Why does my dog dig?

By Dr Julie Summerfield

Dogs were made for digging! It is a very normal part of dog behaviour but it can be a bit of a pain for us, especially when they want to help us with the gardening! Dogs dig for many reasons such as to bury & retrieve food, for shelter & temperature regulation, for hunting, to escape confinement or boredom and just for fun!

If your dog is digging a “den” for shelter to either keep warm in winter or cool in summer, he will usually dig fewer larger holes and quite often near the house to be close to his “pack”. This is easily fixed by providing shelter, shade or access to indoors, kennel or bedding.

Isolation or boredom can be the cause of digging, so it is important to provide your dog with enough exercise and play, and try and include him in the family “pack” as much as possible. Digging is one way of releasing excess energy or anxiety, a bit like us fidgeting or biting our nails, and if unchecked will develop into a habit.

Certain breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, are bred for hunting and have extremely keen hearing and smell. A dog can detect insects underneath the ground. Digging to find these becomes a great game, as does pulling at roots of plants that to the dog, appear to play as they spring back when pulled.

Probably the best treatment for digging is to accept that certain dogs love to dig, and provide a digging pit (sand) just for that very purpose! You need to teach the dog that it is OK to dig there, by encouraging play/digging by hiding food treats, kongs and other toys in the sand and help him find them. Reward him with praise and food treats when he uses it, and direct him there if he begins digging anywhere else. Make the pit so full of toys and treats that it is way more exciting than the rest of the boring yard!

Avoid punishment especially after the event. If you don’t catch the dog in the act, punishment will have no meaning for your dog. You will cause confusion, possibly fear and you may just encourage your dog to dig behind your back or when you’re not home.

General obedience training will help set down rules for your dog to adhere to. Once your dog knows basic “come’ “sit” “stay”, you can control things a little better and then teach “off” or “leave” commands for when your dog forgets and digs in the wrong place. Reward for stopping and digging in the right place, and always end the session on a positive note. Remember to be patient. It will take time to learn what is acceptable and not do what comes naturally!

Make life more interesting with games and spending quality time together, consider dog walkers or doggy day care if you’re away long hours, or consider getting a second dog. They’ll keep each other company and exercise and play more than they would on their own.

To begin with, you may need to do a few minor alterations just to remove temptation, like fencing off your prize rose bushes or precious garden bed, laying chicken wire over growing grass, or fencing out separate canine quarters! A sprinkler near a favourite digging patch may act as a deterrent- that is unless he also loves water!

Try to understand that your furry friend needs to be a dog, and give him the opportunity to display natural behaviours in an appropriate way that suits you, rather than forbidding them altogether. With some training and setting down ground rules, hopefully you can both be happy in the backyard!

©Copyright VCA

Please note: This article was written in 2001. Dog training methods and ideas change frequently, please consult your vet or trainer to discuss whether this article would help your dog.

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