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Your dog is at it again—digging another hole in the yard! Your lawn can only take so much, right? Stopping your dog from digging depends on why they’re doing it.
While digging can be frustrating, it’s not something to panic about. “Digging is a normal canine behavior,” says Lauren Sharkey, a dog behaviorist at Winnie’s World.
You might already know dogs dig to burn energy, cool off, or bury treasures. But below, we’ll break it down step-by-step, making it easier to figure out how to stop your dog from digging. Plus, we’ll focus on practical solutions, not just the “what” but the “how.”
Why Dogs Dig
“Digging isn’t a ‘bad’ behavior; it’s your dog showing an emotional or physical need,” explains Caroline Wilkinson, a certified animal behaviorist and founder of Barket Place. She says to pay attention to when your dogs dig to pin down the reason why, such as:
- Instincts (denning, hunting)
- Boredom
- Comfort (cooling off, warmth)
- Stress or anxiety
- Hiding treasures (toys, treats)
- Fun
- Prey drive (moles, gophers)
- Escape
- Genetics
- Nesting
- Search for food or nutrition in the soil
- Barrier frustration
8 Ways to Stop Digging
Dogs dig for all sorts of reasons, but with the right approach, you can help them stop. With patience and the right strategies, your pup will spend more time playing—and less time digging! Here’s how:
1. Redirect their energy
If your dog is bored or seeking attention, redirect their focus with fun activities. Don’t worry—finding the right solution can take some experimenting.
To help, Sharkey says to pinpoint what they were bred to do. For example, tracking breeds like Bloodhounds or Beagles might enjoy scent games instead of digging.
2. Increase daily exercise
A tired dog is less likely to dig! Make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise, and keep it simple! For example, you could go on longer walks, play frisbee at the park, or throw fetch toys for them to chase.
Don’t have time or are a little too worn out? A dog walker or an automatic ball launcher can help in a pinch!
3. Provide engaging toys
Your dog’s mental energy needs an outlet, too! Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and snuffle mats can keep your pup busy.
Try toys that let them “burrow” or chase to satisfy natural instincts. Self-moving toys fit the bill perfectly!
4. Supervise outdoor time
Dogs are more likely to dig when left alone outside. Rather than letting them play freely, start monitoring yard time.
“Avoid letting your dog into spaces where they like to dig for prolonged periods on their own,” Wilkinson says. She suggests keeping an eye on them or using a long training leash to guide their behavior.
5. Reward non-digging behavior
Instead of scolding or punishing your dog when they dig, praise your dog when they stop.
Positive reinforcement staples like training treats or belly rubs can teach them that staying calm earns rewards.
6. Redirect in the moment
Wilkinson says to establish positive interruptors to immediately redirect their digging, like their name or a tongue click.
Once they focus on you, distract them with their favorite toy or have them perform a trick!
7. Teach commands like “leave it” or “stop”
Besides redirection, basic obedience training can help pet parents with their digger.
Commands like “leave it” or “stop” can stop digging on the spot. Practice these regularly to reinforce them.
8. Address environmental triggers
Believe it or not, Sharkey says hot or cold weather might encourage digging. The soil below the surface is cooler than the warm top dirt, and a freshly dug hole is a great place to chill.
On hot days, use cooling mats or vests, dog pools, and frozen toys. For chilly weather, create a cozy indoor den with blankets or a cave bed.
What If My Dog Won’t Stop Digging?
If your dog keeps digging no matter what, it might be time to get professional help.
“Enlisting the support of an ethical trainer or behavior practitioner can help you to find different approaches to tackle this issue,” Wilkinson says. This is especially important if anxiety is causing your dog to dig.
If your dog suddenly starts digging and never did before, a trip to the vet is a good idea to rule out any medical problems.
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How to Dig-Proof Your Yard
There’s no one-size-fits-all way to dig-proof your yard. Here are the most common:
Purchase barriers
Barriers like Dig Defence (sturdy metal stakes) can block off digging zones. These stakes come in packs of 4, 10, or 25 and can also keep out wildlife like rabbits or foxes.
Make sure any fences or barriers are free of sharp edges that could harm your dog.
Use natural blockers
Sometimes, the best barriers are the ones you already have in your yard. For example, line up large pots filled with dog-safe plants to block areas where your dog digs. Fill any gaps between pots with big rocks to make it harder for your pup to squeeze through.
If your dog digs through barriers, Sharkey says to circle back and figure out what’s causing the digging. “Prevention is only one part of tackling the problem,” she adds.
Avoid unsafe deterrents
While tempting, don’t use strong-smelling substances like vinegar, lemon juice, coffee grounds, or spices. These and many others can be unsafe for dogs and might make them avoid the yard entirely.
Sharkey says to always check with a vet before using these kinds of products. If you choose to use deterrents, your dog might burn off their energy in a different way, like barking. Wilkinson says this is especially true for anxious or frustrated diggers.
What Doesn’t Work to Stop Dog Digging?
When nothing seems to stop your dog from digging, it’s tempting to try tips you find online. But not all advice is safe or helpful.
- Shock collars: These are a big no. Wilkinson says punishment collars, like shock collars, are unethical and don’t teach your dog a better behavior. They can also lead to stress, aggression, and other long-term issues.
- Burying dog poop: Some suggest planting poop in digging spots to discourage your dog. But “some dogs enjoy eating poop, so [this] may have no effect at all,” Sharkey says. Your dog will likely just find another spot to dig.
- Dog socks or booties: Covering your dog’s paws might seem like a clever idea, but they’ll still likely dig—and the socks will probably get torn. Plus, if your dog hates wearing them, Sharkey says it could cause frustration and lead to even more digging or other unwanted behaviors.
Instead of trying these methods, focus on understanding why your dog digs and work on meeting their needs. That’s the best way to stop the behavior!
How to Set Up a Designated Digging Area
A special “dig pit” gives your dog a place to dig without wrecking your yard. Here’s how to set one up:
- Choose a spot: Use a child’s sandbox or pick an area in your yard.
- Prepare the pit: Fill it with sand or loose soil. If digging directly into the ground, clear at least 18 inches (45 cm) of dirt and refill it with sand or soil.
- Bury treasures: Hide toys or chews for your dog to uncover.
Training your dog to use the dig pit is easy! “Direct them to the digging area to show them what’s there, and reward them when they dig in that place,” Sharkey says. If they go back to old digging spots, gently guide them to the pit and reward them again. Over time, they’ll lose interest in digging anywhere else!
Takeaway
Stopping your dog from digging takes time and patience. While Wilkinson says it’s natural to feel frustrated, remember that digging is a normal dog behavior—they’re not doing anything wrong. “We just need to direct that energy in another direction,” she adds.
If the digging doesn’t stop and you’re out of ideas, don’t hesitate to ask a professional for help. There’s no shame in getting expert advice—that’s what they’re there for!
