Why Does My Dog Dig Up My Yard?

Unfortunately, many dogs love to dig holes. And if your yard is full of tripping hazards, mud, and unsightly holes, you may be wondering just why your canine companion enjoys being so destructive. Here are a few reasons why your dog enjoys digging so many holes, and what to do in order to stop them.

Natural instinct kicks in

First and foremost, dogs have a natural instinct to dig holes. Dogs dig for a variety of reasons, and sometimes, it is just because that is within their natural drive to do so as a species. This may be more prevalent in certain breeds. For example, working breeds tend to dig more. Breeds such as Siberian Huskies, Great Pyrenees, and Basset Hounds are major culprits of this.

Be especially mindful if your dog is a pregnant female and begins digging holes. She may be preparing to give birth, and you don't want these newborn puppies laying in the mud and dirt outside. Keep her in a safe place until she gives birth!

Prey drive

Speaking of instinct, some of these may be due to a dog's inborn drive to chase prey. Some breeds of dog have stronger prey drive than others. For example, Dachshunds were bred to go underground and hunt badgers and other small animals. Terriers may have the same instinct. Consider that your dog may simply be digging to unearth underground creatures. If your dog is a breed known for burrowing to hunt, you may want to set up deterrents to keep rabbits and other small animals out of your yard. This may reduce digging.

Boredom is a big reason

When your dog doesn't have enough to stimulate their minds and bodies, digging might be what they decide to do. Make sure that your dog has enough to do and keeps busy. Give them interactive toys, take them for walks, and facilitate more play. Preventing boredom may also prevent your dog from digging more holes.

Don't rule out anxiety

Stress or anxiety may encourage your dog to dig holes. This is especially true if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety at your absence. If you are often coming home to new holes that weren't there before you left home, consider keeping your dog inside whenever you leave the house. This will prevent more separation anxiety holes from popping up all over your yard.

Dogs also dig to escape

If the holes appearing in your yard are right next to a fence, consider that your dog may be attempting to escape. Take action immediately to secure your fence and prevent your dog from getting out. If they do escape, they may face immediate threats to their health and safety.

Regardless of reason, there are solutions

Document what happens before and after your dog digs new holes in the yard. With this information, you may be able to decipher why your dog digs, and what you can do to stop them. The advice of a trainer or dog behaviorist may come in handy, too. Most of all, don't give up!