As a dog owner, you’ve likely come home to find your backyard transformed into a chaotic mess by your furry friend. Digging is a common and instinctual behaviour in dogs, inherited from their wild wolf ancestors. Some breeds, like terriers, are particularly prone to digging due to their hunting heritage. If you're tired of discovering holes in your yard or finding that your dog has once again escaped under the fence, read on to learn how to curb this behaviour.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
Dogs dig for various reasons, including:
- Seeking prey: Dogs may dig to hunt rodents or insects hiding underground.
- Entertainment or anxiety relief: Digging can be a way for dogs to entertain themselves or alleviate anxiety.
- Burying items: Dogs often dig to bury toys or treats.
- Imitating their owners: If they see you digging in the yard, they might think it's okay to dig up your garden.
- Escaping: Dogs may dig under fences to escape due to boredom, seeking a mate, or fear.
Identifying the reason behind your dog's digging is the first step in addressing the behaviour.
How to Stop Your Dog from Digging
Once you understand why your dog digs, you can make changes to your yard and routine to discourage this behaviour.
- Chasing or seeking prey: Use traps or poison (with caution, as it can be dangerous to your dog) to discourage rodents from entering your yard.
- Keeping cool: Provide adequate shelter with comfortable, shaded areas for your dog.
- Burying food or toys: Create a designated digging area, like a sandpit, and bury toys there. Reward your dog for digging in this spot with praise or treats.
- Alleviating boredom: Ensure your dog has plenty of toys and engage in daily walks to keep them entertained and reduce the urge to dig.
- Escaping when scared: Provide a safe space, like a doggy door to access the house or a quiet kennel, where your dog can retreat if they feel threatened.
- Letting off steam: High-energy dogs need regular exercise, so take them on frequent walks or play games to tire them out.
- Building a den: Pregnant dogs may dig to create a den. Offer a large whelping box with blankets or towels for them to prepare for birth.
Avoid Punishing Your Dog
Never punish your dog for digging. Punishment can lead to more digging as your dog seeks attention. Instead, use a firm "no dig" and redirect them to another activity. You can also prevent digging by burying chicken wire, placing large rocks, or installing a fence around their favourite digging spots. Avoid using tempting fertilisers like blood and bone, which can encourage digging.
Seeking Professional Help
If you've tried everything and your dog continues to dig, consider consulting a veterinary behavioural specialist. They can help determine the cause of your dog's digging and provide additional strategies to stop it.
Check out our range of boredom-busting dog toys and treat puzzles here.
For more tips on dealing with a dog that has anxiety, read our article here.
View our range of products for training and relieving anxiety in dogs here.
