A Comprehensive Guide to Curb Your Dog’s Digging Habit

Understanding the Obsessive Digging Behaviour

• Boredom or Excess Energy

  Dogs may dig out of sheer boredom, especially when they are left alone in the yard for extended periods. Similarly, a dog with a lot of energy may dig to burn off some of it. Both boredom and excess energy can often be resolved with more exercise and mental stimulation.

• Hunting Behavior

  Some dogs may dig because they are following their instinct to hunt. If they smell or hear small creatures like moles or gophers in the ground, they might dig in pursuit.

• Comfort and Protection

  Dogs dig to create a cool spot to lie down in hot weather or to find protection from cold, wind, or rain. If the weather is extreme and your dog is outside a lot, this might be the cause of the digging.

• Escape or Access

  Some dogs dig to escape from the yard, especially if they’re left alone for long periods and get bored or anxious. They may also dig to gain access to an area where they want to be, like a garden or underneath a fence.

• Anxiety or Fear

  Dogs suffering from anxiety or fear might engage in excessive digging as a way to relieve their stress. This is especially common in dogs with separation anxiety.

• Attention-Seeking

  If your dog learns that digging gets your attention, even if it’s negative attention, they might continue to dig.

Signs of Obsessive Digging Behaviour

• Frequent Digging:

  If your dog frequently digs whenever it’s outside, it might suggest an obsessive tendency. This repetitive, compulsive action often indicates more than just casual interest.

• Focused Digging in One Spot

  While some dogs dig randomly, others may focus on one spot, frequently returning to it to dig. This could indicate that they are trying to reach something specific or that the spot has become a target of obsession.

• Large or Deep Holes:

  If the holes your dog is digging are particularly large or deep, this could be a sign of obsessive digging. It shows that your dog is spending a lot of time and effort on the task.

• Damage to Lawn or Garden:

  Extensive damage to your yard, garden, or landscaping can indicate an issue. If your dog is destroying plants, digging under fences or barriers, or causing other destruction, it’s a clear sign their digging is becoming problematic.

• Dirty Nose or Paws:

  Regularly noticing a dirty nose or paws on your dog can also be a sign that they are digging obsessively.

• Unresponsiveness to Distraction or Commands:

  If your dog continues digging despite distractions or ignores commands to stop, it might be a sign of obsessive behavior. They may be so focused on the digging that they disregard other stimuli.

• Inappropriate Digging:

  If your dog starts to dig in inappropriate places, such as inside the house, in potted plants, or in designated no-dig zones, this could be a sign of a problem.

Triggers of Obsessive Digging

• Hunting Instinct :

  Believe it or not, your pup may be on a hunt! Dogs have a heightened sense of smell and can often detect bugs, worms, and other critters that burrow in the ground. They might be digging to try and reach this “prey.” If you notice your dog focusing on one area, sniffing around intently, and then starting to dig, they might be tapping into their inner hunter.

• Boredom and Lack of Exercise :

  Your dog could be bored or have pent-up energy. Dogs require regular exercise and mental stimulation. When these needs are not met, they might resort to activities such as digging to entertain themselves or burn off excess energy. If your dog is regularly left alone in the garden for long periods, it might be digging holes out of sheer boredom.

• Climate Control :

  Here’s a fun fact, your dog might be trying to create their very own heating or cooling system. In hot weather, the soil beneath the surface can be much cooler than the surface, and dogs might dig holes to reach the cooler ground to lie in. Similarly, in cold weather, a dug hole can provide some shelter from the wind and cold.

• Escape Attempts :

  Finally, we have the great escape artists. Some dogs dig to escape from their yard, especially if they’re left alone for extended periods. They might be trying to reach something outside the yard or simply looking for some adventure. If the digging is concentrated around the boundaries of your yard or under your fence or gate, this might be the case.

• Comfort or Protection :

  On hot days, your dog might dig a hole to lie in the cool soil. It’s a survival instinct from their wild ancestors who did the same to escape heat. They may also dig to bury their valuables (like their favorite toy or a treat) for safekeeping, another trait inherited from their ancestors.

• Anxiety or Fear :

  Sometimes, digging can be a sign of distress. If your dog is anxious, scared, or stressed, they might dig as a coping mechanism.

• Attention-Seeking :

  If digging gets your attention, your dog might do it more often, even if the attention they’re getting is negative. They don’t understand the difference between positive and negative attention; they just know they’re getting it.

• They Just Love It! :

  Last but not least, some dogs just love digging! The joy of unearthing something unknown, the fun of playing with dirt, or the satisfaction of a good dig could be enough reasons for them.

How to Handle Your Dog’s Digging Habit – Do’s and Don’ts

Recommended Products to Manage the Digging Behavior in Dogs

Conclusion

From understanding why dogs dig and recognizing the signs of a potential issue, to pinpointing triggers and exploring how to manage the behavior, we’ve dug deep into the problem.

Strategies we’ve covered include offering alternatives to digging, managing the environment, increasing physical and mental stimulation, and considering dog-proof garden designs. Additionally, we’ve emphasized the importance of patience and positive reinforcement in changing any dog’s behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)