Does Your Dog Love To Dig? Here's Why!

It might be as bad as you thought

Dogs digging up the yard can be a frustrating issue for owners, but it’s important to remember that this behaviour is deeply rooted in their instincts. Understanding why dogs dig can help you address the behaviour more effectively and compassionately. Let’s explore the scientific reasons behind this natural tendency and how you can manage it.

The Evolutionary Roots of Digging

Digging is a behaviour inherited from wild canids like wolves and foxes. In the wild, digging serves various survival purposes, such as:

• Building Shelter: Canids dig to create dens that protect them from extreme weather, predators, and provide a safe space for raising their young.

• Hiding Food: Wild dogs bury food to keep it safe from scavengers and preserve it for future consumption.

• Temperature Regulation: By digging into the ground, dogs can access cooler soil during hot weather or create a warm burrow during the cold.

  
  

Even though domestic dogs no longer need to dig for survival, these instincts are still ingrained in their DNA.

Why Does Your Dog Dig?

While digging is natural, the reasons behind it vary based on the individual dog and their environment. Here are the most common causes:

1. Boredom or Lack of Exercise: Dogs with excess energy often resort to digging as a form of entertainment. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they may turn to destructive behaviours like digging to pass the time.

2. Seeking Comfort: Digging can help dogs regulate their body temperature. They may dig to find a cool spot during summer or create a cosy burrow to shield themselves from the wind during colder months.

3. Instinctual Food Hoarding: Some dogs instinctively bury toys, bones, or other objects as part of their evolutionary drive to store food for later use. This behaviour is particularly common in breeds like terriers and dachshunds.

4. Prey Drive: Dogs with strong hunting instincts, such as terriers, may dig to chase burrowing animals like moles or rabbits. Their keen sense of smell and prey drive make digging an irresistible activity when they sense underground creatures.

5. Attention-Seeking: If a dog learns that digging gets your attention (even if it’s negative attention), they may continue the behaviour as a way to engage with you.

6. Anxiety or Stress: Stressful situations, such as being left alone for extended periods, can lead to compulsive digging as a coping mechanism. Dogs with separation anxiety often exhibit destructive behaviours, including digging.

7. Breeding Tendencies: Certain breeds are more predisposed to digging due to their historical roles. For example:

   • Terriers were bred to hunt burrowing animals.

   • Huskies dig to create cool resting spots in warm climates.

   • Beagles may dig to follow scents underground.

How to Manage Digging Behaviour

While you can’t completely eliminate your dog’s natural instincts, there are ways to manage and redirect digging behaviour effectively:

1. Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation

   • A tired dog is less likely to dig out of boredom. Ensure your dog gets enough physical activity through walks, playtime, or training sessions.

   • Engage your dog’s mind with puzzle toys, scent games, or obedience training.

     
     

2. Create a Digging Zone

   • Designate a specific area where your dog is allowed to dig, such as a sandbox filled with soil or sand. Bury toys or treats in the area to encourage them to dig there instead of your garden.

     
     

3. Modify the Environment

   • Use barriers, such as chicken wire or garden fencing, to protect areas where you don’t want your dog to dig.

   • Place large rocks or pavers over spots your dog frequently digs.

     
     

4. Address Underlying Anxiety

   • If your dog digs due to stress or separation anxiety, consider behaviour modification techniques or consult a professional trainer.

   • Provide a safe and comforting space for your dog while you’re away.

     
     

5. Deter Pests

   • If your dog is digging because they’re hunting underground pests, address the root problem by humanely removing the animals from your yard.

     
     

6. Avoid Punishment

   • Punishing your dog for digging is unlikely to be effective and may increase stress or anxiety. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement to redirect their behaviour.

     
     

Understanding Your Dog’s Needs

By identifying the cause of your dog’s digging and addressing it with appropriate strategies, you can manage the behaviour without suppressing their natural instincts. Digging is a normal part of being a dog, but with patience and consistency, you can guide your furry friend toward more acceptable outlets for their energy.

Conclusion

Dogs dig for a variety of reasons rooted in their evolutionary history and current environment. While it can be frustrating to deal with holes in your yard, understanding the science behind this behaviour can help you approach the problem with empathy and effective solutions. Remember, a happy, stimulated, and well-exercised dog is less likely to engage in destructive digging. With the right strategies, you can strike a balance that keeps both your dog and your garden in good shape.