How to Stop Dog Digging | Fixes That Actually Work

For the full breakdown, see our best Dog Digging Repellent guide.

Few things frustrate a gardener more than finding fresh craters in the flower bed. But punishment won’t fix it, and leaving the dog unsupervised only reinforces the habit. The real solution is simpler: figure out why your dog is digging, then give them a better outlet. Here’s exactly how to do that, based on guidance from the Humane Society, AKC, and RSPCA.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

Most digging falls into one of five drivers:

• Boredom or excess energy — the dog needs more to do.
• Prey drive — scent or sound of rodents, moles, or insects underground.
• Heat-seeking — digging a cool bed in hot weather.
• Comfort or nesting — especially pregnant or denning dogs.
• Attention-seeking — digging works because you react.

The fix changes depending on the cause, but exercise and a designated digging spot address the vast majority of cases regardless of driver.

The Two-Step Fix: Exercise First, Then Redirect

Most digging stops when a dog is properly tired. Humane World for Animals recommends walking your dog at least twice daily and practicing commands or tricks for 5–10 minutes every day. That baseline addresses the boredom and pent-up energy that drive most digging.

Step two is redirection. When you catch your dog digging in the wrong place, interrupt with a firm but calm “No dig,” then immediately take them to the approved digging area and reward them for digging there. The key is speed — the dog must connect the interruption with the new spot in the same moment.

For stubborn cases, keep the dog indoors with you and only allow supervised bathroom breaks in the yard. This breaks the habit cycle while you build up the digging zone.

Setting Up an Approved Digging Area

Give your dog a legal place to dig. Set aside a section of yard with loose soil or sand — a child-sized sandbox works perfectly. Bury safe toys, treats, or bones just below the surface to encourage exploration. When your dog digs there, praise and reward immediately.

For a larger dog, Best Friends recommends a dirt box at least 12 inches deep for a 50-pound dog. Make the approved spot more interesting than the rest of the yard by refreshing the buried items regularly.

Blocking and Deterring Problem Spots

For areas you need to protect (flower beds, fence lines, vegetable gardens), make them physically less appealing:

• Place rocks or partially buried stones over problem spots.
• Lay chicken wire just under the soil surface — dogs dislike the texture on their paws.
• Bury chicken wire at the base of fences to stop fence-line digging.

These barriers are safe and humane when installed properly. Avoid homemade deterrents like cayenne pepper, vinegar, or mothballs — official animal-welfare sources do not consistently recommend these, and some may be unsafe or unpleasant for dogs.

If digging persists despite these changes, consult a veterinary behaviorist or certified professional trainer. A deeper issue — anxiety, compulsive behavior, or an unmet medical need — may require expert guidance.

Common Mistakes That Backfire

• Punishing the dog instead of redirecting — punishment teaches fear, not the right behavior.
• Leaving the dog alone outside for long periods when boredom is the cause — the AKC specifically warns against this.
• Failing to reward digging in the approved area — the dog needs a clear incentive to switch spots.
• Using deterrents inconsistently — dogs adapt fast; if the barrier or interruption isn’t every time, they learn to dig when you’re not watching.

FAQs

Will my dog grow out of digging?

Most dogs do not outgrow digging on their own — the behavior is self-reinforcing. Without intervention, the habit usually continues or worsens, especially in breeds bred for digging (terriers, dachshunds, huskies).

Is it cruel to stop a dog from digging?

No — it’s about redirection, not suppression. Giving your dog an approved digging area with toys and rewards satisfies the same instinct without damaging your garden. The humane approach is always to teach what to do instead of punishing what not to do.

What if my dog only digs at night?

Night digging often points to heat-seeking (cooler soil) or nocturnal prey like moles or voles. Increase daytime exercise, check for burrowing animals, and consider indoor confinement overnight with supervised bathroom breaks only.