Dogs dig because it is a natural instinct driven by energy release, curiosity, comfort, and emotional needs. What often looks like naughty or destructive behaviour is usually your dog responding to boredom, stress, heat, scent trails, or an unmet need for stimulation.

Dogs digging in the yard is one of the most common behavioural challenges owners face. One moment the grass looks perfect, and the next you are staring at a fresh crater large enough to swallow a pot plant. It can feel frustrating, confusing, and at times worrying, especially when the digging becomes excessive or destructive.

The positive news is that digging is a completely natural canine behaviour. Dogs dig to release energy, cope with stress, stay cool, follow instinctive urges, or entertain themselves when they feel bored or under-stimulated. Once you understand the reason behind the behaviour, it becomes far easier to manage, redirect, and gradually reduce it without creating fear or pressure.

With the right guidance, patience, and a few practical tools, dogs can learn healthier habits that keep your yard intact and your dog content. Simple dog essentials such as durable dog toys, comfortable dog beds, and suitable enrichment activities play an important role in preventing unwanted digging and supporting calmer behaviour.

Key Takeaways:

• Digging is a natural behaviour with many causes, including instinct, boredom, stress, heat, and breed tendencies. Understanding the specific trigger is the first step toward reducing it.

• The location, timing, and style of your dog’s digging give strong clues about the underlying reason, whether it’s escape behaviour, prey drive, cooling down, or emotional needs.

• Most digging problems improve when dogs receive enough physical exercise, mental enrichment, and structured daily routines that keep them stimulated and satisfied.

• Redirecting dogs to a designated digging area, reducing environmental triggers, and securing the yard are effective, humane ways to manage the behaviour without punishment.

What’s Normal Digging and What Isn't

Most dogs dig occasionally, especially puppies, working breeds, and clever dogs that need plenty of stimulation. Normal digging is occasional, focused on soft soil, and usually connected to play, exploration, or simple curiosity.

Digging becomes a concern when:

• It is frantic, obsessive, or repetitive

• It only happens when your dog is alone

• Your dog is attempting to escape the yard

• Your dog damages garden beds, turf, or flooring

• You notice signs of stress, worry, or agitation at the same time

Understanding the reason behind the behaviour is the key to correcting it in a calm and effective way.

Instinctual Reasons Dogs Dig

Ancestral survival behaviours

Long before dogs lived in our homes, their ancestors dug to create cool dens, store food, hide pups, and protect themselves from harsh weather. Many modern dogs still carry these instincts. Breeds such as Terriers, Dachshunds, and Huskies are especially prone to this behaviour because they were originally bred for digging or underground work.

Hunting and prey drive

Dogs have powerful noses and remarkable hearing. If they pick up the scent or sound of lizards, insects, or rodents beneath the ground, they may begin digging without hesitation. You often see holes near fence lines, tree roots, or sheds, which are common hiding places for small animals.

Burying bones and treasures

Some dogs enjoy saving items for later. They might bury chews, bones, toys, or even socks and objects they have picked up around the home. This behaviour is linked to ancient survival instincts where food needed to be hidden from scavengers.

Temperature regulation

Dogs sometimes dig to reach cooler soil beneath the surface so they can create a comfortable resting spot. This behaviour is more common during warmer weather, especially in regions where the ground retains heat for long periods.

Behavioural and Emotional Reasons Dogs Dig

Boredom

A bored dog often becomes inventive and the yard usually pays the price. When a dog is not receiving enough physical exercise or mental stimulation, digging becomes an easy way to release energy and entertain themselves. This is especially common in bright and active breeds such as Kelpies, Border Collies, Shepherds, and Cattle Dogs.

Excess physical energy

Young dogs and working breeds need regular, structured activity to stay balanced. When their daily routine does not provide enough movement or engagement, digging becomes one of the quickest ways to burn calories and release built up energy.

Anxiety or stress

Some dogs dig when they feel overwhelmed, unsettled, or insecure. This type of digging can appear alongside other stress related behaviours such as scratching the floor, pacing, panting, or destroying bedding. Dogs with separation anxiety may dig frantically when their owner leaves, as the behaviour becomes a way to cope with the discomfort of being alone.

Attention-seeking behaviour

If a dog learns that digging prompts you to come outside, even if you are frustrated, the behaviour may continue simply because it results in attention. For some dogs, any interaction feels rewarding, which means digging becomes a reliable way to get a response.

Escape behaviour

Some dogs dig beneath fences to leave the yard. They may be following a scent, responding to another dog, reacting to noise, or acting on a natural instinct to roam. Escape digging is particularly concerning because it can expose the dog to traffic, unfamiliar animals, or unsafe environments.

Environmental Reasons Dogs Dig

Yard scents and wildlife activity

If your yard attracts insects, lizards, or small animals, your dog’s natural hunting instincts may activate. Strong scents, rustling sounds, or recent wildlife activity can encourage a dog to investigate the ground, which often leads to digging.

Lack of shade or shelter

Dogs that do not have access to cool or comfortable resting spots may begin digging to create one. The soil beneath the surface is usually cooler, and dogs often dig to reach it when the weather warms up.

Loose fencing or gaps

If your yard has weak points, open gaps, or unsecured fence lines, a dog may see these areas as opportunities to explore what is beyond the boundary. In this situation, digging becomes a natural solution for a dog attempting to slip underneath or create an escape route.

Breed-Specific Digging Tendencies

Some breeds are born to dig and may show this behaviour more strongly than others. Understanding your dog’s breed tendencies helps you set realistic expectations and manage the behaviour more effectively.

• Terriers were bred to hunt vermin underground, which makes digging a natural instinct.

• Dachshunds have a history of badger hunting and were developed to work beneath the surface.

• Beagles often dig while following scent trails, guided by their strong noses.

• Huskies may dig to create cool resting spots or form den like spaces due to their origins in colder climates.

• Staffordshire Bull Terriers can be enthusiastic diggers, particularly when trying to cool down or release extra energy.

• Kelpies, Cattle Dogs, and Border Collies may dig because of their high energy levels and need for constant physical and mental stimulation.

Knowing your dog’s breed helps you set realistic expectations.

How to Identify the Root Cause of Your Dog’s Digging

Here’s a simple way to figure out why your dog is digging:

Understanding why your dog digs starts with observing the pattern. The location, timing, style, and triggers all reveal important clues about what your dog is trying to achieve.

1. Where are they digging?

• Digging along the fence line often indicates an attempt to escape.

• Digging in garden beds usually relates to scents, pests, or wildlife activity.

• Digging in one shaded area may be an effort to cool down.

• Digging random holes around the yard often points to boredom or natural instinct.

2. When does it happen?

• Digging that occurs only when your dog is left alone can signal anxiety or stress.

• Digging during warm weather may be a way to find cooler soil.

• Digging after meals can be related to burying food for later.

3. How do they dig?

• Slow and methodical digging is often connected to burying items.

• Fast and frantic digging may indicate stress, worry, or a desire to escape.

• Digging or scratching at carpets, blankets, or beds is usually linked to nesting instincts.

4. What triggers it?

• Sudden noises can prompt digging as a coping behaviour.

• Heat may encourage digging to access cooler ground.

• Loneliness or lack of stimulation can lead to digging for entertainment.

• Wildlife scents or movements may activate natural hunting instincts.

5. What breed or age are they?

Puppies, terriers, and high-energy working breeds tend to dig more due to their instincts and activity levels.

How to Stop Dogs from Digging: Practical Strategies

1. Increase physical exercise

Many digging problems improve once a dog receives more movement throughout the day. Extra exercise helps release excess energy and reduces the need to seek out activities in the yard. You can add two daily walks, games of fetch or tug, structured play sessions, agility or obstacle activities, and supervised off-lead time in a safe area. A well-exercised dog is far less motivated to dig.

2. Improve mental enrichment

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Providing opportunities for your dog to think, solve problems, and use their senses helps prevent boredom-related digging. Good options include treat-dispensing toys, snuffle mats, scentwork games, training sessions, and hide and seek toys. These activities keep your dog’s mind engaged and satisfied.

3. Create a designated digging area

Allowing your dog to dig in one approved spot is one of the most effective ways to manage the behaviour. To train this, set up an area with soft sand or soil, bury toys, chews, or treats to encourage exploration, praise your dog when they use the correct spot, and gently redirect them when they dig elsewhere. Most dogs learn the rule within a few weeks.

4. Address anxiety or stress

If digging is linked to worry or insecurity, focus on supporting your dog’s emotional needs. A predictable routine helps them feel safe, while independence building exercises reduce stress when alone. Calm enrichment can help soothe anxious dogs. For ongoing issues, speak with a professional trainer or veterinarian for tailored support.

5. Reduce environmental triggers

Removing or limiting triggers can make digging far less appealing. Common influences include pests, strong soil scents, exposed roots, or tempting gaps near the fence. Reducing these triggers helps minimise the urge to dig.

6. Secure the yard

Escape-motivated dogs often require additional safety measures. Reinforce the base of fences, add pavers or barrier mesh, bury chicken wire, or use sturdy garden edging to block tunnel attempts. Strengthening these areas helps prevent escapes and keeps your dog safe.

7. Offer healthy alternatives

Dogs often dig because they do not have enough constructive activities. Providing alternatives helps redirect energy in a positive way. Useful options include chew toys such as musical bone, staffy schwarzenegger and chatter chompers. Rotating these items keeps them interesting and rewarding.

What NOT to Do When Your Dog Digs

Avoiding the wrong responses is just as important as using the right strategies. Certain reactions can make the behaviour worse or create new problems, especially for sensitive or anxious dogs.

• Never punish your dog for digging because punishment increases anxiety and damages trust.

• Do not rely on harsh deterrents such as chilli, chemicals, or unsafe objects, as these can cause harm and do not address the cause of the behaviour.

• Do not simply fill holes without understanding why your dog created them, since the behaviour will continue until the underlying need is met.

• Avoid leaving your dog bored or unsupervised for long periods, as lack of stimulation often leads to unwanted digging.

Punishment never solves the root trigger. Understanding the cause and guiding your dog toward healthier behaviour is always the most effective approach.

When Digging Is a Sign of Something Else

Digging is usually a normal behaviour, but there are times when it can signal a deeper issue. Understanding these possibilities helps you respond quickly and appropriately.

• Separation anxiety - Dogs who panic when left alone may dig near doors, exits, or windows in an attempt to cope with the stress of being separated from their owner.

• Noise sensitivity - Storms, fireworks, construction, and sudden loud sounds can cause a dog to dig as a way to create a sense of safety or escape from the noise.

• Compulsive behaviour - If your dog digs continuously, without pause, and appears unable to stop, the behaviour may have become compulsive. This often requires professional behavioural support.

• Medical conditions - Skin irritation, parasites, discomfort, or pain can lead to digging at floors, bedding, or specific areas of the body. These behaviours may indicate a physical issue rather than a behavioural one.

If you notice sudden changes, extreme behaviour, or signs of distress, it is important to speak with your veterinarian to rule out medical or anxiety-related causes.

Indoor Digging: Bed, Carpet, and Crate Digging Explained

Indoor digging is often different from digging in the yard and usually comes from entirely separate motivations. Many dogs dig or scratch at beds, carpets, blankets, or crates because they are expressing a natural nesting instinct before lying down. Some are simply seeking warmth or comfort by adjusting their resting spot. Others may dig indoors when they feel stressed, hyperactive, or bored, as the behaviour becomes a way to release energy or soothe themselves. Dogs with strong noses may also investigate carpets or bedding if they detect crumbs, scents, or items hidden beneath the surface. 

Redirecting your dog to a comfortable and supportive bed, such as an orthopaedic dog bed, along with providing regular enrichment, often reduces indoor digging and helps your dog settle more easily.

Puppies and Digging

Puppies tend to dig more than adult dogs because they are naturally curious, full of energy, and eager to explore the world around them. They discover new scents every day and often experiment by digging to see what is underneath the surface. Young dogs may also imitate the behaviour of older dogs, especially if they see digging as part of play or exploration.

To guide your puppy in the right direction, start training early by offering plenty of enrichment, regular exercise, and a designated digging area where they can dig freely without causing damage. Establishing these habits early helps prevent digging from becoming a long term issue.

Outdoor Set-Up Tips to Reduce Digging

Small adjustments to your outdoor space can significantly reduce unwanted digging. Creating areas that meet your dog’s comfort, cooling, and enrichment needs makes the yard less tempting to dig up and more enjoyable for your dog to relax in.

• Provide shaded resting zones so your dog has a cool and comfortable place to settle.

• Use cooling mats or raised beds to keep your dog off hot ground and discourage digging for temperature relief.

• Implement effective pest control to remove scents or movements that may trigger hunting behaviour.

• Adjust your landscape design in a way that discourages digging, such as using sturdy plants, mulch alternatives, or barriers around garden beds.

• Create clear zones in the yard, separating play areas from garden areas, so your dog understands where activity is encouraged and where it is not.

• These changes help make the yard more engaging, safer, and less likely to trigger instinctive digging behaviours.

FAQs

Do dogs eventually grow out of digging?

Some dogs dig less as they mature, especially once puppy energy levels settle. However, many dogs do not naturally outgrow digging if the underlying cause remains. Breed instincts, boredom, anxiety, or unmet exercise needs can continue into adulthood unless addressed with training, enrichment, and routine.

Is digging a sign my dog is unhappy?

Not always. Digging can simply be a form of play or instinctive behaviour. It becomes a concern when it is excessive, frantic, or paired with signs of stress, such as pacing, whining, destruction, or escape attempts. In those cases, digging may reflect unmet emotional or physical needs.

Do some dogs dig more at certain times of year?

Yes. Digging often increases during hot weather as dogs search for cooler soil, or during spring and summer when wildlife activity is higher. Seasonal changes can strongly influence digging frequency, especially in outdoor dogs.

Can changing my dog’s diet help reduce digging?

Diet alone will not stop digging, but poor nutrition or hunger can contribute to restlessness, which may increase unwanted behaviours. Ensuring your dog receives balanced meals, appropriate portion sizes, and suitable chew outlets can support overall calmness and reduce excess energy.

Helping Your Dog Dig in the Right Ways

Digging becomes far less overwhelming once you understand what your dog is trying to achieve. Whether they are cooling themselves, chasing scents, easing boredom, or searching for comfort, every digging habit has a purpose behind it. When you respond to that purpose rather than the hole in the ground, the behaviour becomes much easier to guide. With the right mix of exercise, enrichment, and a well-designed yard, you can redirect digging into healthier, more manageable routines.

Providing meaningful outlets for your dog’s natural instincts, teaching them where digging is allowed, and removing triggers that encourage unwanted behaviour helps your yard stay intact while still supporting your dog’s wellbeing. A dog that feels stimulated, comfortable, and emotionally secure has far less need to dig for entertainment or relief.

At Happy Staffy, we offer a range of dog essentials such as engaging dog toys and comfortable dog beds that help reduce boredom, support better rest, and make it easier to meet your dog’s needs in positive ways. The more you work with your dog’s instincts rather than against them, the fewer surprise holes you will find scattered across the garden.