How to stop a dog from digging in the yard
Your dog is destroying your yard. There are holes everywhere. Your grass looks like a war zone. You're embarrassed when neighbors see it. You're worried about buried utilities, escaped dogs, holes that twist ankles. I get it. But I want to invite you to see it from your dog's perspective for a minute. They're not digging to spite you. They're not trying to ruin your lawn. They're doing what dogs do for reasons that make sense to them. The fix isn't to punish digging. It's to understand why your specific dog is digging and address that reason. Once the underlying need is met, the digging usually stops — or moves to a place you've designated. Here's how to figure out what's actually going on and what to do about it.
Figure out which type of digger you have
Dogs dig for different reasons. The fix depends on which type yours is.
Type 1: The bored digger
- Young, high-energy dog
- Digs most when left alone in the yard
- Holes in random places
- Digs in obvious view of windows
- Often accompanied by other destructive behaviors
Type 2: The hunter
- Catches small animals (moles, voles, mice)
- Digs in specific spots, often near burrows
- Intense, focused digging
- May dig at the base of trees or under sheds
Type 3: The comfort digger
- Digs in hot weather to find cool dirt
- Digs in soft dirt, under bushes, in shaded areas
- May be panting, seeking shade
- Less intense than other types
Type 4: The escape artist
- Digs along fence lines
- Trying to get OUT (chase something, find a mate, get to you)
- Usually focused on one or two escape-prone spots
Type 5: The breed digger
- Terriers, dachshunds, and other earth dogs
- Digs because it's what they were bred for
- Hardest to fully redirect
Which one is your dog? The answer determines the fix.
For the bored digger — more exercise and engagement
Bored dogs dig because they have nothing else to do. The fix: give them something else to do.
More exercise:
- Longer walks (45-60 min twice a day)
- Running, fetch, flirt pole
- Dog park visits
- Swimming if they like water
More mental stimulation:
- Puzzle toys in the yard (Kong, Toppl, snuffle mat)
- Training sessions (10-15 min daily)
- Nose work games (hide treats around the yard)
- Rotate which toys are available (novelty prevents boredom)
More companionship:
- Don't leave them alone in the yard for hours
- Bring them inside when you're home
- Consider doggy daycare if they're alone all day
The boring digger usually stops within a few weeks of getting more stimulation. The behavior was just an outlet for unspent energy.
For the hunter — pest control and supervision
Dogs dig at mole and vole tunnels because they smell and hear them. The fix isn't to stop the dog — it's to address the prey.
Pest control options:
- Traps (humane or kill traps)
- Castor oil-based repellents (not 100% effective)
- Underground sonic spikes
- Remove food sources (bird feeders, fallen fruit)
For the dog:
- Supervise outdoor time (no unsupervised yard access)
- Teach a strong 'leave it' command (professional help often needed)
- Block access to high-dig areas
- Provide alternative 'hunting' (flirt pole, hide-and-seek with treats)
Until the prey is gone, the dog will keep hunting them. It's not a behavior problem — it's a working dog doing its job.
For the comfort digger — climate control
Hot dogs dig to find cool soil. The fix: cooler options.
Provide:
- A kiddie pool in the shade
- Access to a covered, shaded area
- Misting system for the yard
- Bring them inside during peak heat
- Frozen treats (Kong with peanut butter, ice blocks)
If they have a cool place to be, most comfort diggers stop. They were just trying to regulate their body temperature.
In winter, some dogs dig dens because they're cold. Provide a heated bed or warm shelter.
Climate-related digging is the easiest to fix — address the climate, the digging stops.
For the escape artist — secure the perimeter
Dogs digging along fence lines are trying to get out. The fix: make it impossible.
Options to stop escape digging:
- Bury chicken wire or landscape fabric along the fence line (1-2 feet deep)
- Place large rocks at the base of the fence
- Pour concrete footings (extreme but effective)
- Use an L-footer along the fence (looks like an upside-down L on the inside)
- Add coyote rollers to the top of the fence (prevents climbing)
Why they're escaping:
- Unneutered males looking for females
- Unspayed females in heat
- Boredom/loneliness (alone all day)
- Reactive dogs (chasing things past the fence)
- Separation anxiety
Address the underlying cause too. If they're escaping because they're bored, more exercise. If they're intact, spay/neuter. If they're reactive, behavior modification with a trainer.
For the breed digger — give them a job
Terriers and dachshunds were bred to dig. They have a genetic drive to dig. You can redirect it but you can't eliminate it.
The fix:
- Designated digging pit: a sandbox or specific area where they're allowed to dig
- Bury toys and treats in the pit so they 'discover' things
- Praise them when they dig in the designated area
- Interrupt and redirect when they dig elsewhere
- Sandboxes work great for this
Breed diggers often end up with a 'dig zone' that's clearly theirs. It's like having a garden bed for them. They learn 'this is where I'm allowed to dig, this is where I'm not.'
For some dogs, especially terrier breeds, you'll never fully eliminate digging. Manage it, redirect it, give them appropriate outlets — and accept that this is part of who they are.
Citations & External Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to stop a dog from digging in the yard?
Dogs dig for real reasons — boredom, instinct, comfort. The fix isn't punishment; it's addressing what's underneath. For more practical tips, check out our guide on How to Dose Fertilizer for Plants.
What is the best way to stop a dog from digging in the yard?
The best way to stop a dog from digging in the yard is to follow a systematic step-by-step approach. Your dog is destroying your yard. There are holes everywhere. Your grass looks like a war zone. You're embarrassed when neighbors see it. You're worried about buried utilities, escaped dogs, holes... You might also find our guide on How to Dose Fertilizer for Plants helpful.
How long does it take to stop a dog from digging in the yard?
Most people can stop a dog from digging in the yard within 6 minutes of consistent practice. The exact timeline depends on your starting point and how diligently you follow the steps in this guide. For more help, read our related guide: How to Dose Fertilizer for Plants.