- Dogs often dig out of pure instinct, so frequent digging isn't always a cause for concern.
- You can redirect problem digging with training, adequate exercise, and a digging spot of their own.
- Call a vet if your dog has broken nails or other paw injuries, digs to escape, or seems anxious.
Many dogs absolutely love digging.
Your pup might tunnel into sand at the beach, plow through the mud at the dog park, or even, much to your dismay, uproot your carefully cultivated garden. A particularly dig-prone dog may even paw at their bedding, the sofa, or the bare floor.
But while digging is a natural behavior for many dog breeds, it can sometimes become problematic — especially if your canine pal ruins furniture, scratches floors, or damages newly placed sod.
Read on for six reasons why your dog so desperately wants to dig, according to vets — plus a few tips on how to accommodate their instincts while minimizing destruction of your house and yard.
1. They're trying to cool off
When the weather gets particularly hot, some dogs might dig to cool themselves off, says Dr. Stephanie Sheen, a veterinarian at Fuzzy Pet Health. This is because digging exposes cooler dirt that your dog can rest on more comfortably.
She adds that breeds with heavy coats, like Siberian huskies, malamutes, and Spitz dogs, may be more likely to dig in hot weather.
Companion pets are less likely to dig to cool off because they usually spend time indoors in hot weather or have access to shade areas. Outdoor farm dogs and dogs built for the cold, on the other hand, tend to dig when they need to cool down, according to Preston Turano, veterinarian and AKC Pet Insurance spokesperson.
Some dogs may also dig in stormy, rainy weather, regardless of temperature. According to Sheen, digging may kick in as a protective mechanism when a dog doesn't have appropriate shelter from the elements.
2. They're hunting for prey
According to Sheen, hunting for prey is a big reason for digging — especially for dogs like terriers and dachshunds. Terrier means "earth dog," in fact, and dachshunds were bred specifically to hunt for underground animals like rats or moles.
Still, plenty of other breeds might also dig to unearth burrowing creatures. An acute sense of smell and a finely tuned prey drive makes all dogs highly perceptive. So, when your dog gets a whiff of prey, it may try to dig it out.
You can tell your dog is digging for prey because they dig in lines or around the bases of trees, according to Sheen.
And of course, they might even bring you the fruits of their labor, Turano says — a sure sign they're digging for prey.
3. They're about to give birth
Your pregnant dog's nesting instinct will kick in within about 24 hours of giving birth, according to Sheen.
Usually, this means she'll seek out a quiet spot. If she's outside, she might start digging in the dirt to create a safe, comfortable spot for newborn puppies. Indoors, she may settle down in a soft, blanketed area and paw at the blankets to get them just right.
You'll likely notice other signs of pregnancy well before your dog displays nesting behavior, Turano says. These may include:
- Enlarged nipples
- A potbelly shape to her abdomen
- Increased appetite
- More affectionate behavior than usual, such as being more cuddly or following you around more often
- Irritability, which may include growling or possessiveness of toys and treats
4. They're hiding or retrieving something
A dog tearing up your yard or frantically digging at the couch cushions may be trying to retrieve something they hid.
"This is a behavior dogs share with their wolf ancestors, who bury their excess meat from hunting to avoid scavenging by other animals," Sheen says.
If your dog seems ready to upturn your living room, you could join in the search to help them find their missing treat or toy. In the future, avoid letting them out with a toy or bone to prevent them from digging to bury these items or find them again later.
5. They're anxious
Anxiety can also trigger digging behavior, Sheen says.
What's more, anxiety is actually the most common cause of excessive digging, according to Turano.
Anxiety-related digging most often happens after a triggering event, such as being left alone. A dog might dig to escape an uncomfortable situation or as a stress relief mechanism, Sheen says.
If your dog's digging relates to anxiety, you may also notice:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Frequent barking
- Frantic pacing or restlessness
- Other destructive behavior, like excessive chewing
- Lesions, blood, or broken toenails on the front paws from excessive digging
Addressing the root cause of the anxiety can help reduce destructive digging behavior.
6. They're bored
Many dogs might dig excessively or engage in other problematic behavior because they need a task to feel fulfilled.
Working dogs like Portuguese water dogs, border collies, German shepherds, and rottweilers were originally bred for herding, protection, or search and rescue jobs.
As pets, they don't often get to perform these tasks — but encouraging these innate abilities through training can help reduce boredom and build your dog's confidence.
"This is especially true for highly intelligent breeds such as border collies," Sheen says.
A bored dog won't display the same body language as an anxious dog, Sheen says, but they can cause destruction just the same.
Other signs of boredom might include:
- Chewing things other than toys
- Tearing out trash and making other big messes
- Jumping on humans
- Excessive barking
In short, a bored dog will find their own fun — but there's a lot you can do to address your dog's boredom. According to Sheen, some ideas for enriching your dog's daily life include:
- Making sure they get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, though the ideal amount of physical activity depends on your dog's breed and personality.
- Engaging in active play with your dog, like hide-and-seek or tug-of-war games
- Giving your dog plenty of toys, including interactive toys or food dispensers, and regularly rotating them. For instance, you might keep half their toys in a cabinet out of reach and swap them every couple of weeks.
- Trick training, or using positive reinforcement and treats to teach fun, mentally stimulating tricks like "paws up" or "high five." Sheen says trick training around favorite digging spots can mentally tire your pup and change the association of the space. More importantly, it can help improve your bond.
Is digging ever harmful?
Anxiety-related digging can hurt your dog over time.
"Excessive or obsessive digging can lead to broken nails or paw lacerations and ulcerations, which can be painful," Sheen says.
And a dog who digs to escape may get hit by a car or scrap with other animals, if they do manage to get out. A dog on the loose may also become aggressive toward people they don't know, which may put you at risk for legal action, Sheen says.
How to stop the digging
"Although escape-driven or anxiety-related digging is almost always negative, in many cases, problematic digging is in the eye of the beholder," Sheen says.
"This natural behavior isn't just typical in dogs. It's also rewarding. Instead of trying to stop the digging outright, you might consider training to help redirect the behavior," Sheen says.
These tips can help:
- Evaluate your dog's current enrichment levels: For instance, are they getting enough walks? Do you play with them regularly? Do they have a variety of toys to play with?
- Block them from digging areas: You can try putting up fencing or other barricades around areas you want to keep hole-free.
- Get competitive: If your dog is a born digger, Sheen recommends researching organized dog sports such as Earth Dog, Barn Hunt, and Scent Work competitions to help keep your dog entertained.
- Give them a digging spot: Natural-born diggers might also appreciate a designated area where they can tunnel to their heart's content. "Encourage interaction in this area by hiding toys for them to find and rotating these items regularly," Sheen says. When they dig elsewhere, redirect them to the desired spot and praise them until they develop a habit of digging there, and only there.
- Limit bedding materials: For dogs who tend to dig in soft materials indoors, like sheets or couch cushions, Sheen says this helps your pup feel more comfortable and isn't likely to cause problems. For destructive indoor digging, she suggests reducing the amount of blankets and pillows you provide or opting for sturdier bedding, like mesh or sturdy vinyl. "If it occurs on furniture, you'll need to work on a training program to establish boundaries," she says.
- Consult a professional. Not sure how to get started with training? You can ask your vet for suggestions and recommendations or consult a dog trainer or dog behavior specialist.
Insider's takeaway
Unless your dog's digging results from anxiety or a desire to escape, it's fine to let them dig. If they do show other signs of anxiety, you may want to schedule a check-in with your vet — but most of the time, digging is pretty harmless.
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs. So, while it might annoy you when your dog digs up your garden, they're just following their instincts. If the behavior bothers you, consider blocking off the area or redirecting your dog's attention to other activities.
The bottom line is that your dog just wants to have fun. Bonus points if they get to have fun with you.
Freelance Writer
Steph Coelho is a freelance writer and homebody with a passion for home and kitchen goods. She's always on the hunt for the best home and kitchen gadgets and is determined to help people sort the treasure from the trash. As someone who works from home 365 days a year, she's well versed in how to make a space feel cozy and comfortable for every activity on her to-do list. Steph is currently based in the Montreal area, where she lives in a 70s-style bungalow with her husband, two dogs, and a parrot named Felix. Say hello atstephcoelhowrites@gmail.com or @seestephrunmtl on Twitter and @frontyardharvest on Instagram
