Behavior Problem Solving

Digging: Why It Happens & What To Do

Behavior Problem Solving

Overview

Digging is a natural behavior with many causes. Rather than fighting it, provide legal outlets and remove the underlying need. For some breeds (terriers, huskies) digging is deeply hardwired — give them a job.

Why it matters

A digger who is punished at one spot will dig at a different spot. Redirection beats punishment.

Watch: demonstration

[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER] Introducing a "dig pit" — a designated area filled with sand where digging is encouraged. — trainer to attach a video via the admin uploader.

Step by step

  1. Identify the reason: heat (finding cool dirt), boredom, scent-following, escape attempts, or breed-hardwired.

  2. Provide alternatives: a dig pit, snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, more physical exercise.

  3. Bury toys and treats in the legal dig spot so digging pays off there.

  4. Supervise yard time — interrupt and redirect early digs.

  5. For escape diggers: shore up the fence with a concrete or wire footer.

  6. Meet exercise needs — a properly exercised dog digs less.

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER] A dig pit outlined with pavers, filled with sand and buried toys. — trainer to upload one or more still images.

Common mistakes

  • Filling holes with water or the dog's waste — old wives' tales that don't work.

  • Leaving the dog outside for hours unsupervised — digging is entertainment.

  • Punishing after the fact — dogs don't connect the dots.

Practice this week

Set up one dig pit this week and reward every use of it.