Don't dig your dog's digging?

Originally published in LEO on April 5, 2000 • Updated with modern guidance in 2026

From The Pet Guy Archives

A beautifully landscaped yard can quickly become a maze of holes when a determined dog decides to start digging. In this 2000 column, Jeff Seidenfaden explains some of the most common reasons dogs dig and offers practical ideas for redirecting the behavior while strengthening the bond between dogs and their families.

Although canine behavior science has advanced over the past two decades, the core message remains just as relevant today: understanding why a dog is digging is the first step toward solving the problem.

Editor's Note

This article is presented as originally published in April 2000. Modern canine behavior research has expanded our understanding of why dogs dig and how best to address the behavior. Today's trainers generally recommend positive reinforcement, environmental enrichment, and addressing the underlying motivation rather than relying on punishment. Readers experiencing persistent digging or other behavioral concerns should consult a qualified, reward-based dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist.

Original 2000 Column

The following article is transcribed from the original publication with only minor formatting changes for online readability.

When a number of people ask me the same question during a single week, it probably is a good time to delve into the matter here. This week's most popular question is about dogs who dig in the yard. Since this is the time of year when most people are taking stock in their yards, they are also noticing that Fido may need to have his name changed to Digger. It can be a difficult problem to solve if you don't allow yourself to be open-minded and willing to do a little work to help yourself.

The most basic answer I have as to why a dog digs is boredom. If I wasn't kept occupied as a child, I'd get a wild hair and try to dig to China. Dogs are the same. A dog is a pack animal, and this means it must live with others. The pack may be another dog, possibly a cat, or in most situations, you and your family. If a dog is isolated in a backyard environment and doesn't have the interaction it craves, you will often see outward signs such as digging and excessive barking. A dog (especially a beagle) will try to dig out to find a pack mate. This, of course, can be dangerous if your pet finds the road or a neighbor who is less than animal-friendly. It can be expensive for you if you are cited for having a pet that is consistently loose—and if this is the case, it may be time to reevaluate why the heck you have a dog. Anyway, what's so fun about having an animal fenced up in a yard? Why not train your dog and enjoy it as an indoor pet. You will see a complete change in personality once the dog feels like it has a pack.

If you cannot move your pet inside, you should consider getting a second dog. Adding another dog will give the first dog the sense of companionship it needs and take some of that stress off you. But if you still spend no time training your dogs, you will just have twice the headache.

This brings me to the most common situation I encounter when it comes to digging: a dog that just likes to dig. Not all dogs dig because they are unhappy; some do it simply because they can. For these cases, it is time to get creative. Many dogs normally dig in the same area. If so, you can use a trick I learned from my good friend (and veterinarian) Dr. Gary Edlin. Bury the dog's feces in one of the holes and cover it with dirt. A dog will not like digging in an area it has soiled, so this will curb the pleasure. You may find yourself scooping and burying a lot of poop before the process works, but be patient. And remember, if it doesn't stop your dog from digging, at least you have some well-fertilized soil!

Another idea is to give your pet an area where it can dig. Get a sandbox or just pick an area and bury some toys or bones. Show him this area and reward him for digging there. If he digs in another area, you can scold him with a NO DIG command and walk him to the proper digging site. This should be used as a last resort, since you are teaching your dog a double standard. It is hard to teach this method, and you are still sacrificing part of your yard. Whichever method you choose, however, be patient and remember that with consistency and determination (and a little landscaping), your yard WILL eventually recover.

Don't dig your dog's digging?: The Pet Guy Perspective Today

Today we know more than ever about why dogs dig, and the answer is usually more complex than simply boredom.

Dogs may dig because they're seeking cooler ground in hot weather, following scents, chasing burrowing animals, relieving stress, or simply because digging is a natural breed instinct. Terriers, Dachshunds, Beagles, and many northern breeds are genetically inclined to dig more than others.

The biggest change since this article was written is our understanding of enrichment. Daily walks, scent games, puzzle toys, obedience training, and supervised play can dramatically reduce unwanted digging by giving dogs appropriate physical and mental outlets.

One recommendation has also evolved. While some owners have historically used unpleasant deterrents—such as burying feces in digging holes—modern trainers generally prefer redirecting dogs to acceptable digging areas and heavily rewarding appropriate behavior. Creating a designated digging pit remains an excellent idea, especially for dogs with strong natural digging instincts.

The most important lesson, however, hasn't changed. Dogs aren't trying to ruin your landscaping—they're simply expressing a natural behavior. Understanding why your dog is digging is still the best place to begin when looking for a lasting solution.

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Explore the complete Pet Guy Archives for more trusted articles on dog behavior, training, health, and responsible pet ownership.

About The Pet Guy Archives

The Pet Guy Archives preserve the original newspaper columns written by Jeff Seidenfaden, nationally recognized pet expert, television host, newspaper columnist, and animal advocate. Originally published beginning in the 1990s, these articles have been carefully restored to make them accessible to today's pet lovers while preserving the original voice and perspective of each column.

About the Author

Jeff Seidenfaden is an entrepreneur, former television host, newspaper columnist, and lifelong animal advocate best known as The Pet Guy. For more than three decades, he has educated pet owners through television, newspapers, radio, public appearances, and community outreach, helping families build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.