Digging can be one of the most frustrating dog behaviours, especially when your garden starts to look like a building site. Holes in the lawn, dirt through the house, damaged plants, escape attempts under the fence — it can feel like your dog is doing it on purpose.
But if you are searching for how to stop a dog digging, the first thing to understand is this: digging is normal dog behaviour. Your dog is not being naughty, spiteful or disobedient. They are doing something natural that usually has a reason behind it.
The best way to reduce digging is not to punish your dog. It is to work out why they are digging, meet the need behind the behaviour, and give them a better outlet.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
Dogs dig for many different reasons. Some dig because they are bored. Some dig because they are hot and trying to make a cooler spot to lie in. Some dig because they smell something underground. Others dig to bury food or toys, escape the yard, release stress, or simply because digging feels good.
Common reasons include:
- Boredom
- Lack of exercise
- Not enough enrichment
- Trying to cool down
- Hunting scents or sounds underground
- Hiding toys or chews
- Trying to escape
- Stress or anxiety
- Breed instinct
- Puppy curiosity
- Seeking attention
- Creating a comfortable resting spot
Once you understand the reason, the solution becomes much clearer.
Do Not Punish Digging After the Event
It is tempting to tell your dog off when you find a fresh hole in the yard. But dogs do not understand punishment after the fact. If you call them over and scold them beside the hole, they may look guilty, but they are usually reacting to your tone and body language.
Punishment can also make digging worse if your dog is already stressed or anxious.
Instead, clean up calmly, block access if needed, and look at what happened before the digging. Were they outside alone for a long time? Was it a hot day? Were they under-exercised? Did they see something beyond the fence? Were they left with nothing to do?
The hole is the clue. The cause is what you need to solve.
If Your Dog Digs From Boredom
Boredom is one of the most common causes of digging. A dog left alone in the yard with nothing to do may create their own entertainment, and digging is a very rewarding activity for many dogs.
To help, add more daily enrichment. This does not have to mean hours of exercise. Try:
- Sniffy walks
- Food puzzles
- Scatter feeding
- Training games
- Hide and seek
- Safe chew toys
- Lick mats
- Scent games
- Tug games
- Short hand-signal training sessions
Mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercise. A dog who uses their nose and brain is often more settled than a dog who only gets high-energy play.
For deaf dogs, visual training is a brilliant enrichment activity. Practising hand signals, check-ins, recall cues and calm focus games can help tire out their brain and strengthen your bond.
If Your Dog Digs to Cool Down
Some dogs dig shallow holes so they can lie in cooler soil. This is especially common in warm weather.
If your dog is digging and then lying in the hole, ask whether they have enough shade, fresh water and a comfortable cool place to rest. In Australia, heat can become dangerous quickly, especially for puppies, older dogs, flat-faced breeds, dark-coated dogs and dogs with health conditions.
Make sure your dog has:
- Shade throughout the day
- Plenty of clean water
- Access to a cool resting area
- A raised bed or cooling mat
- Supervised outdoor time in hot weather
- A way to come indoors when needed
If your dog is digging because they are hot, simply stopping the digging will not fix the problem. They need a cooler, safer option.
If Your Dog Digs Near the Fence
Digging under fences can be dangerous. A dog may escape, get lost, be injured, or end up in traffic.
If your dog is digging along the fence line, first work out why. Are they trying to reach another dog? Following smells? Reacting to people walking past? Trying to escape because they are anxious? Or just exploring a weak spot?
Practical steps include:
- Supervise outdoor time
- Block visual triggers where possible
- Reinforce the bottom of the fence
- Place heavy rocks or pavers along problem areas
- Create a secure dog-safe yard
- Avoid leaving your dog outside alone for long periods
- Provide enrichment before yard time
- Bring your dog inside when you are not home if they are unsafe outside
If the digging is linked to panic when left alone, the issue may be separation-related distress rather than a digging problem.
If Your Dog Digs Because of Anxiety
Some dogs dig when they are stressed. This may happen when they are left alone, hear scary noises, feel trapped outside, or are still settling into a new home.
Anxious digging may happen alongside other signs such as barking, pacing, panting, drooling, scratching at doors, toileting accidents, destructive chewing, or escape attempts.
This is especially important for rescue dogs. A newly adopted dog may need time to decompress and learn that they are safe. Digging may reduce as their routine becomes predictable and their confidence grows.
If you suspect anxiety, punishment is not the answer. Your dog needs support, not correction. A vet, qualified reward-based trainer or veterinary behaviour professional can help you create a plan.
Create a Legal Digging Area
For some dogs, the kindest solution is not to remove digging completely. It is to give them somewhere appropriate to dig.
You can create a digging zone using:
- A sandpit
- A raised garden bed
- A corner of the yard
- A large shell pool filled with sand
- A designated patch of soil
Encourage your dog to use it by burying toys or treats in that area. Praise them when they dig there. If they dig somewhere else, calmly redirect them back to their digging spot.
This works especially well for dogs who truly enjoy digging. Instead of fighting their instinct, you are giving it a safe outlet.
Make the Garden Less Tempting
If your dog keeps digging in the same spot, there may be something interesting there. They may smell insects, rodents, old food, fertiliser, compost, or another animal.
Check the area carefully. Remove anything unsafe, cover exposed soil, use fencing around garden beds, and avoid leaving bones or high-value chews outside if your dog likes to bury them.
Be careful with garden products. Some fertilisers, mulches, baits and plants can be harmful to dogs. Choose pet-safe options wherever possible.
Reward Calm Behaviour Outside
Many dogs are only corrected when they dig, but never rewarded when they are calm. Try noticing the behaviour you want.
If your dog is lying quietly outside, sniffing calmly, chewing an approved toy, or choosing their digging pit, reward them. Use praise, treats, gentle touch, or a favourite toy.
This teaches your dog that calm garden behaviour works.
Give Your Dog More Connection
Some dogs dig because it gets attention. Even if the attention is negative, it can still be exciting.
If your dog only digs when you are watching, ask whether they need more connection, play, training or calm time with you. Short, regular moments of positive attention can reduce attention-seeking behaviour.
Try a five-minute training session, a game of tug, a sniffy walk, or sitting outside together while your dog enjoys a chew.
When to Get Help
Get professional help if your dog:
- Digs to escape
- Hurts themselves while digging
- Seems anxious or panicked
- Digs obsessively
- Cannot settle outside
- Destroys doors, fences or garden structures
- Shows sudden behaviour changes
- Digs along with barking, pacing or toileting when left alone
A vet check is also sensible if the behaviour starts suddenly or seems extreme.
PDSA advises checking fences because dogs may dig underneath and escape.
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