If your dog is digging up your yard, don’t worry—they’re not doing it to annoy you or ruin your landscaping. Most of the time, they’re just looking for something fun to do, trying to get your attention, staying comfortable, escaping, hunting, or even protecting themselves.
Entertainment
Dogs often dig for fun, especially when they realize the dirt and roots “fight back.” Your pup might be digging out of boredom if:

- They spend a lot of time alone in the yard without you.
- There aren’t any toys or playmates to keep them busy.
- They’re a puppy or young dog with lots of energy to burn.
- They’re a terrier or another breed that naturally loves to dig.
- They’re an active breed that needs a job to stay happy.
- They recently watched you digging in the yard and decided to join in!
If this sounds like your dog, they might just need more playtime and activities to keep them entertained.
How to Keep Your Dog Happy anHunting prey
d Busy
Want to stop your dog from digging out of boredom? Try giving them more exercise, attention, and fun activities! Here are some simple ways to keep them engaged:
- Go for walks – Take your dog on at least two walks a day. A lack of exercise is one of the main reasons dogs develop bad habits.
- Play together – Use toys like balls or frisbees to keep them active and entertained.
- Teach tricks – Spend 5 to 10 minutes a day teaching them new commands or tricks. It’s a great way to keep their mind busy!
- Try a training class – Sign up for a class and practice what you learn every day.
- Give them fun toys – Keep interactive toys in the yard, like treat-filled Kongs® or puzzle toys. Switch them out regularly to keep things exciting!
With a little extra time and effort, you can help your pup stay happy, active, and out of trouble.

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Hunting prey
Sometimes, dogs dig because they’re trying to catch burrowing animals or insects hiding in your yard. If your pup is digging in specific spots—like around tree roots, shrubs, or in a path-like pattern—they’re probably on the hunt for something.

What You Can Do
Look for signs of burrowing animals and use safe, humane ways to keep them out. Fencing off certain areas or making your yard less inviting to pests can help stop the digging.
What to Avoid
Never use toxic or harmful products to get rid of pests. Anything that poisons wildlife can also be dangerous for your dog! Stick to pet-safe solutions.
Comfort and protection
Dogs often dig to stay comfortable. On hot days, they may dig to lie in cool dirt, and in cold or rainy weather, they might dig for shelter or to find water. Your pup might be digging for comfort if:

- They dig near building foundations, big trees, or water sources.
- They don’t have a proper shelter, or their current one is too hot or too cold.
- They actually lie in the holes they dig.
How to Help
Make sure your dog has a comfy, weatherproof shelter with plenty of shade and fresh water in a sturdy, spill-proof bowl. If they still love to dig, consider giving them a designated digging spot.

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Digging for Attention
Sometimes, dogs dig just to get your attention—especially if they feel ignored. Even scolding counts as attention, so if they dig while you’re watching or don’t get much interaction, they might just be looking for a reaction.
What to Do
Ignore the bad behavior and reward good behavior instead. Praise your pup when they’re behaving well, and make sure they get plenty of walks and playtime with you every day!
Escape
Some dogs dig because they’re trying to get somewhere—whether it’s to reach something exciting, explore beyond the fence, or get away from something that scares them. If your pup is digging along or under a fence, they might be trying to make a great escape.

How to Stop It
First, figure out why they want to escape and try to remove the reason. Make sure your yard is a fun and safe place where they actually want to stay.
To keep your dog from digging under the fence, try these tricks:
- Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence, with the sharp edges rolled away from your yard.
- Place large rocks (partially buried) along the bottom of the fence.
- Extend the fence underground by burying it 1–2 feet deep.
- Lay chain link fencing on the ground near the fence to make it uncomfortable for them to dig there.
- Train them with behavior modification to reduce their escape attempts.
What Not to Do
No matter why your dog is digging, avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t punish them after the fact. They won’t connect the punishment with the digging, and if fear or anxiety is the cause, it could make things worse.
- Don’t stake them near the hole or fill it with water. This won’t teach them anything and could stress them out more.

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Creating a Digging Zone
If your dog just loves to dig, give them a designated digging spot:
- Fill a small area with loose soil or sand—a child’s sandbox works great!
- Bury toys or treats in the digging zone to make it more fun.
- Praise them when they dig in the right spot.
- If they dig where they shouldn’t, redirect them. Say “No dig” firmly, then take them to the correct spot.
- Make unwanted digging spots less appealing by covering them with rocks or chicken wire.
When Nothing Works
If your dog is still digging non-stop, keep them indoors when you can and supervise their outdoor time. If the problem continues, consider working with a professional dog trainer for extra guidance.