Why is My Dog Digging

Sylvia Koczerzuk Koczerzuk Author

Aug 19, 2025 |

Discover why dogs dig — from instincts to stress — and learn practical, positive solutions to keep both your dog and your garden happy.

Digging Isn’t “Bad Behaviour”

If your dog has turned your backyard into a minefield, you’re not alone. Digging is one of the most common complaints I hear as a dog behaviour consultant. Before you throw in the towel on your flowerbeds, it’s important to understand one thing: digging is normal dog behaviour.

Dogs don’t dig to upset us. They dig because their genetics, emotions, and environment all point them in that direction. The good news? Once we understand why, we can make a plan that meets their needs without sacrificing your yard.

Top Reasons Dogs Dig

1. Instinct and Breed Tendencies

Dogs are born to dig. —they’ve been bred to chase or burrow after prey. If you’ve got one of these dogs, you’ve basically got a four-legged excavator. Some dogs were literally bred to dig. Terriers, Dachshunds, and Huskies are natural-born excavators. Terriers hunted underground prey. Huskies dug cool resting spots in the snow. If you share your home with a dog, expect digging to be in their DNA.

2. Boredom or Lack of Enrichment

Picture this: your dog is left in the yard with nothing to do. What happens? They start making their own fun. Digging becomes DIY entertainment. If mental and physical needs aren’t being met, the ground becomes a perfect canvas for creativity.

3. Temperature Regulation

Dogs are clever. On hot days, they dig to find cool soil to lie in. On cold days, they may burrow for warmth. It’s nature’s version of air conditioning and central heating combined.

4. Hunting Behaviour

If your dog smells or hears critters underground—like moles or chipmunks—their inner predator comes alive. Digging is their way of trying to “catch” what’s under the surface.

5. Stress or Anxiety

For some dogs, digging is self-soothing. Just as humans might fidget or tap their feet, dogs dig to release stress, frustration, or even separation anxiety.

What You Can Do to Help

The key isn’t to stop digging entirely but to redirect it and reduce the motivation behind it. Here are some positive, practical steps:

🧩 Increase Enrichment

Provide more mental and physical outlets. Use puzzle toys, scent games, and training sessions. Try scatter feeding or “find it” games in the yard so your dog gets to dig with their nose instead of their paws.

🪣 Create a Dig Zone

Set up a sandbox or a designated area where digging is allowed. Bury toys or treats to encourage your dog to use this spot. Think of it as creating a “yes zone” instead of a constant “no.”

👀 Supervise Yard Time

Especially for young or new dogs, don’t assume the yard will keep them entertained responsibly. Supervision helps prevent bad habits from forming and keeps digging under control.

🔄 Check the Bigger Picture

Ask yourself: is my dog’s overall routine balanced with exercise, rest, and emotional needs? Dogs who are overstimulated, under-exercised, or not given enough calm activities are more likely to dig out of frustration.

🌱 Address Stress and Anxiety

If digging feels frantic or tied to alone-time, it could be anxiety-driven. Use calmness protocols, predictable routines, and safe spaces to help your dog settle.

Digging with Understanding

When your dog digs, they aren’t being “naughty.” They’re simply expressing natural behaviours. By understanding the reasons—whether instinct, boredom, temperature, hunting, or stress—you can create a plan that respects both your dog’s needs and your garden’s survival.

Remember: a happy dog isn’t one without instincts, it’s one whose instincts are guided in the right direction.

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Final Thought

If digging has become a bigger challenge in your household, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Walkabout Canine Consulting, I help dog guardians create calm, connected lives with their dogs—holes in the yard not included.

Categories: : Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant Dog Behaviour Consultant Dog Training and Behaviour Animal Behaviour Consulting Fear-Free Dog Training Positive Reinforcement Training Dog Trainer and Behaviourist Pet Behaviour Solutions Dog Aggression Management Anxiet, digging in dogs, positive dog training