Alright, time to grab your shovel and a snack. We are about to get down and dirty on why your dog thinks of themself as a part-time landscaper and full-time mole. Whether your pup is plotting an escape, chasing invisible critters, or just enjoying a little backyard excavation, we have real solutions (and a few laughs) for every type of digger.
The Escape Artist
Your dog may not be planning the great escape or maybe they are. Some dogs dig in an attempt to tunnel under fences and break free. While their determination is admirable, it is not ideal for safety or your peace of mind.
What To Do:
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Bury chicken wire along the fence line. Metal works better than paws.
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Line the base of the fence with large rocks or pavers.
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Do not leave your little Houdini outside unsupervised.
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Suspect secret activity? Set up an outdoor camera to monitor their moves.
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Bonus tip: Regular exercise helps burn off that excess energy. A tired dog is less likely to dig.
Earth Dog Practice
"Did somebody say moles?" Some dogs were simply born to hunt, especially terriers. They come pre-loaded with instinct: seek, destroy, and dig.
What To Do:
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Remove vermin from your yard. (Yes, we are talking about you, gophers.)
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Use safe, pet-friendly deterrents to keep critters away.
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Limit access to digging zones when you are not supervising.
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Redirect that energy with sniff mats and puzzle feeders.
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Pro tip: Keep indoor playtime interesting. If they are hunting outside, they are probably bored inside.
Summer Heat
It’s 90 degrees, the sun is blazing, and your dog’s natural air conditioner is overheating. What do they do? Dig a cool hole and sprawl out like a DIY swamp cooler.
What You Can Do:
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Provide shade with trees, awnings, or a pop-up tent.
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Always have fresh, cold water available.
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Limit outdoor time during peak heat (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
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Try a doggy splash pad or kiddie pool to help them cool off.
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Most importantly, find cool-down options that do not involve digging.
Bored Diggers
These dogs are not angry — just bored. Left to their own devices, they invent games like "Yard Destruction Simulator 3000."
What You Can Do:
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Offer brain games such as puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls.
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Create mini agility courses or a backyard scavenger hunt.
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Take frequent walk breaks or consider doggy daycare for stimulation.
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Avoid leaving them outside alone for too long. It gets dull out there.
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Enrichment is far more fun than destruction.
Just-for-Fun Diggers
Some dogs dig purely for fun. No reason. No goal. Just pure digging vibes. Instead of stopping them, try giving them a dedicated space to enjoy it.
What You Can Do:
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Build a digging pit or sandbox. Show them it is a permitted space.
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Hide toys, treats, or bones to make it more exciting.
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Use a fun verbal cue like “dig dig dig!” when they dig in the right spot.
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Celebrate when they choose the “yes zone.” Make it a party.
Theoretical chaos? Maybe. Entertaining and effective? Definitely.
Dig Smarter, Not Harder
Your dog’s digging is not the end of the world, it might just be the beginning of your next backyard bonding project. Try the ideas that fit your dog’s personality, redirect that instinct, and remember that digging can be managed, refocused, and even enjoyed on your terms.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/solutions-for-dogs-that-like-to-dig/
