If there’s something dogs dig, it’s digging. As well as panting and playing fetch, digging is a canine characteristic we all recognise. But as your dog gets excited over the mountains of dirt they’re piling up in the garden or having a good dig around their basket or bed, it may have you wondering about the cause, the reason and how you can go about curbing the destructive aspect of it all.
As with so many fascinating dog behaviours, there are instinctual canine traits at play when your pooch is digging pits, whether it’s at the beach, in your garden, or even when they’re burrowing into the sofa cushions.
Let’s go into the reasons why dogs love to dig and offer some tips to reduce your dog’s digging if it’s becoming a problem.
The history of dogs and digging: Ancestry and instinct
Dogs’ ancestors used to dig in the wilderness to create a cool and comfortable place to rest, or to bury bits of food and cool bones they didn’t want stolen by other animals. Dogs burying things to keep them safe for later is another canine behaviour that has been passed down for thousands of years, and still shows up in our domesticated dogs today.
A dog’s built-in hunting instinct can also present itself in digging as lots of rodents roam underground, which dogs can detect and try to catch by burrowing down into their earthy tunnels.
However, there are plenty of other reasons dogs dig besides canine instinct.
Reasons why your dog is digging excessively
Digging is an inherent part of being a dog, but it’s also a multi-purpose activity for pooches. Here are the many reasons dogs dig:
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It’s their canine instinct. As said above, dogs dig just like their ancestors did. This can be to keep cool and comfortable in a chosen space, to bury food and bones, and to hunt insects and rodents underground. The evolutionary habit has stuck, and now lots of dogs dig because it feels natural and stress-relieving.
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To make an area more comfortable. Digging is a nesting habit - it makes the ground smoother and comfier to nestle in.
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Regulating their body temperature. A dog actually regulates their temperature by digging. In cold weather, digging can help warm up dogs. If they’re a breed that is genetically used to cooler climates (e.g. Siberian Huskies), lying on earth that’s dug up, beneath the surface, can be cooler than the layer on top.
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They’re bored or anxious. Your pooch might dig to distract themselves or self-soothe. This could mean they need more exercise or stimulation, such as more playtime or puzzle toys around the house.
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Something smells interesting. There’s all sorts of intriguing things for a dog to sniff in the garden, from other animal’s poop, to blood and tracks. This can have them digging to try and find where the scent goes.
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Hunting for rodents. Similarly, there are voles, mice, moles and other rodents travelling in tunnels underground, which dogs can often sense and try to reach. This is especially true for hunting breeds like Beagles or Terriers.
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Trying to escape. If your pooch likes to dig in the same spot next to a fence or gate, they might be trying to form an escape route!
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They’re playing. Diggable material (such as soil, sand, tree roots etc.) is malleable and ‘plays back’ with dogs, so they can have endless fun pushing and flinging it around in a good dig session.
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They want your attention. If you’ve scolded your pooch for digging before, they might do it just to provoke you or get your attention.
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They’re burying something / looking for something they buried. As said above, dogs bury treats, food and bones instinctively. If they’re digging in a very intentional manner, don’t be surprised if they reveal a dog treat they’ve saved for a rainy day.
Why do dogs dig in bed?
Before they settle down for a snooze, you may find that your dog erratically digs at their bed, couch or blanket. This could be because it's a part of their ritual of making the space more comfortable, self-soothing or sometimes to spread their scent.
Why do dogs dig the carpet?
You may find that your dog will also dig at your carpet or rug. This can also be because they’re trying to get comfy before lying down, trying to self-soothe, due to stress and anxiety, boredom or just trying to get your attention.
Do dogs dig because they’re happy?
Most of the time, a dog will probably be digging out of play or relaxation; it’s an instinctual behaviour that feels good for them. Though sometimes, a dog will dig randomly if they’re bored or not stimulated enough, or as a reaction to anxiety.
Pay attention to your pooch if he’s digging frantically as a reaction to boredom - for example, if they’ve been left alone for a while or they’re due for a walk.
Should I stop my dog from digging?
You can’t really stop a dog from being a dog, and digging is something nearly every dog does! However, if it’s becoming problematic, for instance if your dog is ruining furniture or regularly digging up your flower beds, you can deter them from digging in undesired places with training and repeated phrases.
How to prevent your dog from destructive digging
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Be sure they’re getting enough exercise. One of the main reasons dogs dig is due to excess energy. If your dog isn’t getting enough physical activity, they may dig as a way of ‘fidgeting’, which provides relief. Ensure your dog gets regular walks, playtime and other forms of exercise throughout the day, as a worn-out dog is less likely to dig out of boredom.
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Give them activities so they’re mentally stimulated. More playtime, training sessions as well as puzzle toys or games will keep their brain occupied, meaning they’re less likely to resort to digging up your garden. You could also try our long-lasting calming fish chew (made with natural fish hide), as this entertains dogs while calming them down.
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Training exercises. If your pooch is digging in a destructive or problematic way, it could help to lay down some boundaries. Training your dog to respond to the ‘Stop’ command and working on strong recall will hopefully teach them when it’s appropriate to dig, and when not to.
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Set up a ‘digging area’. If there’s an area of your garden you don’t mind your pooch getting dirty in, direct them to this whenever they get the urge.
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Reward them for stopping. If your dog learns to stop digging on command, or understands that they should only dig in their ‘designated space’, be sure to reward them with healthy dog treats so they associate intentional digging with a positive reward.
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Take them to places it’s ok to dig. If you don’t have a garden, take your pooch to places where they can indulge their digging urges unencumbered! A beach with wet sand, a park with patches of loose soil, and piles of fallen leaves under trees - it’s important that they get to dig freely and just be a dog.
FAQs
Why is my dog digging at things?
It’s not a concern if your pooch is digging - it’s a classic canine instinct! Whether it’s digging holes at the beach, rummaging through blankets on their dog bed, or clawing at a patch of garden, there are loads of reasons your pooch might fancy a dig. Perhaps they’ve smelled some fox droppings in the ground, they’re just getting comfortable, or they’re using up excess energy. If you’ve noticed your pooch digging when they’re anxious or as a response to not getting enough exercise, that’s something to try and remedy by boosting their physical and mental stimulation.
Are some dog breeds more prone to digging?
Yes - though most dogs love to dig now and then, some breeds are genetically predisposed to digging behaviours, for different reasons. Terriers like Jack Russels, as well as Dachshunds and Beagles were bred to hunt, so they’re likely to follow their noses deep into the ground. Siberian Huskies will often dig to get cool and comfortable in warm weather, while Boxers have a lot of excess energy and might dig into things out of excitement or boredom.
Why is my dog digging indoors?
Your pooch may often claw and rummage into things in the house that aren’t ‘diggable’, like areas of carpet, sofa cushions, blankets and bedding, which can be distracting, not to mention damaging to your furnishings!
Your dog might be bored, have excess energy or need to go out on a long walk. They might also be low on mental stimulation and could do with more activities or playtime. It can be a sign of anxiety, perhaps if their ‘main’ owner is out, or they’re feeling uncomfortable in their surroundings. Finally, it might just be ‘nesting’ and getting comfortable, they may smell something they want to pursue, or they’re attempting to bury a treat or toy.
To train your dog to dig in the right places, why not try Pooch & Mutt’s range of healthy dog treats, in flavours such as Turkey & Hemp, Peanut Butter and Shrimp & Coconut. All our made with wholesome natural ingredients and infused with gut-friendly probiotics.
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