Why do dogs dig holes? Is it because they’ve made it their life’s goal to become a landscape gardener? Are they seeking attention? Or is there another explanation for this often-frustrating behaviour?
If you have a hole-digging doggo on your hands, you’re looking for answers. Luckily, with some understanding of why your dog digs holes and an action plan with your dedicated Dog Sitter, your garden can be hole-free in the future.
Let’s dig up the truth about dogs digging holes!
Why do dogs dig holes? A few possible explanations
You can be sure that your dog isn’t digging up your garden because they’re being naughty. Instead, dogs tend to dig holes for specific reasons that tap into their natural instinct. Here are a few of the most common explanations as to why dogs dig holes:
- To ward off the weather. In very hot climates, dogs will dig a hole into the earth to keep themselves cool. And, in very cold climates, they’ll dig a hole to stay warm. Even if you think that the weather outside is moderate, your pup might be digging a hole simply to reach maximum comfort! You can know if your dog is digging holes for this reason because they will typically lie in it after they’ve dug their perfect hangout spot
- To bury their toys or food. If you have a dog that likes to dig holes for their toys, you might have a backyard filled with buried treasure! As we explained in our article, Why Do Dogs Bury Their Bones, this instinctive habit wards off predators and keeps food items preserved until your dog is ready for a second helping. No matter what your dog considers to be valuable, chances are, they might try to bury it in a hole!
- To make their escape. Maybe your doggo is an angel in the backyard when you’re home with them, but the moment they hear you drive away, they’re putting holes in the lawn. A dog who is digging to escape will typically dig around the fence line and may show additional symptoms of separation anxiety like howling and indoor urination
- Because they hear something underground. A dog’s sense of hearing is so strong that they can hear earth-dwelling critters moving around under the surface. If your dog is digging holes for this reason, you’ll likely notice them digging at the entrance of a burrow or making seemingly random holes throughout the yard with fervor. And, you’ll probably see them staring intently at the ground before they go into full-swing digging mode
- Because of their breed. While most dogs are capable of hearing animals underground, some dog breeds are especially skilled at it! Terriers, such as Cairn Terriers and Westies, are quite literally named after their ability to “go to the earth” when they sense a mouse, rabbit, or fox burrowing beneath your pristine grass. Other breeds with a penchant for digging holes include Miniature Schnauzers and Dachshunds
- To prepare for puppies. If your female dog is expecting puppies, you might notice her picking up a digging habit even if she’s never had an interest in your garden before. Studies show that dogs instinctively dig dens as safe places to give birth to and raise their puppies, so it’s not uncommon for the mum-to-be to dig holes in the backyard
- Because it’s fun. If you were a kid who liked to dig holes at the beach, then this explanation won’t surprise you one bit! Many dogs dig holes because it’s simply satisfying. Whether they’re bored, trying to wear down their nails, or just looking for a sense of accomplishment, you might find that your dog digs holes as a form of entertainment (much to the detriment of your rose bushes)
Now that we’ve answered, “Why do dogs dig holes,” what can you do about it?
As you can see, the reason why your dog digs holes is not to spite you. Rather, they’re acting on one or more deeply-entrenched instincts that have allowed them to survive for thousands of years. Combating such a natural habit can be something of a challenge, but here are a few tips to get you started:
- Figure out why your dog is digging. In order for your plan of action to be successful, you’ll need to decide why your doggo is digging. If it’s a symptom of separation anxiety, you’ll work on building up their tolerance to being alone. If they dig out of boredom, you’ll want to be creative with exercise and mental enrichment to phase out the digging habit. And, if your dog is pregnant, your goal will be to provide her with a more appropriate birthing den where she can feel comfortable
- Provide your dog with alternative outlets for the behaviour. Asking your dog to ignore their digging drive may not be possible or even reasonable. But that doesn’t mean that you have to live with a hole-riddled outdoor space! Finding other ways to satisfy your dog’s natural instinct can go a long way in landing on a compromise that works for you both. For terrier breeds, for instance, you might invest in puzzle toys that encourage digging and foraging. Other activities, such as lure coursing, can tap into their natural hunting drive and provide them with a source of mental enrichment to ward off boredom
- Set up a digging zone. One of the best ways to keep your dog from digging holes where you don’t want them to is to provide them with an appropriate digging area. You can think of it like a sandbox for your doggo, where they can dig to their heart’s content
- Keep an eye on them whenever they’re outside. The more your dog digs, the more reinforcing the behaviour becomes. So, you’ll definitely want to interrupt the habit when you see it. If your dog typically digs holes when you’re not home, make sure to leave them in the care of a local Pet Sitter who can make sure that they’ve got plenty of attention
- Avoid harsh punishment. It’s important to note that whenever you’re dealing with a natural instinct, verbal punishment can be confusing and distressing to your dog. When you notice the behaviour, simply encourage your dog to do something else, preferably more rewarding and fun than digging holes. If you’re struggling to break their focus, consider having them on a leash in the backyard so that you can more easily cut them off from their favourite digging area
For more ideas on managing your dog’s digging habit, take a look at our article, How to Stop Your Dog Digging.
Overall, why do dogs dig holes?
At the end of the day, there are many ways to answer the question, “Why do dogs dig holes?” Boredom, bad weather, and separation anxiety are just a few possible reasons. Learning more about why dogs dig can help you put together a plan to stop the digging for good.
Your garden will thank you!
