If you’ve got a digging dog, you’re no doubt familiar with the sight of your carefully manicured garden covered in holes and soil. One minute the grass looks great, and the next, it’s scattered everywhere.
Digging isn’t bad behaviour. It’s not defiance or revenge. It’s natural. Dogs dig for a reason, and most of the time it makes perfect sense to them, even if it doesn’t to us. Once you figure out why your dog’s doing it, you can manage it much more easily.
Why Dogs Dig
Some dogs dig because it’s just what they were bred to do, terriers and similar breeds were made for it, their ancestors chased animals underground, and that instinct hasn’t gone anywhere.
Others dig because it feels nice. Cool soil on a warm day, soft dirt to curl up in when it’s cold, or just the smell and texture, it’s satisfying. Puppies might do it because they’re exploring the world, while adult dogs might do it to release extra energy.
Sometimes digging is about stress, if a dog’s left alone for a long time or doesn’t have enough to do, they’ll make their own fun, for some dogs, that means rearranging the flowerbeds. For others, it’s a way to stay busy when they’re feeling uneasy.
And honestly, some dogs just enjoy it. There doesn’t always have to be a deeper reason.
Finding the Cause
If you want to stop the digging, the first step is figuring out what’s behind it, watch your dog for a few days, notice when and where it happens. Is it while you’re away? Near the fence? Only when the weather changes?
Patterns help a lot, for example, digging under the fence could mean they’re trying to follow a scent, digging in shady spots might be about staying cool, a puppy who digs right after playtime might just be excited and full of energy. Once you understand the “why,” everything else becomes easier.
Give Them a Better Option
Punishing a dog for digging doesn’t really work, it might stop them in the moment, but it doesn’t tell them what they should do, a better approach is to give them a place where digging’s actually okay.
You can set up a sandpit or section off a part of the garden where they’re allowed to dig, hide a few toys or treats there, and praise them when they use it, most dogs will learn quickly that this is the fun spot.
If the digging comes from boredom, try adding more enrichment, things like sniffing walks, puzzle feeders, and short training sessions can make a big difference, dogs who use their brains during the day are usually calmer at home.
Protecting the Garden
There are a few easy ways to protect your garden too. Cover bare soil with plants or stones, since those areas are tempting targets. In problem spots, you can put a bit of mesh just under the surface so it’s harder to dig there, it doesn’t hurt the dog; it just changes the texture.
If your dog’s digging to cool off, make sure they’ve got a shaded place to lie down, in winter, a warm, dry shelter can stop comfort digging.
Dogs who dig near fences are often reacting to sounds or smells on the other side, try blocking gaps or reinforcing the boundary.
Helping Anxious Dogs
If the digging feels stress-related, focus on creating calm and routine, keep walk and feed times consistent so your dog knows what to expect. When you go out, leave something comforting behind, maybe a chew toy or something that smells like you.
Some owners play low music or leave the radio on to mask outside noises, it doesn’t fix everything, but it can help dogs who don’t like silence.
If your dog still seems anxious, it’s worth getting professional advice. A behaviourist can help identify the cause and suggest ways to reduce that tension safely.
Redirect the Energy
When you catch your dog digging, don’t shout or rush over angrily, that usually just makes them confused or nervous. Instead, call them calmly and guide them to something better. Offer a toy, play a quick game, or take them to their digging spot. Then praise them for listening.
You can even make a game out of digging. Fill a box with sand, soil, or even shredded paper, and hide treats in it, it satisfies the same instinct in a way that’s safe for your home and garden.
When to Get Help
If the digging is constant, destructive, or paired with other stress behaviours like pacing or barking, it’s time to ask for help. A qualified trainer or behaviourist can look at your dog’s lifestyle and help you make changes that fit your home.
Final Thoughts
A digging dog isn’t being difficult. They’re expressing natural instincts that sometimes don’t match our idea of a tidy garden. Once you understand why it’s happening, you can channel that behaviour into something more manageable.
Be patient, stay calm, and celebrate small improvements. With the right guidance, your dog can still enjoy digging without leaving your yard looking like a construction site.