It’s a scenario many dog owners are all too familiar with: you wake up in the morning, head outside to feed your beloved pup, only to find that they have turned into a canine excavator overnight.
Why is my dog digging?
There are many reasons why a dog may dig holes. Your dog may be bored, anxious, or digging purely from habit. Some dogs dig to investigate scents or seek a cooler resting place. Check that your dog has company, suitable activities, water, shade and shelter.
Respond calmly and manage access
Digging is normal behaviour. Do not scold your dog, drag them to a hole or punish them, including when you catch them digging. Punishment can increase fear without addressing the cause. Supervise garden time, block access to vulnerable beds and reward your dog for choosing an activity you want.
How to prevent digging
Use barriers and an appropriate digging area instead of filling holes with faeces or spraying them with essential oils. Eucalyptus and other concentrated oils can poison pets if swallowed or through other exposure. Keep oils away from your dog, and contact your vet promptly if exposure is suspected.
For the bored digger, suitable exercise, sniffing walks, brain games and environmental enrichment such as food puzzles or scatter feeding may help. Choose activities that suit your dog’s age, health and confidence, with time to rest as well as play.
Compost and blood-and-bone fertilisers can attract dogs. Keep your dog away from treated areas, store gardening products securely and follow their safety directions.
When to get help
If digging is persistent, appears linked to anxiety or creates an escape risk, arrange advice from your vet or a qualified behaviour professional. Our in-home behaviour training team can help you assess the home environment and plan appropriate training.
Give keen diggers an approved space
Set aside a safe digging patch away from fences and garden beds. Bury suitable toys for your dog to find, supervise them and reward digging in that area. Keep access to other digging spots restricted while the new habit develops.
Build everyday skills with Brisbane training classes
For help with everyday manners and practising around distractions, explore our Brisbane group obedience classes for dogs from five months. If you have a young puppy, Puppy School supports early training and household routines. View Puppy School locations and upcoming classes.
Group classes are not a substitute for individual help when digging involves distress or escape attempts. Contact our team if you are unsure which service suits your dog.
Further reading: RSPCA guidance on digging and Animal Poisons guidance on essential oils and pets.
Cover photograph: Hondenfun.nl, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display.
Justin Jordan is a dog behaviourist and the founder of Jordan Dog Training, a family-owned Brisbane business. With more than 35 years of experience in the pet industry, Justin and his team help families with puppy training, everyday manners and behaviour concerns.
