How to Stop a Dog From Digging

If your dog is digging up the yard like they’re searching for buried treasure, you’re not alone. Whether they’re wrecking your flower beds, tunneling under the fence line, or just loving the feel of cool dirt between their toes, dogs dig for all kinds of reasons. And while it might seem like they’re being naughty, digging is actually normal dog behavior. If you want to know how to stop a dog from digging, there are a few options at your disposal.

At Maniac Mutts, our dog trainers help people just like you figure out why your dog is digging—and how to stop it using kind, positive training techniques. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can stop your dog from digging holes without losing your mind or your backyard.

Why Your Dog Is Digging

Before you can fix the problem, you need to know why your dog is digging. Dogs don’t destroy your yard out of spite. There’s always a reason behind the behavior.

• Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation: Dogs left alone in the yard for too long often dig just to have something to do. If there’s no one to play with and nothing to explore, the ground becomes their entertainment.
• Trying to Escape: Some dogs dig to escape. They may dig under the fence line to explore, chase something, or get away from a stressful environment. This is often a safety concern.
• Hunting or Natural Instinct: Terriers, hounds, and other breeds were literally made to dig. If your dog is digging along fence lines or tree roots, they may be following scents or small animals underground.
• Creating a Cool Spot: When it’s hot outside, dogs dig to reach cool dirt. This behavior is especially common in warm weather or with heavy-coated breeds.
• Attention-Seeking: If your dog is digging and you rush out yelling every time, they might be doing it just to get your attention.

Figuring out what motivates your dog to dig is the first step in helping them stop.

Hot to Stop a Dog From Digging: Training Techniques

You don’t need to punish your dog to stop digging. At Maniac Mutts, our dog trainers use positive, reward-based methods that help your dog learn what to do instead. We teach you how to meet your dog’s needs and stop the digging at the source.

• Redirect to a Digging Zone: Give your dog a legal place to dig! Create a designated digging spot or “dig pit” filled with soft dirt or sand. Bury toys or treats inside to encourage them to use that area. Reward them every time they use the digging zone so they learn it’s the best spot to dig.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: When your dog chooses not to dig, reward them with praise, play, or a tasty snack. Catching good behavior in the act teaches them that not digging leads to good things.
• Supervise and Interrupt: If your dog is digging, interrupt gently by calling them away and offering something else to do. The key is to redirect, not punish. Punishment can make the problem worse or damage your bond.

Training takes time, but positive methods are effective and build a stronger relationship between you and your dog.

How to Modify Your Yard to Prevent Digging

Changing your dog’s behavior starts with good training, but modifying your yard can make a huge difference too. Simple environmental changes can remove temptation, make digging less rewarding, or block access to problem areas altogether. For example, placing chicken wire just beneath the surface of flower beds can deter digging by making the soil uncomfortable to paw at—just be sure the edges are safely tucked in. Similarly, adding large rocks or bricks to areas your dog targets repeatedly makes it physically harder for them to dig and helps break the habit.

If your dog is focusing on a specific spot like the fence line or your flower beds, consider installing decorative fencing or temporary barriers until the behavior is better managed. On hot days, dogs may dig to reach cool dirt, so offering a shaded area, a cooling mat, or even a small kiddie pool gives them a comfortable alternative.

Letting Your Dog Be a Dog—In the Right Way

Sometimes, dogs need an outlet. Instead of focusing only on stopping the behavior, we recommend giving your dog safe ways to express themselves. A designated digging area, proper stimulation, and support from a professional dog trainer can all help meet your dog’s natural needs.

• Build a Dig Pit: Choose a spot in your yard, fill it with sand or soft soil, and bury toys or bones to make it exciting. Mark it clearly so your dog understands where they’re allowed to dig. This gives your dog permission to be themselves without destroying your space.
• Use the “Go Dig” Cue: You can even teach your dog a cue like “Go Dig!” so they know when and where it’s okay to dig. It turns digging into a fun, shared activity with structure.
• Never Leave Dogs Alone in the Yard for Too Long: Dogs left alone in the yard often get into trouble, including digging. Supervision, even in short bursts, gives you the chance to redirect or reward the right behaviors.

Remember, your dog isn’t trying to be a menace. They’re trying to meet a need. You can guide them to healthier outlets with the right tools, support, and consistency.