All puppies and dogs go through stages where digging is a very entertaining hobby. Unfortunately for homeowners, this often coincides with garden planting or garden design. It’s not that the dog is trying to sabotage your beautiful garden, it’s simply that you’ve provided them with an excellent plot of tilled land for them to dig up. By understanding some of the natural digging tendencies, dog owners can easily anticipate and plan for digging problems.
Reasons to dig
As with most traits, there are some breeds that are more prone to digging than others. Hunting dogs that have been bred to “go to the ground” or dig in the ground to get to prey are more likely to be troublemakers than other breeds. Some of the better known digging breeds are:
Scots
dashshunds
Most Terrier breeds
All breeds of dogs can also dig for various reasons. Dogs that are bored will dig because it gives them something to do that is fun and entertaining, at least for the dog. In excessively hot or cold conditions, dogs will burrow into the ground to control the temperature and help protect them from the sun or cold. Females often dig to prepare a den, even if they are not pregnant at the time. All dogs can dig to prepare a bed for themselves simply because it is comfortable and soft in the loose soil. Finally, dogs may dig to bury bones or toys to protect them from being found by other dogs or people.
Spend a little time considering why your dog is digging. If for bedding or temperature control reasons, consider providing a dog bed or straw or other bedding for them to curl up in if they get cold. In very hot weather, perhaps keeping the dog in a shady area or even misting the area where he normally sleeps will keep the temperature cooler.
Dogs that dig out of boredom may need extra exercise before being left alone in the yard. Try taking the dog for a run or walk or throwing the ball or Frisbee in the yard for a while before you leave. Also, dogs that dig to escape may be bored with the garden. Add some toys and balls for them to play with, or consider leaving a chew toy or large articulation bone that is safe to chew on during the time you are gone.
Breeds that dig due to their characteristics are a bit more challenging. One of the best ways to control digging is to reserve a small area of the garden for the activity. Keep the ground soft and tilled so the dog will enjoy digging there. Praise the dog or puppy when it digs in the selected area. Hiding some toys or treats in the area will help the dog learn that this is the right place to deal with those urges to dig.
Dogs can learn to dig only in selected areas. In the meantime, consider filling existing holes with water, as they usually won’t dig into muddy soil. Additionally, pepper can be sprinkled around the edges to make the area unsuitable for sniffing and playing.