Tips on How to Stop A Dog From Digging
Digging is an innate and natural behavior for dogs. Unfortunately, it has also become a nuisance for many dog owners as dogs dig in the yard, in the garden, through carpets (indoor or outdoor), or even into furniture. Don’t worry, though! Understanding the motives behind why your dog digs and redirecting their behavior toward a more suitable location or alternative activity can effectively modify this undesirable (and occasionally destructive) habit, making everyone happy!
Let’s explore why dogs like to dig:
- Instinctual Behavior: For hundreds of years, people intentionally bred dogs to perform various behaviors that encourage digging, such as hunting, searching, and tracking.
- Boredom and Excess Energy: Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. When dogs lack this, digging may result as a way to pass the time and release extra energy.
- Investigating Scents: Dogs use their most powerful sense to explore the world around them. According to scientists, a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000-100,000 times more acute than a human’s (CareCredit), and many of those scents rest beneath the surface.
- It Feels Good! Some dogs dig to create an area to cool themselves down from the day’s heat.
How to Stop A Dog from Digging:
Provide Adequate Exercise
It’s no secret dogs can have tons of energy. Fortunately, regular physical activity will help prevent dogs from expending excess energy by digging. The amount of exercise needed ultimately depends on the dog. Still, a general rule of thumb is that dogs should exercise for at least 30 minutes daily, including daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys.
Increase Mental Stimulation
There are many ways to keep dogs mentally stimulated with toys and activities. Engaging your dog’s mind through training, puzzle games, and nose work challenges their intellect, keeping them sharp, engaged, and happy. According to PetMD, “mental exercises can actually make dogs even more tired than physical exercise.” These activities prevent dogs from finding other ways, like digging, to stimulate themselves.
🐾 Pro Tip: Rotate your dog’s toys and enrichment activities to keep their interest.
Create A Comfortable, Engaging Environment
Be sure your dog’s habitat is comfortable and engaged, whether inside or out. Depending on the season, ensure your dog can stay warm or cool as needed. Ensure your dog has entertainment activities available in their areas, such as high-value chews or toys, ensuring they will be less likely to dig.
Designate a Digging Area
Consider designating a specific area in your yard or constructing a ‘digging box’ to redirect your dog’s attention and prevent them from digging in areas of the yard where you wish to avoid it. In this designated area, bury toys, chews, or treats for your dog to discover and encourage them to dig. This method will help familiarize and engage your dog with the designated digging spot.
Supervise and Redirect
Keep an eye on your dog when they are outside. When they start to dig, immediately and calmly get their attention. Encourage your dog to go to their digging spot by tossing some treats in for them to find or dig up. You can even engage them in a different activity, such as a fun game of tug or fetch, to redirect their attention.
Consult a Professional
If the digging behavior persists despite your efforts, consider seeking advice from a professional dog trainer. Are you already enrolled in GoodPup’s Dog Training? Chat with your trainer for enrichment ideas specific to your dog. They can offer suggestions and strategies tailored to your dog’s training needs.
Never Punish Your Dog
When addressing digging, do not punish your dog. Punishing your dog will not solve the undesirable habit and will only break down the bond you share with your dog. Dogs relate to events that happen seconds after a behavior, and delayed punishment can be misinterpreted. Use positive reinforcement dog training to help modify their behavior.
Understanding additional motivations behind a dog’s digging behavior can help dog owners tailor their approach to address their specific needs and tendencies. By providing mental stimulation, appropriate physical exercise, and designating a digging area, you can help your dog find healthier and more desirable outlets for their natural instinct (and save your yard!).
