Why Do Dogs Dig? Uncovering the Reasons and Solutions

If your backyard looks like it's been taken over by a small excavator, don’t worry - your dog is not the only one with a passion for digging. Dogs dig for many reasons, from boredom and anxiety to finding food or cooling off. It’s a natural behaviour, but there are ways to manage it effectively.

How to Curb Your Dog’s Digging
To help stop your dog from digging up your yard, follow these useful tips:

• Regular exercise: A well-exercised dog is less likely to dig. Ensure your dog gets at least one walk a day to burn off excess energy.

• Protect your garden beds: Freshly turned soil is irresistible to many dogs. Set up barriers or fencing to keep your plants safe.

• Provide a cool spot: If your dog is digging to find a cool place to lie down, ensure they have access to shade throughout the day. If they enjoy playing in water, consider getting a children’s pool. This can serve as both a fun activity and a cooling spot.

• Reinforce good behaviour: If you see your dog digging, use a command like "off" and reward them when they stop. Avoid punishing them after the fact, as they won’t understand why they’re being reprimanded.

• Prevent boredom: Bored dogs often dig to entertain themselves. Keep your dog occupied with toys like Kongs or puzzle feeders, which can be filled with treats or food. You can also create scent trails or hide treats around the yard for them to find.

• Create a designated digging zone: If your dog loves to dig, set up an area where they’re allowed to do so. A sandbox or designated patch of soil can satisfy their urge to dig without destroying your garden. Encourage them to use it by burying their favourite toys or treats.

If all else fails, you can compromise. Incorporate a children’s sandpit into your backyard. To encourage your dog to use this area, try burying their favourite toy or treats in the pit. If you have limited space, you can purchase a plastic sandpit (usually shell shaped) from a toy or discount store. Additionally if there are sections of your garden which are prize winning, install permanent barriers to keep your dog out.

Breed-Specific Digging Habits

Understanding your dog’s breed can provide valuable insight into their digging behaviour. Some breeds are more prone to digging than others due to their instincts.

Why Breed Matters:

Understanding your dog's breed characteristics is essential when addressing their digging tendencies. Here's why:

Anticipate Their Instincts: Different breeds were originally bred for specific purposes, and those purposes often influence their behaviours. Terriers, for instance, were bred for hunting rodents, which required digging to flush out prey. By knowing your dog's breed, you can anticipate these instincts. If you have a terrier, for example, you won't be surprised when they start excavating your garden.

Tailor Your Training: Once you recognise your dog's breed tendencies, you can tailor your training approach accordingly. For breeds predisposed to digging, it's unrealistic to expect them to completely abandon this behaviour. Instead, focus on redirecting their digging energy to more appropriate outlets.

Training Tips for Different Breeds:

• Terriers: These dogs were bred for digging, so it’s natural for them. A designated digging area is a great solution for terriers.
• Guardian Breeds: German Shepherds and similar breeds may dig to create a comfortable resting spot while keeping watch. Providing them with shade or a kennel can reduce digging.
• Sighthounds: Breeds like Greyhounds or Whippets may dig out of boredom. Keeping them mentally stimulated with activities that mimic their hunting instincts can reduce their need to dig.
• Working Breeds: High-energy breeds like Border Collies need lots of stimulation. Regular training and puzzle toys can help keep them from digging out of boredom.

Remember, while breed tendencies provide insights, every dog is an individual. Some may exhibit less of their breed's typical behaviour, while others may amplify it. We can offer tailored advice to keep your yard and your dog happy!

Don't hesitate to contact us for more information!