Sure, a dog digging a hole may look cute in a cartoon. But when dogs dig holes in real life, any pet owner knows it’s anything but endearing. Muddy paws, uprooted plants and even risk of injury are all potential harmful side effects of a bad digging habit. It’s enough to leave you asking, why in the world do dogs dig holes in the first place?
Any dog in the right circumstance, whether it’s being left alone for long periods of time or sharing a backyard that’s also home to wildlife, will dig. But it’s important to know that almost every dog can also be taught not to dig.
We chatted with experts to understand the reasons why dogs dig holes so you can determine what’s motivating your pup’s digging behaviour — and stop it once and for all.
4 common reasons why dogs dig holes
Wondering why your dog’s paws are covered in dirt — for the tenth time today? The most common reason is simple boredom, but anxiety is a close second. But not all reasons why dogs dig in the dirt are necessarily signs something is troubling them.
Here, experts dive into what motivates dogs to dig holes and offer up questions dog owners can explore to determine what kind of digger they have on their hands.
1. Boredom
“Dogs who are left outside for long periods without company, exercise or mental stimulation often resort to digging to relieve boredom and work off excess energy,” according to RSPCA Pet Insurance. Have a puppy who won’t stop digging? It’s also most likely due to boredom. Just as with dog zoomies, puppies of any breed often exhibit digging behaviour due to their naturally higher exercise requirements and energy levels.
When it comes to determining if your dog is digging because they are bored, experts recommend taking note of both their physical and mental exercise needs. It’s always important to know what your dog was bred to do so you can keep up with the activity level they may need. “Jack Russells, Fox Terriers and West Highland White Terriers are among the breeds that were once prized for their ability to dig out ground-dwelling creatures such as rats and foxes,” says Dogs Life magazine. Herding dogs like the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie also need a lot of exercise.
On the flipside, some breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Basset Hound and Bulldog have naturally lower activity levels so they may need less exercise, but more mental stimulation to keep them from digging. You can try mind-stimulating toys such as treat or kibble dispensing balls to keep them busy when left on their own.
In general, it’s a good idea to prioritise mental exercise over physical exercise when it comes to curbing boredom. Since energy levels vary, providing outlets to keep your dog’s mind busy is the best way to safely exhaust your pup so they are less inclined to dig holes.
2. Anxiety or escape behaviour
There are dogs that dig out of stress, especially if they have a fearful or anxious temperament. Just as with boredom, keeping these dogs mentally occupied with food dispensing balls or puzzle toys is important. It is better to occupy their mind than to just allow them to go through the stress of being outside alone.
Is your dog digging relentlessly near or under a fence? They may have separation anxiety; there are even dogs that dig to the point of injury to reunite with their owner. “In some cases, they might be attracted to something on the other side of your fence and could be digging to Shawshank out of your yard,” according to animal welfare charity PetRescue. And they have some advice: “It’s best to get ahead of the situation and redirect their attention, especially if they’re trying to escape!”
For dogs with anxiety or a fearful temperament, experts warn that digging habits can become obsessive. Dogs that dig every time they go outside, or that run from place to place just to dig, may be driven by a compulsion. Some dogs will even carry it over inside, digging in carpets as well.
If you notice escape behaviour or obsessive digging, talk to your vet right away. They can suggest behavioural modification techniques and medications.
3. Instinct based on breed
Some dogs may exhibit digging behaviour due to their natural instincts. Here are the top biological reasons canines dig holes:
They are hunting
The desire to hunt for rodents and other creatures is part of a dog’s genetic makeup, and some dog breeds definitely dig more than others. Smaller dogs like the West Highland Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund and Cairn Terrier may dig more holes than other breeds, looking for smaller burrowing animals like mice, rats and native marsupials.
They are preparing to give birth
Is your digger a female dog that is pregnant? It is also an instinct for dogs in the wild to dig when they are nesting during pregnancy or wanting to lay low from predators.
They are trying to regulate their temperature
If left outdoors during warm months, some dogs will dig to try and escape the heat. This is most common in large-breed working dogs such as the Newfoundland who become diggers in search of the cooler ground that lies beneath the grass.
4. Curiosity or retrieval
Is there something in that area the dog is digging for? Curiosity can also be the cause of digging. Some dogs will even dig to bury something they may wish to retrieve at a later time, such as a bone. If you can’t quite figure out why your dog is digging, and think it may because they are just curious, here are a few questions to consider:
- Do you have plants that are dropping fruit or nuts?
- Do you have a plant growing something with a scent dogs may like?
- Is there a rubbish or recycle bin nearby?
- Is there something the dog wants to hide from another family pet such as a bone?
How to stop your dog from digging holes
Given the potential consequences, it’s very important to stop digging before it happens. Digging can not only rip nails, but it can cause a dog to ingest things like rocks, sticks or fruit pits which can cause obstructions in the GI tract or throat which could potentially require surgical removal.
And if your pup catches that animal they are after? Catching a creature can expose both dogs — and their owners — to diseases transmitted through infected rodents. While Australia is fortunately free of rabies, leptospirosis is a risk, particularly in more humid areas like northern NSW, Queensland and the Top End. It requires medical treatment, but luckily there is also a vaccine.
To keep your pet safe and healthy, here’s how to prevent and stop your dog from digging.
Establish good habits early
Most experts strongly urge dog owners to discourage digging from the start to prevent bad habits from forming. Once a disruptive behaviour like digging is repeated a few times, it becomes tougher to stop. The number one tip to prevent digging? Never leave puppies outside unattended because both boredom and curiosity will set in. This is also important for keeping your dog safe in general.
Puppies can get into a lot of trouble at different stages of their life. Just when you think your puppy is safe and somewhat trained, they will go through a curious stage which can have them digging into something they would never look at before. This is why puppies should be watched and trained for the first year of their life.
Create a safe space to dig
If your dog is a breed that is instinctually wired for digging, one solution is to provide an area where it is appropriate to dig holes in search of safe items to uncover, such as a sandbox or a baby pool filled with dirt. The RSPCA says you can make this “approved digging area” attractive “by burying safe items (e.g. chew toys) and praising them for digging there.”
Guard areas you don’t want your dog to dig holes in
“One good tip is to lay wire mesh flat on the ground and use tent pegs to anchor it down,” say the experts at PetRescue. “This will help make the new digging area more inviting (as the old one is inaccessible).”
Check your property for signs of pests
Live in an area where there is other wildlife nearby? Your dog may be searching for a mysterious underground marsupial or rat. Look into removing unwanted visitors to your yard through humane extermination efforts which can easily solve a digging habit spurred on by your dog’s instinct to hunt.
Be sure to offer cool spots in the summer
If you notice your dog’s digging is accompanied by panting and drooling, it’s a good indication they are overheated. “A common reason for a dog to dig in the garden is to find a cool patch of dirt to lay in,” says eDog Australia. “Australian summers are hot, and it can be an effective way for your dog to cool down.” Provide your dog with freedom of choice when it comes to temperature regulation. In warm weather, be sure to offer access to shade, a cool surface for resting or even a doggy door allowing access to an air-conditioned home.
Ask yourself, “What’s on the other side of the fence?”
If you have a dog that is digging under a fence, take a minute to try and determine why they are trying to get to the other side. Your dog may have a favourite playmate — or even a foe — on the other side of the fence. Arranging a doggy playdate can help manage the heightened energy at the fence line if it’s a friend they are after.
Is your dog neutered? If not, their motivation to get out of the yard may be to mate. Dogs who are seeking a breeding partner can become the most skilful diggers and escape artists. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet about the best time to neuter.
The bottom line on why your dog digs holes — and what to do about it
While some dog breeds dig out of instinct and curiosity, most dogs dig holes due to boredom and anxiety, according to the experts. No matter the motivation, they recommend that unattended digging behaviour in all dogs should be discouraged because it can cause more harm than good.
To prevent puppies from forming a habit of digging holes when they are bored, be sure they are not left alone outside. Once digging holes becomes a habit for your dog, you’ll have to replace this behaviour by retraining.
Start this process by assessing your pet’s temperament, breed, age and environment to determine why your dog is digging holes then taking actionable steps to stop this behaviour. If you notice incessant digging to the point of injury or that even gets continued indoors on carpets, reach out to your veterinarian as it may qualify as obsessive behaviour that requires expert behaviour intervention or medication.