Digging often results from boredom.
OVERVIEW
Digging in the yard can be caused by a number of problems and each case should be assessed individually.
CAUSES
Dogs dig for a range of reasons and understanding your dog's motivation may help you manage it so it doesn't become a big problem.
Common causes of digging:
- Hunting for rats or interested in noise underground such as insects
- Enjoys digging
- To cool down
- Trying to escape
- Boredom
- Burying objects
- Anxiety
- Nesting
MANAGEMENT
It's important to determine the motivation behind the digging behaviour. This table outlines some basic management options.
| Motivation | Solution |
| Hunting |
Supervise outdoor activity Restrict to gravel, tiles or concrete areas |
| Anxiety | Address anxiety such as storm phobias and digging to escape |
| To cool down | Offer protection with shade or a small pool |
| Boredom | Ensure adequate exercise for the breed and life stage such as daily walking, fetch, new toys |
Management of digging involves diverting their behaviour to a more acceptable form such as giving it a digging pit such as a sandpit and burying toys and treats in this area.
TIPS
Tips to help prevent digging in unwanted areas:
- Pest control of rats (careful not to use toxic chemicals)
- Provide shady areas in hot weather or bring your pet inside
- Adequate exercise for the breed and life stage to prevent boredom
- Offer toys or treats inside the home only to prevent them from burying toys
- Don't fill the holes as this will encourage digging
- Try booby-trapping with balloons
- Do not reward the behaviour with attention
- Provide adequate exercise for the breed and age of the pet
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