Top 6 Reasons for Dog Digging—Plus Effective Solutions

UK Pets Blog Does your garden resemble an archaeological excavation site? Your dog digging holes in your lawn is not just due to instinct; it can also be an acquired behaviour. There are many reasons why your canine buddy would burrow into the ground. Some of them are actually acceptable. For those that are not, the solution for the undesirable behaviour is also based on its specific trigger. To effectively stop the canine excavation, it is important to understand why your pet is engaged in this tunnelling behaviour. We have laid out the possible causes for dog digging and how you can help him stop.

Your dog is in hunting mode

Your canine buddy may have noticed insects or a burrowing animal somewhere on your lawn, thus triggering a hunting expedition. You will know if the burrowing is due to hunting when the holes are focused on the roots of bushes or trees. The same is the case if the excavation only involves one area, which usually is not at the boundary of your garden. The layout of the digging also follows a certain path. Solution:

• Locate the burrowing creatures in your garden, particularly at the dig sites. Then, find safe ways to fence the said animals out of your garden or make the area unpleasant for them.
• Avoid using poison as your pooch may also be exposed to the said hazard.

 

Your canine friend is bored

If you leave your pet alone in the garden for a long time without toys to play with, he is likely to dig. Dogs need their share of physical and mental stimulation. If they are not getting both, they are likely to engage in undesirable behaviour.

Solution:

• Provide your dog chew toys to keep him busy enough to forgo digging.
• Set aside playtime with your pooch. You should play with him as often as you can.
• Take your dog for a walk every day. If you have a high-energy pet, such as a terrier, walk him at least two times daily.
• Train your dog to follow certain commands or do simple tricks. Spend about 5–10 minutes daily teaching him a new skill.

Know the energy level of your canine companion so you know how much you need to challenge him physically. If your dog is not getting enough exercise, he is still prone to misbehaving. If you are unable to spare more time exercising your pooch, increase the intensity of the exercise.

Your dog wants some attention

If your pet only digs when you are present, he is probably doing it to make you focus on him. This is especially if he keeps getting reprimanded for such behaviour. The disciplining allows him to get your attention.

Solution:

• Spend more time with your dog. Take him out for a longer walk or playtime.
• Give praise or rewards to your canine buddy whenever he shows good behaviour.
• Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and cope with it by digging. A way to deal with this is spending more time with him, as mentioned earlier.

 

Your dog is feeling the heat

Do you find your dog scratching on the ground and lying on the unearthed area on hot days? Do the typical dig sites include the base of large trees, building foundations, and water sources? It is likely that he just wants to cool himself down.

Solution:

• If your dog spends a long time in the garden during the day, build a comfortable outdoor shelter. This should safeguard your dog from both the cold and heat.
• Take your furry friend indoors more often, especially during bad weathers.
• If your dog is outdoors, always give him easy access to fresh water.

 

Your furry friend wants to escape

Are the dig sites found along or under your fence? That tells you that your pooch wants to get away. He may be trying to avoid something unpleasant or he is scared, or he is curious about what is happening beyond the fence. If your dog has not been neutered yet, he is probably trying to get to another dog.

Solution:

• Embed chicken wire under the fence. The direction of the sharp edges must be away from your yard.
• Put a chain-link barrier at the bottom of your fence. This will make walking along the perimeter unpleasant for your canine escape artist.

Your dog is a dedicated digger

Some dog breeds, such as the dachshund, beagle, border collie, and those in the Terrier group, are natural excavators. Digging is in their genes as they are bred to hunt below the ground. As such, they will still burrow despite many attempts to correct such behaviour. Rather than prevent these breeds from doing what is very natural to them, teach them to dig appropriately.

Solution:

• Assign a burrowing pit for your dig-happy dog. Put his favourite toys and treats in it. You can bury some of them at a shallow depth. Once he uncovers the treat, give him lots of praises.
• Make other areas of your yard unappealing to your pooch. You can bury his stool about one inch below the ground at various areas, for example. You can also spread some pepper or citrus to deter his nose.
• Train your dog to dig in the designated place with treats and rewards.

  Dogs sometimes dig into their beds. Animal behaviour specialist Dr Elizabeth Stelow explains that scratching at soft flooring, bedding, or even your upholstered furniture can be nesting behaviour. It is similar to unearthing dirt to make a comfy nest, giving them a sense of safety. Even if the digging is unnecessary, dogs are still likely to do it with indoor furnishings. This is because the burrowing behaviour is deeply ingrained in their DNA. You should never let your pet see you covering up the holes. He will think that you are approving his behaviour as you seem to be ‘playing’ with the dirt. You should also never ‘stake out’ your pet at the pit that he has dug. Also, avoid punishing your dog after a dig as it is already too late. The correction must be done during the act and should be done with a calm yet confident demeanour. The burrowing will worsen if your dog is fuelled by anxiety or fear.