well as when you should consult his vet.
Learn everything you need to know about cataracts in dogs, including common symptoms of the condition, breeds most at risk, and how they can be treated.
Are you paying enough attention to dog oral care? Learn some great ways to keep your dog's teeth & gums healthy, including a guide for brushing his teeth.
You love your dog, and you want to spoil him with treats all year round without compromising his health. What are the best safe dog biscuits?
Learn about dwarfism in dogs, including types of this condition, breeds that are prone to developing it & general effects dwarfism has on a dog's health.
Learn the the dangers of feeding your dog chocolate, which types are most dangerous, and what to do if you discover that they have consumed chocolate.
Does shaming your dog have a positive effect, or are you just encouraging more bad behavior? Learn more about how he interprets feelings of guilt & shame.
Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.
Learn about the many causes of your dog's itching, from fleas and ticks to allergies. Explore how you can prevent and address these problems in your dog.
Why do dogs like belly rubs? Learn what your dog is really telling you when he wants a belly rub (and why other dogs may not want one).
Discover how common dental disease is in dogs and what you can do to help prevent it happening to your dog.
Learn what to do if your dog is experiencing constipation or an inability to pee. If he isn't going at least twice a day, learn what steps you should take.
Discover why some dogs love to chow down on the cold stuff, whether eating snow is safe, and tips for getting them to stop.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool