How to stop my dog from digging

Digging is a symptom, so fix the reason behind it. Most dogs dig from boredom, to cool down, or to chase scents. Add daily exercise and enrichment, block off tempting spots, and give a 'legal' digging area you actively reward. Punishing after the fact doesn't work because your dog won't connect it to the digging.

Get a training plan built for your dog

Download on the  App Store

Free to download · personalized by age, breed & behavior

Step by step

Figure out the why: boredom, too much energy, digging cool holes in hot weather, or chasing burrowing animals each need a different fix.
Increase daily exercise and add sniffing games or chew toys — a tired, mentally-satisfied dog digs far less.
Create a legal digging zone (a sandpit or marked patch), bury toys or treats in it, and praise your dog for using it.
Make off-limits spots boring: temporarily block access, or place large rocks in favourite holes.
In hot weather, give shade and water so your dog isn't digging to cool down.
Never punish a hole after the fact — your dog can't link the telling-off to the digging and it just adds anxiety.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my dog suddenly digging so much?

A sudden increase usually means a new trigger: more pent-up energy, hot weather, a burrowing animal in the yard, or a change in routine that's left your dog bored or anxious.

Do certain breeds dig more?

Yes. Terriers and many working breeds were bred to dig and chase underground, so they need extra exercise and an approved outlet rather than a total ban on digging.

Will filling the hole with poop stop digging?

It's unreliable and unpleasant to maintain. Redirecting to a legal digging spot plus more exercise is cleaner and actually addresses the cause.