Is your dog leaving big holes all over your backyard? It can be frustrating if it is destroying your beautiful landscaping and it can also be dangerous if your dog is digging under the fence and escaping. There are a variety of reasons dogs dig. We will go through each one and provide solutions to help stop them in their digging tracks.
Why do dogs dig?
Digging is a common, instinctive behaviour in dogs. Understanding why dogs dig is the first step towards changing their behaviour. So why do dogs dig:
Escape – dogs can dig along the fence line to get away from something or to get to somewhere or something more exciting ie. anxiety, searching for a playmate, returning to a favourite spot.
Comfort & protection – dogs can dig holes in the ground to lie in the cool dirt during hot weather. They can also dig holes to provide shelter from the elements. Dogs can dig to bury bones or other toys they want to keep safe.
Attention – if your dog is digging in your presence or getting limited time with you, they may be digging for attention.
Entertainment – if your dog is left alone for long periods of time, their backyard has no toys or they aren’t getting regular exercise, they may be seeking entertainment in place of their boredom.
Prey – using their amazing sense of smell and sound, dogs can detect things that we can’t as humans. They may be digging for rodents, beetles and other critters crawling underground.
How do I stop my dog digging?
Escape
If your dog is digging along the fence line, it’s very likely they are trying to escape. This can be dangerous, particularly if they manage to dig through to the other side and get out of your backyard.
What to do if your dog is digging to escape
Safe backyard - make sure your backyard is safe and provides suitable shelter and plenty of fresh water.
Entertainment - your backyard needs to be an appealing place for your dog to be with plenty of toys. You can make your backyard more entertaining by offering puzzle toys or safe chew toys that take time and energy to play with.
Exercise - is your dog getting daily physical exercise to expend their energy?
Why are they escaping - determine where your dog is going when they escape, if possible. Or listen out for possible sounds or things that may be triggering them to escape. If you can determine why they are escaping you may be able to remove the temptation.
Temporary solution - you can cover their digging spot with large rocks or chicken wire temporarily until you can correct their behaviour. Make sure there are no broken pieces or sharp edges sticking out.
Training - if you catch your dog in the act, tell them a firm “no” and reward them when they stop. You can redirect them to their own digging box/zone using a child sized sandbox. When they use this zone, reward them. You can also take them over to their digging zone if you catch them in the act.
Anxiety - some dogs will try to escape if they are anxious in your backyard or scared of being alone. Once you have checked the backyard is safe and appealing you need to build up their confidence in stages and reward them. Start out slowly by leaving your dog alone for short periods of time such as 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Once they are comfortable with short amounts of time, gradually increase ie. 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour. Keep increasing the time you spend away until you can leave for the full amount of time that you require without any problems. Also, refer to our article; 5 Tips to Help your Pet through Separation Anxiety.
Comfort & protection
If the holes are close to your home, in a shady spot or near a water source they may be seeking comfort & protection. Especially if they then lie in the hole.
What to do if your dog is digging for comfort & protection
Suitable shelter - your backyard needs to provide suitable shelter from the elements. This needs to be weatherproof offering shade during hot weather and a warm, dry shelter during the cooler months.
Shade & fresh water - does your dog have access to fresh water and shady spots in your garden to relax?
Bring them indoors - more often to provide them with the protection they are seeking.
Digging box/zone - if your dog is digging to protect their favourite toy or bone you can offer them their own digging box/zone using a child sized sandbox. When they use this zone, reward them. You can also take them over to their digging zone if you catch them in the act.
Attention
Your dog may be digging for attention if they dig in your company or if they get limited time with you.
What to do if your dog is digging for attention
Exercise - is your dog getting daily physical exercise to expend their energy?
Entertainment - you can make your backyard more entertaining by offering puzzle toys or safe chew toys that take time and energy to play with. Rotate toys to keep it interesting.
A better activity - each time you catch your dog digging, redirect their behaviour to a better activity such as fetching a ball, frisbee or general playtime.
Training sessions - in your backyard are another way to offer them mental stimulation and bonding time with you. This will change their perception of the backyard as somewhere fun and enjoyable.
Outings - take your dog on outings such as to the beach or local park. Just check the regulations before going to make sure dogs are allowed and if they need to be on a lead.
Quality time together - spend time bonding with you dog. This can include grooming, cuddling, patting, playing, training and exercising. Dogs are social animals and crave this special time. Spending time with your dog offers a number of health benefits in return.
Entertainment
Dogs may be digging for entertainment if they are left alone in the backyard for long periods of time, without company or toys. If they have no outlets for releasing their energy such as daily walks or playtime it can cause them to dig for entertainment. Dogs can also see you gardening and learn that digging around can be fun.
What to do if your dog is digging for entertainment
Exercise - walk your dog at least once a day, for more active breeds twice a day may be needed.
Playtime - play with your dog as often as possible with active toys such as balls and frisbees.
Teach a new trick - this will provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation. Keep training sessions short and fun. You may like to incorporate a 5 minute training session into each day.
Obedience class - take your dog to an obedience class and practice what your learn throughout the week.
Outings - take your dog on outings such as to the beach or local park. Just check the regulations before going to make sure dogs are allowed and if they need to be on a lead.
Entertainment - you can make your backyard more entertaining by offering puzzle toys or safe chew toys that take time and energy to play with. Rotate toys to keep it interesting.
Prey
Dogs often dig to catch burrowing animals or insects in your backyard. You will know this is the case if they are focused on a single area rather than the fence line of your backyard. It can often be around the roots of trees or shrubs.
What to do if your dog is digging for prey
Burrowing animals - depending on what they are digging for you can try to use safe humane methods to make your backyard less attractive for burrowing animals or insects, however this is not always possible.
A better activity - if you catch your dog digging, try to distract them with a loud noise like clapping your hands to break their attention. Once you have their attention, you can redirect their behaviour to something more appropriate. This can include chasing a ball, frisbee or play. You can also toss a handful of treats over the ground for them to search out and eat.
Digging box/zone - teach your dog to dig in their own digging box/zone using a child sized sandbox. When they use this zone, reward them. You can also take them over to their digging zone if you catch them in the act.
Creating a digging zone for your dog
If you dog is determined to dig, you may decide to set up a designated digging zone where you are comfortable for them to dig away!
Set up a child sized sandbox in your backyard. Cover the sandbox with loose soil or sand.
Make their digging zone attractive by hiding some toys for them to discover.
Reward them when they are using their digging zone.
If you catch them digging in an inappropriate area, tell them a firm “no” and take them to their digging zone.
Make their traditional digging spots less attractive by filling them up with large rocks or placing chicken wire over them.
Never punish your dog for digging
Whilst your dogs digging may frustrate you or cause concern that they are going to escape you should never punish your dog for this behaviour. Punishing your dog will not only provide them with attention, it may also make the digging worse by motivating them with fear or anxiety. Also never use harsh sprays or chemicals to deter them from digging.
Whilst digging is a common, natural behaviour for dogs it can be frustrating and dangerous if it results in them escaping. If you are not having any success in preventing your dog from digging, get in touch with your local veterinarian or a behavioural professional.