You just planted new flowers. A few days later there is a big hole in the ground right here.
Your four-legged friend looks at you innocently. While your garden looks like an Emmental cheese. Many garden and dog owners ask themselves why do their dogs dig holes in the lawn? Or plowing the flower bed?
Does your garden suffer from your dog’s digging frenzy? Then you will find the answer to all questions here.
Digging is normal for dogs
This behavior, which we regard as extremely destructive, is completely normal for your dog. However, this habit is much more pronounced in some breeds than in others.
The reasons for digging are very different. As with many other behaviors of your four-legged friend.
The dog is a hunting animal
Numerous dog breeds have been optimized over time. Namely to hunt and look for prey. They include spaniels, labradors, setters, and of course all types of terriers.
Because of its size, the terrier in particular was used for burrow hunting. Or for hunting rodents, such as mice and rats. When digging, your dog must dig. This is how he catches his prey.
Even if today’s domestic dogs no longer have to do this work. In many animals, this instinct still exists. Now, given the opportunity, your dog will hunt small animals.
Employment instead of hunting instinct
Your dog doesn’t care that the garden suffers when digging. He needs to catch small creatures like the mouse or the mole.
If your dog is motivated to hunt, it will be difficult for you to train him out of this behavior.
It takes a lot of patience to distract your dog from his hunting instincts. And a lot of work.
Do not use poison on small animals
Of course, you can try to ban small rodents from your garden. In the long term, however, this will hardly be possible.
That’s why you should avoid poison. All types of poison that are effective against rodents will harm your dog. And you can kill him at worst.
Does the hunting area affect only a certain part of your garden? Then fence it in. And when fertilizing, you can switch to non-toxic lawn fertilizers.
Dig to secure food
Some dogs dig and dig to hide food. Namely what they don’t eat right away.
This behavior can not only be observed in packs. In this case, you can avoid digging relatively easily.
Watch your dog eat. Only give him food and chews under supervision. If he doesn’t eat right away, take it away from him.
Digging protects against heat
Heat-sensitive dogs can dig holes on hot summer days. You do this to cool off.
Normally, a dog only does this when there is no other way to escape the heat. So always make sure that your dog can retreat to the shade.
We have collected the best tips for hot summer days here.
Digging during pregnancy and false pregnancy
Pregnant or pseudopregnant bitches may dig a den. The reason for this is their nest-building instinct.
However, your bitch would rather try to make her nest in a sheltered living space. Help your dog do this by allowing her to do so.
Prepare a litter box in time. And let your dog help shape it.
Dogs dig out of boredom
Probably the most common motivation for your loved one to redesign the garden is boredom. Dogs like to dig. Especially when they are young. Through this ditch, they occupy themselves. And they get rid of excess energy.
Intelligent dogs in particular can quickly become bored, as can working dogs. These races must challenge them.
Employment against digging
You can use various activities very well as a measure against unwanted behavior. Reconsider dealing with your dog.
Is your dog physically and mentally challenged? And is he busy? As per the breed?
Especially the mental workload is of the utmost importance for many dogs. The longest walk is just as little help as jogging or cycling with a dog.
Find the right activity for your dog. Just try what works for him. Which makes him tired and calm.
As soon as your dog is having fun and you are mentally challenging him, digging in the garden will almost stop by itself.
Digging as a call for attention
Another explanation for holes in the garden can be a lack of attention. Your dog wants you to take care of him.
A hole in the yard is a good way to get a reaction from you. It is not important for your dog that this reaction is negative at first. You notice him. That matters.
You can avoid such dog behavior by spending more time with him. And by engaging with him more.
But there are those animals that are constantly vying for attention. In this case, you need to reconsider the general behavior towards your dog. And think about why your dog keeps begging for reactions.
What is the impact of dog training?
At first, you are probably tempted to punish your dog for misbehaving. No matter what motivates your dog to dig his holes.
Punishment or scolding would be totally out of place. Because your dog cannot turn off its hunting instinct. If he’s bored, it’s your turn. Your dog is not responsible for this behavior.
It is much better to distract your dog from its digging behavior. Play with him when you are in the garden. Have him fetch. Let him find treats. Or teach him tricks. You’ll see the holes get smaller.
Tips for garden lovers
However, none of your measures may work. Then your dog is simply a passionate digger. Maybe you can give him a part of the garden for this canine hobby.
Create a place for dogs to dig in the garden. Here he can dig holes as he pleases. However, prohibit it in other parts of your garden.
That requires patience. Because your dog has to learn that he can dig in one place but not in another.
However, it is a good time investment. Because it spares the rest of the garden sooner or later. And that keeps your garden beautiful.
Digging in the house
But that’s not all when your dog digs up the garden. He redesigns his bed in the interior by digging, as well as your bed and your couch.
However, the reasons for this are a little different than outdoors.
Digging is a dog’s primal instinct
Before a dog lies down, it usually turns into a circle. He paws at the floor. And then he slowly settles down.
One can only guess why this is so. One assumption is that your dog wants to clear the lying surface of any obstacles. And from disturbing objects.
He works the ground. This creates a flat-lying surface. Dogs have scent glands in their paws.
By scratching at the sleeping place, they mark it at the same time. This way you can always tell if another dog has used the sleeping space.
Dogs want to be comfortable
Your dog wants to be comfortable. So he scratches. And he arranges the blankets and pillows exactly the way he wants them.
Perhaps one or the other blanket could simply be too warm.
After that, dogs turn around a bit until the right sleeping position is found. Pillows and a dog bed with memory foam can help you here so that your dog lies comfortably.
Digging is a natural behavior
So digging in bed or the dog basket is just as natural as digging outdoors. You should also not punish your dog for its behavior inside the living room.
Even if it sometimes bothers you that your four-legged friend rumbling around endlessly before it comes to rest. After all, your dog always has a reason for a behavior.
In any case, your dog digging can be annoying and annoying for you. However, you must always remember that there is a reason for this canine behavior.
The better you observe your animal, the better you can assess your dog. Then you can react. And you can help your dog change his behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs dig in bed?
By scratching on surfaces, they mark them and thus claim their territory. A few turns in a favorite sleeping area, be it a patch of dirt in nature or an actual bed, will effectively mark it with the dog’s scent.
Why shouldn’t dogs dig?
It is particularly important to understand that digging is part of a dog’s natural behavior. It should therefore definitely be possible for him to be able to live this out. Digging, scratching, and other behaviors can be skipped actions.
How do I stop the dog from digging?
Tips against digging in the garden
Whenever your four-legged friend starts digging, take him to his digging corner. You can make the corner more attractive by digging a little yourself at the beginning, for example, or by hiding a small chew, treat, or food for your four-legged friend here.
How do I stop my puppy from digging?
To get your dog used to this bad habit, you have to be patient and consistent. Accompany your dog in the garden. If he tries to do his business there, say loudly and firmly “off”, “no” or “ugh”. Then take him to a place where he can do his business.
Why is the dog digging at home?
Digging out of boredom
Often when puppies or adult dogs have a particularly high level of excess energy and are left alone for long periods, they will find something to do to combat their boredom. Like digging for example.
What does it mean when dogs scratch?
Scratching is used by dogs as a marker and is mostly shown after urinating and/or defecation. The dog can thus send a message on almost all levels of communication.
Why does the dog roll over before lying down?
Some dogs do a lap before doing their business. Just like running in a circle before lying down, this is an innate behavior and serves to secure the area, but also to mark it. Because dogs have glands on their paws that secrete scents.
How do you know if the dog is not feeling well?
The dog pants more and/or breaths deeper and faster. Your darling eats less well or not at all. The animal is listless and rests a lot, alternatively, it also becomes more aggressive. The dog is shaking.
Hello, I'm Mary! I've cared for many pet species including dogs, cats, guinea pigs, fish, and bearded dragons. I also have ten pets of my own currently. I've written many topics in this space including how-tos, informational articles, care guides, breed guides, and more.
Mary Allen