Dogs and Destructive Digging

Why do dogs dig?

Digging behavior in dogs can have a wide range of causes. For most dogs, digging is normal behavior. Digging can be self-rewarding and may occur when dogs are left unsupervised, without any other activities or favored toys to keep them busy. Puppies and highly energetic dogs may be at risk. This digging behavior is like destructive chewing.

Digging can be done to accomplish a goal that, to a dog, is reasonable. Dogs may dig to bury or retrieve bones or to unearth treasures, such as animals and insects. 

On a hot summer day, some dogs, especially heavily coated or Northern breeds (e.g., Siberian husky, Alaskan malamute) may dig deep holes to lie down in and cool off. Terriers bred to flush out prey are prone to digging as they search. With their ability to hear high-frequency sounds and their acute sense of smell, some dogs dig in response to sounds and odors, such as those from voles and moles beneath the ground. Pregnant dogs may dig to prepare a nest for their litter.

Sometimes, digging reflects an underlying behavioral disorder. Some dogs exhibit high levels of frustration when confined and may dig to escape. They may also be motivated by something on the other side of the barrier or may dig as a self-soothing displacement behavior if they are distressed because they have been left alone.

How can I determine why my dog is digging and what can I do about it?

To determine the motivation for your dog’s digging, you might need to do a little digging yourself. Think about when the behavior occurs and whether there is a goal your dog might be trying to accomplish.

1. If the behavior occurs when your dog is outside, unsupervised, with no favorite toys, then she is likely satisfying a need to explore and play. Increase supervision to reduce the opportunity for her to engage in this self-rewarding behavior. If you notice your dog digging while you are on watch, find a distraction to interrupt the behavior. For instance, you might toss a toy and begin a game of fetch. If you do not have time to play, just call your dog over and reward them for coming. Then, spend a minute asking for some fun behaviors that can earn treats. If you plan to stay outside, give your dog a project, such as an interactive toy, or use a leash to prevent your dog from returning to the digging spot.

Another option is to create an area where your dog is allowed to dig. Choose a spot where you can place soft, loose dirt and use fencing or railroad ties to delineate the location. Bury toys there that your dog will enjoy. Begin with the toys only partly underground, then deeper next time. Supervise while training so you can consistently direct your dog to the appropriate location.

Be sure your dog has plenty of fun games to play outside. Provide appropriate toys and rotate them so they stay interesting. Limit the amount of unsupervised time she spends outside. Before you let her outdoors, provide sufficient social enrichment (e.g., play, training) and exercise. For most dogs, leash walks provide opportunities to interact with people and appreciate the many scents along the way. Note: Avoid letting your dog watch you dig (e.g., gardening), as dogs can learn through observation.

2. If your dog digs large holes to rest in on warm days, she may be trying to cool off. This behavior may be resolved if you can provide your dog with an equally suitable location to stay cool and comfortable. Create a shaded shelter in a cool area with something suitable to lay on. You may try a cot that allows airflow from underneath or create a patio with some cool, flat stones. Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water. On very hot days, it is best to bring your dog inside.

3. If your dog creates many relatively small holes or tracks, particularly if she actively sniffs while digging, she is likely hunting. For some dogs, the predatory drive is very strong, and they may always dig if there are animals to pursue. Limit your dog’s unsupervised outside time and encourage alternative activities, such as fetch, to satisfy your dog’s drive to pursue a reward. Another option is to create scavenger hunts by hiding toys or food above-ground. Bring your dog back inside before any digging begins.

4. If your dog consistently digs near a barrier, she may be experiencing confinement frustration. Frustration can be related to the inability to access something on the other side of the barrier. For example, if your very social dog digs near the fence when people or animals are on the other side, she may be trying to gain access to some social interactions. If digging is accompanied by “watchdog” barking, your dog may be attempting to enforce her territory and keep others out, a job that would be easier without the barrier.

"If you notice your dog digging while you are on watch, find a distraction to interrupt the behavior. For instance, you might toss a toy and begin a game of fetch."

To manage this digging, limit the amount of time your dog is outside. If you expect there are triggers outside the fence, go outside with your dog when these triggers are expected and, if she starts to rush to the fence, call her for some treats before any digging begins, then ask for a “sit” and continue to reward a quiet “sit and stay” until the trigger has passed.

Some dogs dig only when left alone, which may reflect separation-related distress. Dogs that are distressed when alone may experience frustration and dig to escape confinement and gain access to you. Distressed dogs may also dig in random areas as a self-soothing or displacement behavior. In these cases, the treatment program will not emphasize ways to stop the digging but instead will focus on helping your dog be more comfortable when alone. If your dog is outside all day and digs, keeping her inside may be safer, and this is particularly true for the dog that digs to escape from the yard or confinement area.  

If digging persists or if you suspect that your dog is experiencing frustration or anxiety, consult a veterinary behaviorist who can identify both physical and emotional factors that may be contributing to the behavior.

What else can be done if I am not around to supervise?

When you are unable to supervise, housing your dog indoors is the most practical solution until she learns to be outdoors without digging. If you would like to continue leaving your dog outdoors and she can easily tolerate being placed in a confined area, confine her to an area such as a pen or run. The floor of the run can be covered with gravel or patio tiles or have an asphalt or concrete floor to prevent digging. Make sure you provide comfortable bedding, shelter, and fresh water.

Of course, you must provide sufficient exercise and stimulation before confining your dog and she should have an adequate number of treats and toys in the run to keep her occupied. Dogs should never be left outside in extreme weather conditions.

Should I punish my dog for digging?

Punishment is not recommended for managing digging. Punishment does not address the underlying motivation for a behavior and can therefore lead to frustration and anxiety. Particularly if a dog is digging because it is already distressed, adding more frustration and anxiety can be problematic. Another problem is that punishment, including the use of booby-traps or other deterrents, can cause long-lasting fear.

Appropriate management that includes supervision and provision of adequate enrichment can treat and prevent digging. If you are not sure why your dog is digging, ask your veterinarian or behaviorist to help you get to the source of the behavior.