Give Your Dog a Place to Dig…Instead of Trying to Stop the Digging.

One of the most common frustrations I hear from guardians is, "How do I get my dog to stop digging in my gardens?"

The fact of the matter is that digging is a perfectly normal and highly enriching behavior for dogs. Many dogs dig because it's enjoyable, instinctive, and naturally reinforcing. Rather than trying to eliminate this natural behavior altogether, I prefer to give dogs an appropriate place where digging is encouraged. When we work with our dogs' natural instincts instead of against them, everyone is happier, including your lawn!

Creating a Digging Area

A digging area doesn't have to be elaborate. While many guardians choose to build a simple digging pit, that's certainly not your only option.

One of my own dogs, Tonka, loves to dig. Rather than building a box or sandbox, I

simply gave him permission to use an area beneath one of his favorite bushes where he had already started digging. That became Tonka's spot, and he quickly learned that this was the place where digging was encouraged.

Whether you create a designated pit or simply choose an area of your yard, pick a

location where you're comfortable letting your dog dig. If your dog has already selected a favorite spot that works for you, even better!

If you're building a digging pit, you can create a border using landscape timbers, a

simple wooden frame, or a sturdy plastic sandbox. Fill it with a mixture of play sand and topsoil to create a texture that's satisfying for most dogs while still providing good drainage.

Make It the Best Place in the Yard

We want the digging pit to become the most rewarding place in the yard to dig.

Hide a few treats or your dog's favorite toys just below the surface and encourage them to discover the treasures. Every so often, "re-stock" the digging pit with a few new surprises so it continues to be a fun place to explore.

Whenever you notice your dog choosing the digging pit on their own, reinforce that great decision with a few treats and calm verbal praise. The more rewarding the digging pit becomes, the more likely your dog will choose it again.

For Enthusiastic Diggers

If your dog is determined to dig very deep holes, place a few large, flat pavers across the bottom of the pit before adding the sand and soil mixture. This still allows plenty of digging while preventing them from tunneling deeply enough to damage irrigation lines or dig under fencing.

Keep It Clean

An uncovered digging pit can quickly become attractive to neighborhood cats and

wildlife. Cover it when it isn't being used to help keep it clean and ready for your dog.

No Yard? You Can Still Provide the Experience

If you don't have a yard—or it's simply too hot, cold, or wet outside—you can still provide a wonderful digging experience indoors.

Fill a large plastic storage bin or sturdy cardboard box with crumpled packing paper, old towels, fleece strips, cardboard tubes, or other safe materials. Scatter kibble or treats throughout the layers and let your dog sniff, search, and "dig" to find them.

As with any enrichment activity, supervise your dog to ensure they aren't ingesting the materials.

If Your Dog Digs Somewhere Else

Remember, management isn't cheating—it simply prevents your dog from practicing the behavior in places you'd rather they didn't while you build value for the digging pit.

If you catch your dog digging in an area where you don't want them to dig, avoid punishment or old home remedies such as filling the hole with water, burying waste, or using unpleasant substances.

Instead, calmly interrupt if needed, guide your dog to their digging pit, and help them discover something wonderful waiting there. Over time, your dog will begin to associate the digging pit with all the best rewards.

Like so many training exercises, success comes from making the right choice easy and rewarding. By giving your dog an appropriate outlet for this natural behavior, you're meeting an important need while protecting the rest of your yard. ---------------------

Jill Kudera: CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer

Licensed and Insured

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Canine and Feline CPR and First Aid Certified