Why Dogs Dig and How to Redirect the Behavior

The Reasons Dogs Dig

Digging is a natural canine behavior, not a behavioral problem. Dogs dig for specific reasons, and the solution depends on the cause.

1. Breed Instinct

Terriers (the name literally comes from “terra,” meaning earth) were bred to dig into burrows to flush out vermin. Dachshunds were bred to dig into badger dens. If you have a terrier or dachshund, digging is in their DNA. You cannot train it out of them; you must redirect it.

For more on this topic, see our guide on Why Dogs Dig and How to Redirect the Behavior (2026).

2. Temperature Regulation

Dogs dig shallow holes in the dirt on hot days to lie in the cool earth below the surface. If your dog digs and then lies in the hole, they are overheated. Provide shade, water, and access to air conditioning.

For more on this topic, see our guide on Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails? Fun, Boredom, or a Problem?.

3. Boredom and Excess Energy

A dog left alone in a yard with nothing to do will dig because it is entertaining. The cool earth feels good, the smells are interesting, and the act of digging releases pent-up energy.

4. Prey Drive

If your dog is digging frantically in one specific spot, they may be hunting. They can hear and smell insects, moles, or gophers underground.

5. Escape

If your dog is digging at the fence line, they are trying to escape. This may be driven by boredom, separation anxiety, or the desire to reach something on the other side (like a dog in heat).

The Redirect Strategy: The Dig Pit

You cannot stop a terrier from digging any more than you can stop a retriever from retrieving. The solution is to give them a designated digging area.

Choose a section of your yard (a corner works well) and fill it with loose, soft sand or a sand/dirt mixture.
Bury treats and toys just below the surface.
Lead your dog to the dig pit and encourage them to dig.
Praise and reward heavily when they dig in the designated area.
If you catch them digging in the lawn, calmly redirect them to the dig pit without punishment.

Over time, the dog learns: digging in the pit = treasure and praise. Digging in the lawn = nothing interesting.

Preventing Fence-Line Escapes

If digging is an escape behavior:

Bury chicken wire flat along the base of the fence (dogs dislike the feel on their paws).
Place large, flat rocks along the fence line.
Bury the bottom of the fence 1-2 feet underground.
Address the root cause (boredom, anxiety, or an unspayed female attracting intact males).