Digging is a natural instinct for dogs, but when it becomes excessive or destructive, it can be a source of frustration for owners. Understanding the underlying reasons for your dog’s digging is the first step toward managing this behavior. This article explores common causes of digging and provides practical solutions to redirect your dog’s natural urges into more acceptable outlets.
Comfort and Protection: Seeking a Better Environment
Dogs may dig to find comfort or protection from the elements. In hot weather, they might excavate holes to lie in the cool dirt. Conversely, they may dig to create a shelter from cold, wind, rain, or even to find a water source. Signs that your dog is digging for comfort or protection include:
- The holes are located near building foundations, large shade trees, or a water source.
- Your dog lacks adequate outdoor shelter, or their current shelter is uncomfortable due to extreme temperatures.
- Your dog frequently lies in the holes they create.
What to do: Address your dog’s need for comfort and protection. Increase indoor time, especially during extreme weather. Ensure their outdoor shelter is well-ventilated, insulated against temperature fluctuations, and provides access to water in a stable bowl. If digging persists, consider establishing a designated digging zone.
Attention Seeking: A Bid for Interaction
Any behavior can escalate into attention-seeking if a dog learns that they receive attention for it, even negative attention like scolding. If your dog digs when you are present or has limited opportunities for interaction, they might be digging for attention.
What to do: Ignore attention-seeking digging behavior and lavish praise on your dog for good behavior. Ensure your dog receives sufficient daily walks and playtime with you, fostering a positive bond.
Escape: The Drive to Explore or Flee
Dogs may dig in an attempt to escape their enclosed environment. This can be driven by a desire to reach something outside the yard, explore new territories, or get away from something they find aversive within their current space. Digging under or along a fence is a common indicator of escape attempts.
What to do: Identify the motivation behind your dog’s escape attempts and work to remove those incentives. Ensure their environment is safe and appealing. To secure your yard and prevent escapes:
- Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence, with the sharp edges rolled away from your yard.
- Place large, partially buried rocks along the bottom of the fence line.
- Bury the bottom of the fence 1 to 2 feet below the surface.
- Extend chain-link fencing horizontally along the ground, anchored to the fence, making it uncomfortable to dig near the fence.
- Implement behavior modification strategies to discourage escape efforts.
What Doesn’t Work: Ineffective Strategies
Regardless of the reason for digging, certain methods are counterproductive:
- Punishment after the fact: This fails to address the root cause and can exacerbate digging motivated by fear or anxiety.
- Staking your dog near a hole or filling it with water: These methods are punitive and do not resolve the underlying issue.
Next Steps: Establishing a Digging Zone
For dogs with a persistent digging habit, designating a specific area where digging is permitted can be highly effective. Teach your dog that this zone is the approved spot for their excavating endeavors.
- Fill the designated digging zone with loose soil or sand, or use a child-sized sandbox.
- Enhance the attractiveness of this zone by burying safe toys or treats for your dog to discover.
- Reward your dog with praise whenever they dig within this designated area.
- If you catch your dog digging in an inappropriate spot, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and a firm “No dig.” Immediately guide them to their digging zone.
- Temporarily make undesirable digging spots unattractive by covering them with rocks or chicken wire.
If these strategies do not resolve your dog’s digging problem, consider keeping them indoors with you and closely supervising their outdoor bathroom breaks. Consulting a behavior professional for specialized guidance may also be beneficial.
