Why Do Dogs Dig Holes? And How To Stop A Dog Digging?

As much as we love them – dogs can be a real pain in the butt sometimes. Specifically, if your buddy’s just upturned your entire backyard and left fresh mounds of dirt and paw prints everywhere…only to unearth some toy, bone, or passing rodent from the ground. And now you’re asking yourself, why do dogs dig holes? And how can I stop my dog from digging up my backyard and turning it into a mess?

Turns out, this endearing (but also frustrating) behavior has a whole bunch of reasons linked to your dog’s instincts – but also where you could step in. (Especially since boredom is at least one of the reasons, which is extra alarming if you’ve got something of an escape artist dog at home!)

So in this post, we’re going to dive right into the reasons you’ve got a dog digging all over your backyard – or even indoors – and what to do if you suspect they might be doing so to make an escape attempt. Let’s get started.

Why do dogs dig holes?

A digging dog is a happy dog. It’s as natural and instinctive to them as is wagging their tails or snarfing down any bits of food you drop from the kitchen counter. And while not all dogs are diggers, every dog might burrow into the ground (or your carpet) at some point in their lives. 

So why do they do it? Well, for starters, it could be that your dog just finds it fun! (Yes, we know, we know…those begonias were an expensive investment.) 

• Digging also gets your dog a good workout – and also helps them stay mentally active. Who knows what hidden treasures might pop up out of the ground, right?
• Besides, your dog might also have noticed you in the garden, digging or doing some yard work. So since you’re their favorite person, they want to mimic you so you’ll be happy.

Which means, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that your dog might be digging due to…

Boredom & attention-seeking

The number one most common reason dogs dig holes? Because they’re bored! It’s one of the easiest ways for your dog to stay occupied when you’re not around or not a lot else is going on.

• Puppies might dig simply as an outlet for all that extra energy. Likewise, for active, high-energy dog breeds – no matter their age.
• Some working dog breeds need a “job” to stay engaged – so for them, digging counts as one. Likewise, for some dog breeds like Terriers that were historically raised to chase (and dig) after prey underground.
• Your dog might also dig more because that’s when they’ve gotten used to you giving them attention. (Even if that attention is you running out into the yard, yelling “No!”, scolding them, or tossing them a toy.) So your buddy might have picked up digging as a learned behavior because of how you react.

⚠️ If you’re not around all day to provide your buddy some safe, supervised outdoor access, keeping them indoors might be a bit better for their safety.

(Provided it’s not for TOO long, since your buddy might just end up digging a hole into your couch instead!)

Rather, you could create a fun, enriched indoor environment to keep your dog (or dogs) busy while you’re not around. Including:

• Interactive toys, like food puzzles which make your dog “work” for their food
• Something with your scent, like a favorite blanket or sweater
• Enough water to keep them cool on hot days
• A white noise machine to help keep your dogs calm
• A few hours of dog TV – YouTube has some 8-10 hour videos to keep your buddy occupied
• An indoor playpen with a ton of toys and enough space to run – plus, safe confines they can’t jump over
• And ideally, someone to check up on your dog periodically and let them out for toilet breaks. (Most adult dogs do just fine being left by themselves for a few hours, but puppies need more frequent checkups.)

Read more: How To Leave Your Dog Home Alone, 100% Stress-Free

⚠️ Because as it turns out, boredom-induced digging can drive your dog to burrow entire escape routes under your fencing.

Especially when you aren’t around to stop them, put an end to all their fun…and with such a big, beautiful world outside full of endless playtime, treats, and freedom. (And no one telling them “Drop it!” or “No!”)

Which, with the likelihood of an open street in front of them, also increases the risk your dog might get:

• Hit by a passing car
• Injured from a fight with another animal – including other dogs (or worse) – that might pick a fight with them
• Stuck somewhere you might not find them or even hear them crying out for help
• Picked up a pet thief
• Poisoned from a bite, lick, or taste of any food that’s off-limits to dogs
• Hurt from an animal trap, if you live close to woodland areas

So don’t underestimate the power of a fun, safe indoor environment…while keeping in mind that a bored dog is always one emergency away from becoming one that’s wandered off too far from safety, in search of adventure.

Read more: 9 Steps To Find A Lost Dog & Bring Them Home In No Time

Anxiety or stress

Another common reason behind why dogs dig holes is if there’s something in their environment that’s bothering them. For some, digging can be a way to cope with stress or anxiety.

• You’ll find this most commonly among dogs with separation anxiety, who don’t do well being left by themselves for too long. 
• Or dogs that are spooked easily by loud noises like fireworks, the passing garbage truck, or even thunderstorms.
• In these cases, your dog might end up digging as a form of self-soothing. Kind of like how we bite our fingernails or fidget when stressed – it just gives us something to do, right? Anything to keep our minds occupied.

Now while your vet can best advise you whether your dog might benefit from anti-anxiety medication, there’s a lot you can do to help get to the root cause of their anxiety. Or what’s stressing them out. 

For example, have you:

• Moved houses recently?
• Or brought home a new baby or pet?
• Has a loved one passed away – or just moved away elsewhere? (Like one of your kids moving out of state for college.)
• Likewise, has a new, unfamiliar housemate just moved in?
• Have you changed work shifts and aren’t around at the “usual” times?
• Has one of your other dogs (or pets) begun bullying or grown more dominant around your dog?

All of these questions can help you figure out if something’s stressing your dog out – which might trigger some anxiety-related digging.

⚠️ Because anxiety and fear, much like boredom, are also prime reasons why dogs end up running away from home.

It’s why more dogs end up running away from fear on the 4th of July than any other day in the year!

Which is where, besides dig-proofing your backyard and setting up a soothing indoor environment, you’re also best off planning ahead for an emergency. 

Aka, a situation where boredom, stress, fear, anxiety – or some unholy combination thereof – drive your dog to make an escape attempt out of the hole they’ve just dug through your rosebush…and end up bounding down the road, a mile a minute. (For reasons you might never know.)

Now you might’ve considered:

• Outdoor cameras, though we both know these can only help if they can notify you of your dog’s escape somehow. (Which can be cumbersome to set up.) Your buddy might have escaped some time earlier in the day, but you’ll only see proof of it when you come back home to check the time in the records.
• Electric fences, which are generally not the most ethical choice. Especially those that use a static shock to “train” your dog not to escape. They don’t address your dog’s underlying issues of fear or anxiety – and in some cases, can even worsen it! Vets strongly discourage the use of these kinds of aversive techniques on animals.
• Asking your neighbors, which can be difficult – especially if you live in a remote area, or they aren’t able to take on the trouble.

💡So imagine being able to check what your dog’s been up to throughout the day – with just a glance at your phone?

It’s why millions of loving, responsible dog parents around the world – just like you – use dog GPS trackers as a safety measure.

🐶 Because with your trusty Tractive GPS set up, you can now track your dog:

• In real-time,
• Over an unlimited range,
• While on vacation – or 175 countries on a Premium subscription
• Over a 24-hour Heat Map and Location History of their favorite spots around town (including any favorite digging zones – like your neighbors’ fields or a nearby beach)

All this – with just a glance at your phone.

Discover Tractive GPS

The heat

It might already be getting cooler where you live – but escaping the heat is another common reason you’ve got a dog digging all over your backyard.

Digging helps your dog create a comfortable resting spot, especially in hot weather. The ground beneath the surface tends to be cool, offering your buddy some respite when it’s warm outdoors. Which is why you might find them digging shallow holes in the ground to cool off by lying directly in the earth.

🐺 This instinct is rooted in your dog’s evolutionary ancestry. Wild dogs and wolves might do the same, especially if it gets uncomfortably hot where they live.

So make sure to provide your dog with access to shade and water, so they don’t risk overheating or developing heat stroke from being exposed to the sun all day.

Read more: 

• Dogs And Heat: How To Keep Dogs Cool In Summer
• Heat Stroke In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Prey drive

Finally, your dog’s incredible sense of smell might underlie why they’re digging. All dogs have a prey drive to different extents – some stronger than others, like if you have a former hunting dog breed at home. (Like Beagles, dogs in the Hound family, and even the Retriever family!)

So if your dog senses small woodland animals like moles, rodents, or insects burrowing underground, it might trigger their prey drive. Making them dig relentlessly to chase after the scent they’ve picked up.

Much like digging to cool off from the heat, this is a hardwired behavior your dog has picked up from their wild ancestors. Wolves and wild dogs might also dig to capture “prey” hiding beneath the surface – especially in times when other prey, like deer, are scarce.

In fact, some dog breeds – like Terriers and other “ratting” dogs – are especially prone to this behavior. Since they were historically bred to chase down mice and other small prey, they might dig holes in specific spots in your yard to flush out any hidden critters lurking underground.

⚠️ Prey drive is yet another reason why dogs end up running away – whether out on walks with you, or even out on hikes or camps in nature. (Where you’ll need an industrial-strength leash and harness to prevent an escape attempt.)

But when you’re not around to intervene with a dog that’s in prey drive and digging a hole a mile long under your fence, chasing down a rodent or two…

…just hit “LIVE” on your Tractive device – and track your running dog as they make their every step, in real-time.

LIVE Track Your Dog

How to stop a dog from digging (and save your lawn in the process!)

Now that we’ve covered the question – why do dogs dig holes? – here’s the next: how do you stop a dog from digging?

And while it does make sense to explore your options with your vet, especially if it’s a serious problem like separation anxiety, here are some tips to dig-proof (and dog-proof) your lawn and backyard.

Give your dog a designated digging zone

If your dog loves to dig, stopping them will just drive them to get more creative. (Or just do it behind your back when you’re gone.) But with a designated digging area, you can both help them let out some energy – and learn their boundaries – all in one.

Here are a couple of outdoor options for a digging zone:

• Install a sandbox or set aside a specific spot in your yard where your buddy gets to dig freely.
• Use wooden slats, stones, or bricks to mark out your dog’s special digging zone. Sand and loose dirt are good options to fill it out.
• Even a kiddie pool filled with sand can work, especially if you’ve got a small- to medium-sized dog at home.
• Bury some toys or treats in this special digging zone to keep your dog happy and busy.
• Else, you could also try designated “digging times” during the day. Take your dog out for a walk to a nearby beach, dog park, or woodland area near you. (Where they can dig to their heart’s content without any angry neighbors.)

🤔 Don’t have a backyard or outdoor space – but a dog that loves to dig? 

• Try a plastic kiddie pool filled with toys to make them an indoor ball pit! 
• A snuffle mat is another great indoor digging option, since its design encourages your buddy to sniff around and forage. You can even DIY one if you’ve got some craft material at home.
• A soft sided playpen is another option for smaller dogs. Fill it up with toys and try a fun indoor scavenger hunt!
• Interactive sniffing mats like the iDig Go and iDig Stay are great portable options if you’re traveling with your dog and want to keep them occupied on the go.

Teach your dog their boundaries – safely

You’ll have to monitor your dog a bit at first to make sure they stay within “their” digging zone.

• If they’re venturing into other areas in your lawn or backyard, be firm when you say “No,” but try not to sound impatient or mad.
• You might be tempted to pick up your dog to bring them back, but your dog is more likely to welcome you doing just that! (Because, you know, their favorite person is coming to interact with them.) So they might venture outside of their digging zone just to get your attention.
• Rather, try and distract your dog away from the rest of your backyard by holding out one of their toys or calling out their name. (Or dropping some treats in their digging zone.)

• Give your dog a treat when they do stay within “their” digging zone. (Positive reinforcement goes a long way compared to scolding or punishing!) Make sure to pat and praise them plenty when they do come back to it, so they learn that staying there = good.
• Revisiting basic obedience training commands like “Stay” can help your buddy learn their boundaries for where they’re allowed to dig and play – and where they aren’t.

With time, patience, and tons of practice, your dog will learn that digging in some areas = bad, but digging in their spot = okay.

Dig-proof your fencing

Reinforcing your fencing can help prevent a determined dog from digging under it. For example, you could:

• Ensure your fence extends underground by 1-2 feet.
• Install a deterrent like chicken wire, hardware cloth, or even cement footing underground. This will help prevent your buddy from burrowing a tunnel under to escape.
• Natural barriers, like dense shrubs, large rocks, bricks, or gravel, along the perimeter of your yard can make it harder for your dog to dig near the edges of your fencing.

Read more: 15 Dog Fence Ideas For Your Escape Artist Buddy

But if you’ve got: 

• A weirdly-shaped yard that’s impossible to fence, 
• Weird HOA rules, 
• No budget for setting up and maintaining an expensive physical fence,
• Or a particularly large or athletic dog that can easily just jump over your fence if digging under isn’t an option…

Then why not try a Virtual Fence for a change?

🏡 From your Tractive mobile app, you can set a “safe zone” around your home and backyard. So your tracker starts to monitor it right away as your dog wanders through it.

Now the minute your dog spots an “intruder” the block over or just outside the “safe zone” – you’ll get an escape alert if they venture outside of it. So you can intervene right away and get them back to safety, just in time.

And the best part? You can even monitor your safe zones remotely – like if you’re on vacation out of town.

Set Up A Safe Zone Today

Use barriers around the rest of your backyard

Your dog might have a special bush or hedge outdoors where they like to hide their favorite items. Which you do want to avoid them digging under, given the mess it can cause both indoors (from the paw prints) and outdoors. Even more so if you’ve got flowerbeds or vegetable gardens you’d rather they leave alone.

So you could set up barriers like:

• Chicken wire just below the surface of the soil. (Just make sure the sharp edges face away from them to prevent any cuts or scrapes.)
• Large rocks, which can act as a deterrent even for bigger, stronger dogs.
• Motion-activated sprinklers to distract your dog from your plants or flowers. (Plus, it’ll be a relief on a hot day!)

For indoor diggers, securing off specific “no dig” zones with baby gates can help deter them. (If they’re on the smaller side.) Plus, if you’re consistent, your dog will learn which spots indoors are okay dig and play zones – and which aren’t.

Don’t skip out on getting active together

Skipping out on your quality time and daily exercise can make your dog likely to get up to all sorts of mischief to stay occupied otherwise. And like we’ve covered, digging can be both a physical and mental workout for your buddy…though one that might come at the cost of your flowerbeds!

So by adjusting your schedule a bit, you’ll find it helpful to:

• Make regular walks a priority, at least a few times a day. Take turns walking your dog with your kids, housemates, and family members so everyone (including your dog) gets used to the routine.
• Prioritize at least 30 minutes of intentional exercise with your dog per day. (Or a few short, 10-minute sessions.) That’s the minimum required for most adult dogs to stay happy and healthy

• For example, you could set up a backyard agility course with some pillows, cushions, chairs, and even broomsticks for the jumps. Or if the weather’s rubbish outdoors, try some fun indoor games for dogs to keep them happy and busy.

• Regular training sessions go a long way, especially for basic obedience commands, like “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Come back.” A well-trained dog is also one that’s less likely to run away. Or return to you right away once you call out for them. Give clicker training a whirl, if you want to switch things up!

With this routine of regular walks, training, playtime, and quality time together, your dog is less likely to get bored – and can learn to cope with any stress or anxiety that much better, because of the predictable routine.

But you know, we get it – it can be difficult sticking to a routine when life gets busy or stressful. And in times like these, everyone’s schedule (especially for exercise!) tends to go down the toilet.

🤩 So why not stay motivated by topping your community leaderboard?

Remember the last time you scored #1 on Duolingo or had a streak over a hundred days? That’s the same feeling of accomplishment and pride you’ll get seeing your dog get the most amount of active minutes compared to other, similar dogs around the world.

Because with its built-in motion detector, your trusty Tractive GPS doubles as an Activity Tracker for dogs. Picking up your dog’s movements throughout the day as “active minutes” and helping you figure out:

• How active your dog is on the regular
• What kind of activity goals you can set them
• Whether your dog’s hit their activity goals – and gotten enough exercise

And most importantly…

• Where your dog ranks on your community leaderboard – i.e., compared to other, similar dogs around the world.

(😉 Because what’s better than a bit of healthy competition to keep you motivated?)

Discover Activity Tracking

Ready to build a dig-proof, dog-proof lawn this summer?

As endearing as it can be, watching your dog dig a hole a mile wide in your plants can be a lesson in frustration tolerance at best. But getting mad at them for what’s basically an instinctive behavior won’t help either. (Since digging is a fun, exciting activity for your dog – or one they’ve picked up wanting to mimic you!)

How can I stop my dog from digging too much?

• Build your dog a designated digging zone, whether that’s indoors or outdoors. A kiddie pool or sandbox filled with loose dirt or sand can work just fine. Else, some portable indoor options include interactive sniffing mats or snuffle mats.
• Teach your dog their boundaries by rewarding them plenty when they do stay within “their” digging or play zone. Avoid scolding or punishing them if they do venture elsewhere. Rather, try and entice them back to their digging zone by shaking a noisy toy, calling their name, and giving them some treats when they return to it.
• Dig-proof your fencing by making sure it reaches a few feet underground and is reinforced with a barrier to deter any tunneling or burrowing. 
• Use barriers like rocks, bricks, wooden slats, or chicken wire around any spots in your backyard you don’t want your dog digging around, like your vegetable garden or any flower bushes. 
• Keep your buddy active on the regular, so that they’re well-exercised enough to get up to any mischief. Revisiting your obedience training for commands like “Stay,” can go a long way helping them control their impulses to sniff and forage around the rest of your garden.

And most importantly…

• Plan ahead for an emergency – i.e., if some combination of boredom, lack of exercise or mental stimulation, anxiety, stress, or hunting instincts drives your dog to dig under your fence…and escape from home.

At least one of the reasons you might find your dog digging like crazy is if they’re a bit of an escape artist. Or are just curious and inquisitive by nature and want to explore the world around them outdoors.

Besides, most dogs need safe, supervised outdoors time for the exercise, sensory stimulation, and time in nature. Cooping them up indoors for too long (even in an enriched environment) might not be the best in the long run. 

🤗 So imagine the relief and peace of mind from going about your day – knowing you can track your dog with just a glance at your phone?

Always know where your dog is

Follow every step in real-time with unlimited range. Get alerts if they wander too far. Keep them happy & healthy with Wellness Monitoring. And let others – like walkers or sitters – keep an eye on your dog too.

Discover Tractive GPS

Want an expert’s take on your dog’s digging behavior? Here’s veterinary technician Amber LaRock sharing her wisdom:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.