How to Stop Dogs From Digging: 6 Proven Strategies to Try

Before we talk about how to stop dogs from digging, you need to know why your dog digs. Different dogs dig for different reasons. When you watch your dog carefully, you can understand their motivation. Here are some common reasons behind your dog's behavior:

"I'm Bored!" - Digging for Entertainment and Attention

Many dogs dig because they feel bored. When a dog stays alone in the yard for long hours, they needs something to do. Digging becomes fun entertainment. The dog finds rocks, roots, and bugs underground. Some dogs also dig to get your attention. Even when you say "no" or "stop," your dog gets what they want: your attention. Dogs with no toys or playmates often start digging.

"It's My Instinct!" - Breed and Prey Drive

Some dog breeds were born to dig. Terrier dogs like Jack Russell Terriers were bred to hunt animals in underground holes. Dachshunds also love to dig. Northern breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes dig too. Your dog may also dig to hunt small animals in your yard like moles or mice. Even lazy house dogs have hunting instincts from their wolf ancestors.

"I Need Comfort!" - Temperature Control and Denning

Dogs dig to feel more comfortable outside. On very hot days, dogs dig shallow holes in the dirt and lie down to cool off. The soil deeper underground is much cooler than the top layer. Dogs with thick coats feel too hot more easily. Some dogs also dig to make a safe shelter from cold wind or rain. Pregnant female dogs naturally dig dens before their puppies are born.

"I Need to Save This!" - Burying Treasured Items

Dogs bury things they think are valuable. When you give your dog a special bone or favorite toy, they may want to protect it. Digging a hole and burying the item keeps it safe. This caching behavior comes from their wolf heritage. Wild wolves buried extra food to save it for later. Your dog may not remember where they buried their treasure, but the instinct is very strong.

"I'm Getting Out of Here!" - Digging to Escape

Some dogs dig along the fence line because they want to escape. They see or smell something interesting outside the yard. Male dogs that are not neutered may dig to find female dogs. Working breed dogs like Border Collies may feel bored and want excitement. Not all escape digging happens for fun. Some dogs feel scared or anxious when left alone and dig to escape the place that makes them feel bad.

Now, it's time to learn how to stop dogs from digging holes in your yard. Here are some proven tips you can try at home to stop your dog's behavior:

1. Amp Up the Exercise and Mental Stimulation

A tired dog is a good dog. When your dog gets enough physical activity, they have less energy for digging. Take your dog on longer walks each day. Play games like fetch or frisbee in the park. Mental exercise is also very important. Use puzzle toys that make your dog think. Teach your dog new tricks every week. Try scent work games where your dog searches for hidden treats.

2. Supervise and Redirect in the Moment

Do not leave your dog alone in the yard for many hours. Dogs dig more when nobody watches them. When you catch your dog starting to dig, use a positive interrupter. Say their name in a happy voice or make a clicking sound. Then quickly redirect them to something better. Give them a favorite toy to play with. Reward them with treats when they stop digging and do the new activity instead.

3. Create a Dog-Friendly "Dig Zone"

This solution works very well for dogs that love to dig. Instead of trying to stop all digging, give your dog one special place where digging is allowed. Buy a children's sandbox or choose one area in your yard. Fill it with sand or loose soil. Make this dig zone exciting by burying toys and treats in the sand. Train your dog to use only this area by redirecting them when they dig elsewhere.

4. Make Your Yard Less Tempting

You can change your yard to reduce your dog's motivation for digging. For prey drive problems, remove the animals that attract your dog. Use humane pest control methods that are safe for dogs. For comfort digging, give your dog a shaded area, a kiddie pool on hot days, and fresh water. For escape artists, make your fence stronger by burying chicken wire or placing large rocks at the fence line.

5. Provide Engaging Outdoor Toys

Give your dog toys they can use safely alone outside. Treat-dispensing toys work very well. Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter or treats. Your dog will stay busy trying to get the food out. Keep several different toys available. Rotate the toys every few days to keep them interesting and new. When your dog has fun toys to play with, they will choose toys over digging.

6. Rule Out Underlying Anxiety

Sometimes digging happens because of stress or anxiety. If your dog also shows other problem behaviors like chewing furniture or barking too much when alone, anxiety may be the cause. Talk to a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist. They can help you understand your dog's anxiety and create a treatment plan. Never ignore anxiety problems because they can get worse over time.

Some old methods for stopping digging do not work. Worse, some methods can hurt your dog or damage your relationship with them. Here are some common mistakes you need to avoid:

Never Punish Your Dog After the Fact

When you find a hole hours after your dog dug it, do not punish them. Dogs cannot connect punishment with something they did in the past. They will not understand why you are angry. This creates fear and confusion. Your dog may become afraid of you, but they will not stop digging. Punishment does not teach your dog what you want them to do instead.

Avoid Physical Punishment and Shock Collars

Never hit your dog or spray them with water as punishment. Do not use shock collars or other punishment collars. These methods are not ethical. They can make your dog aggressive or fearful. Punishment damages the bond between you and your dog. Modern, positive training methods work much better and keep your dog happy and healthy.

Skip the Unsafe DIY Deterrents

Some people suggest putting vinegar, cayenne pepper, or lemon juice in the soil where dogs dig. Do not use these products. They can irritate your dog's nose and paws. Some substances are unsafe if your dog licks them. Another bad suggestion is burying dog poop in the holes. This does not work because some dogs eat poop, and others will just dig somewhere else. These methods often fail and may cause new problems.

Don't Tie Your Dog to the Hole

Some old advice says to tie your dog near a hole they dug. This is cruel and does not work. Your dog will feel scared and confused. They will not learn what behavior you want instead. Never chain or tie your dog as punishment for any reason. This can cause serious behavioral problems and is harmful to your dog's well-being.