7 Easy Tricks To Stop Dog Digging (Guaranteed)

1. Why Do Dogs Dig?

Before solving the problem, it helps to understand why your dog is digging.

Dogs don’t dig out of spite—they do it to meet a need or follow an instinct.

Once you know the reason, it’s easier to stop.

Common Reasons Dogs Dig:

1. Instinct

Digging comes naturally to many dogs.

Some breeds, like Terriers, were bred to dig for burrowing animals, like rabbits and moles.

Fun Fact: Your dog’s digging habits might be genetic! Breeds like Dachshunds and Huskies are natural diggers.

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2. Boredom

Dogs with excess energy often dig to entertain themselves.

If your dog is digging out of boredom, they’re simply looking for something to do.

3. Comfort

Digging helps dogs cool off in hot weather or create a cozy spot to rest.

You might notice this behavior in shaded areas or near the cool earth under bushes.

4. Anxiety

Dogs with separation anxiety may dig near fences or doors as an escape attempt.

Quick Insight: Dogs often dig when left alone for too long. It’s due to anxiety.

2. Provide a Digging Zone

Instead of fighting your dog’s instincts, channel their energy. Find a better outlet.

A designated digging area lets them satisfy their urge without ruining your yard.

How to Create a Digging Zone:

Choose a spot in your yard with soft soil.
Bury toys, bones, or treats in the area to encourage digging there.
Praise your dog every time they dig in the designated zone.

Pro Tip: Use sand or loose dirt to make the area easier to dig.

Fun Fact: Dogs are more likely to dig in areas that smell interesting, so burying treats works wonders!

3. Keep Them Busy with Exercise and Toys

A tired dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog doesn’t dig.

One of the best ways to prevent digging is to provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Ways to Tire Out Your Dog:

Take them on daily walks or runs.
Play fetch or tug-of-war to burn off excess energy.
Use puzzle toys or treat-dispensing games to challenge their minds.

Quick Insight: Dogs with mental stimulation are 60% less likely to dig.

Example: If your dog spends their energy chasing a ball, they’ll be too tired to dig up your yard later!

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4. Make the Spot Less Appealing

Dogs tend to dig in the same spots over and over.

By making those areas less attractive, you can discourage the behavior entirely.

Simple Deterrents to Try:

Citrus Spray: Dogs dislike strong scents like lemon or orange. Spray these in problem areas to deter digging.
Chicken Wire: Lay wire just beneath the surface of the soil. Dogs dislike the feel of it on their paws.
Rocks or Gravel: Cover frequently dug spots with heavy stones or gravel to block access.

Fun Fact: Dogs’ noses are so sensitive they avoid strong scents, like vinegar or citrus.

Quick Tip: Always use pet-safe products when choosing deterrents.

5. Address Separation Anxiety

If your dog digs near fences or doors when you’re away, it might be a sign of separation anxiety.

Addressing their anxiety can stop digging and improve their overall well-being.

How to Help an Anxious Dog:

Calming Routines: Establish a consistent schedule with calming activities before leaving.
Crate Training: Create a safe, cozy space for your dog to relax when you’re not home.
Desensitization: Gradually increase the time your dog spends alone to reduce their anxiety.

Quick Insight: Dogs with anxiety often dig to escape.

So, it’s key to provide reassurance and security.

Pro Tip: If your dog’s anxiety persists, consult a trainer or vet.

6. Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to stop unwanted digging.

When you catch your dog being good, reward them right away.

It will reinforce the behavior.

How to Use Rewards:

Praise your dog when they dig in their designated zone or play with toys instead of digging.
Offer treats, belly rubs, or playtime as rewards.

Fun Fact: Dogs are more likely to repeat behaviors that earn them praise or treats!

Quick Tip: Timing matters—reward your dog as soon as they make the right choice.

7. Supervise and Redirect

The easiest way to stop digging is to catch your dog in the act.

Supervise them in the yard. Redirect them if they start digging.

Steps for Supervision and Redirection:

Keep an eye on your dog while they’re outside.
If they start digging, call them away using a cheerful tone.
Offer an alternative, like a toy or their designated digging zone.

Example: If your dog begins to dig near a fence, redirect them with a game of fetch instead.

Fun Fact: Most dogs stop digging within 2 weeks of watchful, redirecting.

Pro Tip: Patience is key—redirecting takes time, but it pays off with a dig-free yard.

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How Different Breeds Approach Digging

Digging isn’t just random—it’s often influenced by your dog’s breed and instincts.

Some breeds were developed for hunting or working. Digging is in their genes.

1. Terriers: The Natural Burrowers

Terriers were bred to hunt and flush out small animals from underground burrows.

Their strong paws and high energy make them expert diggers. They often dig when bored or curious.

How to Manage Terrier Digging:

Provide a designated digging area where they can satisfy their instincts.
Hide toys or treats in the digging zone to make it more appealing.
Engage them in activities like fetch or tug-of-war to burn off excess energy.

Pro Tip: Terriers need mental stimulation. Puzzle toys can help curb their digging.

Fun Fact: “Terrier” comes from the Latin word terra, meaning earth.

It reflects their digging skills!

2. Huskies: The Climate Coolers

Huskies have a natural tendency to dig, often to create cool resting spots.

In the Arctic, snow dug into provided insulation and protection.

How to Manage Husky Digging:

On hot days, provide cooling mats or shaded areas to discourage digging for comfort.
Bored Huskies are more likely to dig. So, give them plenty of exercise.

Pro Tip: Huskies are escape artists. If they’re digging near fences, they may be trying to escape—ensure your yard is secure.

Fun Fact: Huskies can dig impressively deep holes in a short time, so catching the behavior early is key!

3. Dachshunds: The Underground Hunters

Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers. They have long bodies and strong paws for digging.

They may dig out of instinct or simply because they find it fun.

How to Manage Dachshund Digging:

Provide digging toys or a sandbox to redirect their natural behavior.
Incorporate activities like scent games, which satisfy their hunting instincts without the mess.

Quick Insight: Dachshunds are small but determined.

They are known for digging in soil and in blankets, cushions, or bedding.

Fun Fact: “Dachshund” means “badger dog” in German. It highlights their digging skills.

4. Retrievers: The Boredom Busters

Labradors and Golden Retrievers may not have been bred to dig, but they often do so out of boredom or excess energy.

Their digging is less instinct-driven and more about finding entertainment.

How to Manage Retriever Digging:

Increase their daily exercise with long walks, fetch, or swimming sessions.
Use treat-dispensing toys to engage their problem-solving skills.

Pro Tip: Retrievers are social dogs.

Spending more time with them can reduce loneliness-related digging.

Fun Fact: Retrievers sometimes dig to bury their toys or bones.

They do this to mimic their ancestors’ food-storing habits.

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When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, digging can indicate deeper behavioral or health issues.

If you’ve tried everything and your dog still digs excessively, it might be time to call in an expert.

Signs You Might Need Help:

1. Persistent Digging Despite Training:

If your dog keeps digging after weeks of work, they may need a pro.

2. Signs of Anxiety or Obsessive Behavior:

Dogs who dig excessively may be showing signs of stress or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Example: A dog that repeatedly digs in the same spot, even when redirected, might need specialized behavior training.

Options for Professional Support:

1. Dog Trainers:

Trainers can teach your dog alternative behaviors and improve impulse control.

2. Veterinary Behaviorists:

If digging causes anxiety, a vet behaviorist can help. They can suggest medication or therapy.

Pro Tip: Act early. Fixing the problem before it worsens boosts success.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning dog owners sometimes make mistakes when trying to stop digging.

Avoid these pitfalls to see faster, more lasting results:

1. Punishing After the Fact

Dogs don’t connect punishment to past actions, so scolding them hours after digging won’t help.

2. Ignoring the Root Cause

To stop digging, we must address its cause, such as boredom or anxiety.

Quick Tip: Focus on prevention and redirection rather than scolding or punishment.

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Why Stopping Digging Matters

Stopping your dog’s digging isn’t just about saving your yard—it’s about their safety too.

Why It’s Important:

Prevents damage to your lawn, garden, and property.
Keeps your dog safe from harmful plants, pesticides, or buried objects.
Reduces frustration and strengthens your bond with your dog.

Fun Fact: Dogs that dig near fences are often trying to escape, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Conclusion

Digging might be natural for dogs, but it doesn’t have to mean chaos for your yard.

You can redirect their energy into positive behaviors.

To do this, understand their instincts and use these 7 tricks.

The key is consistency, patience, and a little creativity.

Now it’s your turn: What’s your best tip for stopping dog digging?

Share your ideas in the comments below!

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