How to Deal with Digging

 
Two terrier-type dogs dig in golden sand against a blue sky background. Text blow reads "Professional Dog Trainer Tips on How to Deal with Digging"
 

Does your dog tear up the garden, burrow into the couch or wear out your rugs with digging? You’re in good company! Digging is an extremely common behavior for dogs of all ages and breeds. In the right context it can be great watching your pup have a blast digging and zooming around, but it’s a little less ideal when they’re re-landscaping your yard for you. Let’s dig in! (Get it?? Like dogs diggi - sorry,  moving on.)

Why do dogs dig?

Whether we like it or not, digging is a normal, natural behavior for dogs. There are many different functions that a behavior like digging might serve. Dogs might dig to uncover interesting sights, sounds or smells. Some categories of dogs were even bred selectively for their digging and hunting abilities to find game underground. If you have a terrier or hound breed, you can bet they’ll enjoy digging at any opportunity! In the hotter months, you may notice your dog digging a shallow hole for the opportunity to lay in the cool dirt as a way to regulate their temperature. Other pups may dig holes to hide treasured chews or toys; you may also see your dog “bury” items in couch cushions or blankets.

We have had some pet parents swear up and down that their dog is digging just to get a rise out of them. While your dog is probably not trying to intentionally upset you, it is possible they’ve learned to get your attention by doing behaviors you dislike and react to! If you suspect this is true for your pup, ask yourself: Does your dog only seem to dig when you’re watching them? What happens right after they dig?

 
A black and white border collie digs in the sand on the beach.
 


How do I stop my dog from digging?

You don’t. Wait, don’t close this tab yet! Like we said earlier, digging is a normal dog behavior. Stopping a natural behavior completely is not only difficult, we would argue it isn’t fair for your dog. Instead of focusing your efforts on correcting or stopping the behavior of digging, we suggest channeling it into more appropriate outlets.

Build a Dig Pit

If you have a yard, patio, balcony, or any other kind of outdoor space, we highly recommend setting your dog up with a dig pit! You can either pick one established section of the yard, or you can build one yourself. You’ll need something to contain the digging material, and some kind of substrate. Entice your dog to this particular area by hiding treats, chews, and toys inside. You can do a little experimentation to find the best setup for your individual dog!

Frame Ideas:

  • Wood or metal planter bed

  • Plastic wading pool

  • XXL Litterbox

  • Large storage bin

  • Cinderblock or brick

Substrate Ideas:

  • Loose soil (with no fertilizers or toxic additives!)

  • Playground sand

What if I don’t have a yard?

Not all of us are lucky enough to have the space for a traditional dig pit, but we can still get creative! Some less-mess options to fill a pool or container for apartment dwellers (or anyone who doesn’t necessarily want their dog covered in dirt in the wet winter months) include:

  • Ball pits

  • Shredded or crumpled paper

  • Layers of towels or blankets

  • iDig or other commercial digging toys

 
A blue merle Australian Shepherd puppy with one brown eye and one blue eye stands and looks at the camera inside a colorful ball pit.
 

If nothing quite beats the real deal, consider taking special field trips to the closest dog-friendly beach or other sandy area and let your pup go to town! Do you need help creating an enrichment plan for your dog? Check out our eBook Let Dogs Be Dogs for tips and tricks on working through behavior problems using enrichment! 

Still need help with your dog’s behaviors, or want to get started with dog training? Schedule a free discovery call with us!

Olivia Healy