2025-06-10
You step outside, ready to enjoy a nice, peaceful afternoon in your yard, only to find craters scattered all over your lawn! Does this sound familiar to you?
If your dog has suddenly developed a passion for digging, you are probably wondering what’s going on.
Dogs dig for various reasons, and understanding why your furry friend is doing it will help you find the best way to address the behavior.
Digging is second nature to many dogs. Throughout history, certain breeds were bred to burrow, track underground prey, or navigate tough terrains. Even if your dog has never been much of a digger before, certain triggers, such as a specific scent or a small animal, can awaken their instinct.
Let’s take a look at several types of dog breeds and how their instincts can lead to digging behavior.
Hunting Breeds
Terriers, Dachshunds, and other small-game hunting dogs were bred to chase burrowing animals like rabbits, badgers, and rodents. Their digging drive may be triggered by scents or sounds they detect underground.
Cold-Climate Breeds
Huskies and Malamutes dig to create insulated dens in the snow. Even in warmer climates, this instinct can persist.
Building a Nest
Pregnant females, regardless of breed, may dig to create a "den" for their puppies, which is a behavior driven by maternal instincts.
If your dog belongs to a breed with a high digging drive, you may consider providing them with an alternative, such as a sandbox where they are allowed to dig freely.
Hiding treats or toys in designated digging areas can help redirect their instinct in a controlled manner.
If your furry friend appears to be digging for prey, check for burrowing animals in your yard and apply a humane approach to keep them away.
Dogs don’t sweat like we do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature primarily through panting, sweating through their paw pads, and seeking cooler surfaces.
On hot days, they may instinctively start digging to find a cooler spot to lie down. The deeper layers of soil tend to be cooler, which helps them escape the heat.
Digging to cool off is more common in thick-coated breeds or dogs that are left outside for extended periods. If a dog doesn’t have enough shade, they might start digging around tree bases, or under porches, to find a cooler spot to rest.
We strongly recommend providing plenty of shade and a cool, well-ventilated shelter, especially if your dog spends a lot of time outside.
You may also consider adding cooling mats, moist towels/clothes, or even a small pool to help them regulate their temperature.
An important thing to remember is to avoid exercising your dog during peak heat hours and taking them on a walk on concrete surfaces, as the high temperatures can hurt their paws. Also, it’s essential to ensure they always have access to fresh, cool water throughout the day.
Beyond temperature regulation, dogs may dig to create a comfortable place to rest, especially in extreme weather conditions.
If it’s cold or rainy, a dog might dig a shallow hole to curl up in for warmth. Some dogs also dig near fences or bushes to protect themselves from the wind and harsh weather.
Digging may also be linked to denning behavior—dogs instinctively create safe spaces to retreat to when they feel insecure.
We will make a quick note here for those of you who are wondering where denning behavior comes from. In the wild, wolves and feral dogs dig dens to provide shelter from harsh weather, predators, and other threats. These dens offer a sense of security, warmth, and protection, especially for pregnant females.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, you should ensure they have access to proper shelter, such as a doghouse. If your paw friend is feeling uncomfortable outdoors, you should bring them inside, especially during extreme weather.
Ensure they have a soft and secure resting spot in a designated but not isolated area that meets their needs.
Dogs are intelligent creatures that need regular physical and mental stimulation. If they’re not getting enough exercise, they may engage in destructive behaviors like digging to entertain themselves.
This is especially valid for high-energy and intelligent breeds such as the Border Collie, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Belgian Malinois.
Dogs of such breeds require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay fit and have their needs met. A lack of interactive play and exercise can lead to repetitive behaviors, including obsessive digging.
If your furry friend exhibits unwanted behaviors due to boredom and lack of stimulation, you should increase their physical and mental activity. For example, take them on longer walks, play fetch or scent games, or involve them in agility exercises. You may also want to teach them basic obedience commands like ‘sit’, ‘wait’, ‘come’, ‘down’, etc. Providing toys like puzzle feeders can also help keep them mentally stimulated.
Despite your busy schedule, it's important to spend quality time with your beloved furry friend. This will help you strengthen your bond with them and ensure they don’t exhibit unwanted behaviors due to a lack of physical or mental stimulation.
Sudden digging can also be a response to anxiety or stress. If a dog feels insecure, digging may become a coping mechanism.
Dogs left alone for extended periods may dig near fences or doors in an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners. If your paw partner is prone to separation anxiety, you should address this in a timely manner.
Changes in your dog’s routine, including welcoming new pets, loud noises (such as fireworks or thunderstorms), or even moving to a new home can trigger stress and cause behaviors like excessive digging.
In rare cases, digging can be linked to compulsive behaviors, where dogs dig repetitively due to neurological factors.
If your paw partner exhibits unwanted behaviors like excessive digging due to stress or anxiety, the first step is to identify and minimize the triggers in their environment. The next step is to remove the triggers if possible or change your dog’s response to them through techniques like desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Desensitization is the gradual exposure of the dog to the stimuli by starting at a low level of intensity. In this context, the trigger is being alone. Start with short departures (a few seconds) and slowly increase the duration as your dog remains calm. Avoid sudden or long absences that might trigger anxiety.
On the other hand, counter-conditioning aims to change the dog’s emotional response to the stimuli (being alone) by helping them associate them with a positive outcome. To apply this technique, you should reward your furry friend when they are calm and well-mannered when left alone. Make sure your dog isn’t agitated or anxious when you reward them, as this may exacerbate the issue.
In the early training stages, opting for high-value treats may be helpful so that your dog feels motivated.
Remember that consistency and patience are key!
Dogs with a strong prey drive may dig to uncover scents of small animals like insects and moles.
Even if the animal isn’t physically present, dogs have a great sense of smell (10,000 to 100,000 times more acute than that of humans). With that said, your furry friend may still be able to detect remaining scents and start digging to explore.
If your yard has burrowing pests, which contribute to your dog’s digging, consider using humane solutions to deter them, such as natural repellents, motion-activated deterrents, or pest-proof landscaping.
Another step you could take is redirecting your dog’s hunting instinct through scent-based games, such as hide-and-seek, and tracking exercises. Providing alternative activities and environmental enrichment can help keep your dog engaged and less likely to dig.
We also advise you to supervise your dog’s outdoor playtime and discourage digging before it becomes a habit. Addressing unwanted behaviors early is key! Don’t wait for an unwanted behavior to become a habit, as it will be way more challenging to break one later.
Sometimes dogs may dig due to attempts to escape. However, don’t get discouraged thinking that you are not a good human parent for your paw friend!
Escape attempts could be motivated by curiosity, especially if your dog is highly energetic and intelligent.
Furthermore, unneutered dogs, especially males, may try to escape if they sense a female in heat nearby.
As we mentioned in our article earlier, dogs who don’t like being left alone may try to dig under fences to reunite with their owners.
The first and perhaps most practical solution is to reinforce the base of the fence with sturdy materials to prevent your dog from digging.
If the digging is motivated by the presence of females in heat, neutering can help reduce your dog’s urge to roam and escape. Additionally, it offers various health benefits.
Last but not least, ensure your furry friend gets sufficient exercise and mental stimulation to reduce the desire to escape. If necessary, work on desensitizing them to triggers like being left alone, which may lead to escape attempts.
Dogs are intelligent creatures that quickly learn what behaviors get them the desired outcome. If your furry friend receives attention whenever they misbehave, digging may become one of their ways to get your attention.
Some dogs may dig because they know it will prompt their owners to come outside and interact with them. Even scolding can be perceived as attention, unintentionally reinforcing the unwanted behavior.
Ensure your furry friend receives enough (structured) attention throughout the day. Regular play sessions and exercise will not only strengthen your bond but also prevent them from misbehaving due to attention seeking.
Reward positive behaviors like sitting calmly or playing with appropriate toys and ignore or redirect unwanted ones. Over time, your canine will learn that positive behaviors will bring them attention and rewards.
Although digging due to medical issues is rare, it can still happen. Conditions like allergies, skin irritations, or neurological disorders may lead to excessive digging.
It’s essential to monitor your furry companion for additional symptoms like excessive licking, scratching, or restlessness. Changes in their behavior, such as a decreased appetite, fatigue, or loss of interest in play and interaction, should also be noted.
We strongly recommend consulting a veterinarian to rule out any medical issues that may be causing the digging.
