Why do dogs dig holes?

Many dog owners watch their pets excavate the lawn and wonder whether this is harmless mischief, a sign of unmet needs, or an early warning of a medical problem. This article explains what digging often means, why it happens, how to respond, and when to seek help so you can keep your dog comfortable and your yard intact.

Why digging matters to you and your dog

Digging affects more than dirt: it touches on an owner’s goals for a healthy, comfortable pet and for a livable outdoor space. I regularly hear owners worry about destroyed flowerbeds, escape routes under fences, and the stress of constantly repairing ground damage. For many people, the first concern is prevention; for others, it’s understanding the dog’s motivation so they can respond without punishment.

New owners and breeders have a particular stake. If a young dog digs a lot, breeders want to know whether that behavior will carry forward and affect rehoming. New owners want practical ways to redirect the behavior before it becomes entrenched. Addressing digging early can reduce friction between human needs for a tidy yard and a dog’s natural inclinations.

Owners also worry about underlying problems. When digging starts suddenly or intensifies, it may suggest pain, itch, or anxiety. I typically recommend seeking a veterinary opinion if the behavior is new and dramatic, accompanied by other signs like weight loss or wounds, or if the dog seems unable to stop despite interventions.

In brief — what drives dogs to dig

At its simplest, digging is a natural behavior with multiple possible motivations. Many dogs dig because of instinctive, ancestral behaviors that may have helped wild canids create dens, hide food, or uncover prey. Digging is also a practical way for dogs to regulate temperature—finding a cool pocket of soil in heat or a well-insulated spot in cold weather.

Beyond biology, digging can be driven by hunting and prey retrieval: dogs may dig where scent trails suggest rodents or insects. Emotional states are common triggers too—boredom, frustration, separation anxiety, or an attempt to get attention can all lead a dog to dig. In most cases, the behavior is multi-causal: several motivations are often present at once.

Built to dig: instincts, anatomy and hormones

The instinct to make a den or nest may be the most ancient reason for digging. Wild canids and early domestic dogs used shallow excavations to create a sheltered spot for resting or to hide pups. Even if your dog never had to survive outdoors, these tendencies may persist and be expressed as digging in soft soil or under shrubs.

Scent is central to canine life, and digging often serves as a way to expose or bury scents. When a dog scratches and overturns soil, it releases the smells of insects, roots, or buried food, and it may deposit scent from glands on the paws and face. This activity likely helps them communicate territory or ownership in a way that is largely invisible to people but meaningful to other animals.

Prey drive is another biological function that ties into digging. Burrowing species—moles, voles, ground squirrels—leave scent trails and tunneling sounds that dogs can detect. Many dogs will dig persistently at one spot where a rodent or insect has been active. This behavior is especially common in terrier-type breeds, though it can appear in any dog with a strong hunting drive.

Climate control is a practical purpose for digging. Exposed soil can be markedly cooler than the surface, and a shallow scrape can create a microclimate that helps a dog cool down. In cold weather, dogs may dig to create a draft-free hollow that traps warmth. The choice of digging location—under shade, near foundations, or in exposed sun—often reflects this thermal logic.

Weather, seasonality and other environmental triggers

Digging frequency often rises with environmental cues. Hot weather and prolonged sun exposure increase the likelihood that a dog will seek out cooler soil. I often see a daily pattern where dogs dig in the afternoon heat and rest in their digs until temperatures drop.

The physical properties of the yard matter. Loose, sandy soil is easier to dig and therefore invites more excavation than compact clay. Yards with abundant hideaways for wildlife or with exposed food scraps will create scent hotspots that keep dogs returning to the same patches. Landscape features like flower beds, compost piles, and under-deck voids are common repeat sites.

Seasonal cycles and reproductive behavior can also play a role. Females in late pregnancy or approaching labor may dig nests; unspayed females or males in a neighborhood with cycling dogs may show increased territorial digging. Likewise, sudden changes in routine—new work hours, a new pet in the home, or recent relocation—can produce stress-related digging as the dog tries to regain a sense of control.

Finally, lack of physical and mental outlet is a frequent trigger. Dogs that get insufficient exercise or infrequent training sessions may redirect their energy into repetitive behaviors such as digging. In multi-dog households, competition for space or attention can also provoke digging as each dog seeks out private or attention-grabbing spots.

When to worry: risks and medical red flags

Not all digging is harmless. An abrupt increase in digging frequency or intensity may suggest pain—an earache, dental pain, or discomfort elsewhere that the dog attempts to alleviate or distract from. If digging is focused on one paw or site and the dog shows sensitivity, that localized digging could indicate a foreign body, wound, or infection.

Watch for systemic signs that point to illness: unexplained weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, or changes in elimination. When digging co-occurs with these signs, a medical evaluation is warranted. I recommend a vet visit rather than trying training first in such cases.

There is also a behavioral risk: digging can become compulsive. A dog that persists at digging despite removal, that injures itself while excavating, or that seems unable to stop when disturbed may be developing a compulsive disorder. This pattern often requires professional behavior modification and sometimes medication; early recognition improves outcomes.

How to handle digging: a practical checklist for owners

1. Observe before you act. Note where, when, how often, and for how long your dog digs. I ask clients to keep a simple log for one to two weeks—time of day, weather, who was home, and what else was happening. Patterns often emerge that point to heat, prey, or boredom.
2. Rule out medical causes. If digging is new, intense, or accompanied by other physical signs, schedule a veterinary exam to check for pain, parasites, or skin problems. A basic exam and a few tests will often clarify whether the issue is medical.
3. Address exercise and mental needs. Increase structured physical activity and introduce daily training or scent games. Walking, fetching, and supervised off-leash play provide healthy outlets; puzzle toys and nose work give mental challenge that reduces digging driven by boredom.
4. Introduce environmental management. Create an approved digging area, remove wildlife attractants, and modify the landscape to make favored spots less appealing. Use management and training together rather than punishment alone.
5. Track results. Keep recording the behavior and changes you make. If a step reduces digging, note how long before you saw improvement. If nothing changes after several weeks of consistent intervention, consult a certified behaviorist for a tailored plan.

Train the behavior, shape the space: effective management strategies

Redirecting digging tends to work better than suppressing it. One effective approach is to provide a sanctioned place for the dog to dig—a sandbox or shallow pit filled with loose soil and toys—then reinforce use of that area. I advise placing treats or hidden toys in the approved spot to build positive association, and supervising early sessions so you can cue and reward appropriate behavior.

Consistent cues and redirection help shape behavior. When you catch the dog in the act, use a calm, predictable response: interrupt with a cue, lead the dog to the approved area, and reward. Avoid yelling or harsh punishment, which can increase anxiety and make digging worse. Consistency across family members matters more than the specific words you use.

Enrichment reduces the motivation to dig. Rotate puzzle feeders, introduce scent games where the dog searches for treats buried in safe containers, and schedule regular training sessions to keep the dog’s mind engaged. Scent work in particular can satisfy hunting drives without damaging the yard.

Landscape changes can be practical and subtle: place large rocks, planting beds with sturdy borders, or raised planters over hotspots; install short, buried fencing or concrete pavers to block digging under fence lines; and remove food and compost that attract rodents. Passive management often reduces urges without daily intervention.

Recommended tools and supplies to help curb digging

• Sandbox or designated digging pit: A shallow box or framed area filled with loose, non-treated soil or sand. Bury toys or treats to teach appropriate digging and make the pit attractive.
• Durable fencing and buried barriers: Short, plastic or metal mesh buried a few inches into the ground under perimeter fencing can prevent tunneling. For flowerbeds, use wire hardware cloth under mulch to block digging.
• Interactive toys and treat-dispensing feeders: Rotate different types to keep novelty. Nose-work mats and Kong-style toys filled and frozen can occupy a dog for long periods and reduce boredom-driven digging.
• Motion-activated deterrents (safe options): Audible or non-harmful motion deterrents can discourage repeat visits to specific spots. Choose units designed for pets and use them in combination with positive alternatives to avoid increasing stress.

References and further reading

• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Destructive Behavior in Dogs” — AVMA client information and resources page.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. “Behavioral Problems — Destructive Behavior in Dogs” — Merck Vet Manual entry covering causes and management.
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). “Find a Veterinary Behaviorist” and practice resources — guidance on when to seek a specialist.
• Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat, 3rd Edition. Elsevier; practical clinical resource on diagnosis and treatment.
• Overall, K. Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals, 2nd Edition. Elsevier; in-depth chapters on compulsive and anxiety-related behaviors.