How Do You Stop a Dog from Digging?

Let’s be real for a moment.

If you’re here wondering how do you stop a dog from digging, you’ve probably stepped outside one sunny morning with coffee in hand… and nearly twisted your ankle in a fresh crater your dog joyfully created overnight.

Oh, friend. I’ve been there.

As a lifelong dog mom, my flower beds have suffered more “renovations” from muddy paws than I care to admit. At one point, I half-joked that my backyard was turning into an archaeological site—maybe my Labrador, Daisy, was hunting for dinosaur bones?

But jokes aside, digging can be frustrating. It can ruin gardens, damage lawns, and leave you feeling helpless. The good news? You’re not powerless. And you’re not alone.

Let’s gently walk through this together—understanding why dogs dig, what they’re trying to tell us, and how do you stop a dog from digging without breaking their spirit.

Why Does Your Dog Dig? (It’s Not Just Mischief, I Promise)

First, let’s clear this up: your dog isn’t being “naughty.” Dogs dig because it’s in their DNA. Some are born for it—like terriers or dachshunds, originally bred to burrow after rodents. Others dig when they’re bored, anxious, or curious about strange scents underground.

When Daisy was a puppy, I thought she was trying to escape the yard. Turns out… she was trying to bury her favorite slobbery toy. I realized she wasn’t plotting to join a secret canine rebellion; she was simply being a dog.

If you want to truly answer how do you stop a dog from digging, you need to figure out the why. Once you know that, everything becomes easier.

Common Reasons Dogs Dig

Boredom
Dogs are clever little creatures. Left alone too long with nothing to do? Digging fills the time and feels great.
Hunting Instinct
Some dogs smell critters like moles or bugs underground and go into hunter mode. It’s ancient wolf behavior kicking in.
Escape Artists
Trying to tunnel under the fence? Your pup may be anxious, lonely, or excited by something on the other side.
Comfort-Seeking
On hot days, cool earth feels refreshing. In winter, digging can feel like building a cozy den.
Just for Fun
For some dogs (hello, Labrador lovers), digging is simply a blast. Like popping bubble wrap for humans.

So… How Do You Stop a Dog from Digging?

Here’s what finally worked for me—and for thousands of dog owners who just wanted to keep their yard (and sanity) intact.

1. Tire That Pup Out!

A tired dog is a happy dog—and a non-digging one.

When Daisy got long walks, games of fetch, and tug-of-war sessions in the yard… surprise! The craters magically stopped appearing.

If you think your dog is digging out of boredom, double the exercise. Walk more. Run more. Play more. A well-exercised dog rarely has the energy left to dig up your begonias.

2. Feed Their Brain

Mental stimulation is the secret sauce.

Puzzle toys, treat balls, frozen Kongs… even hiding treats around the house for a scent hunt kept Daisy busy for hours. She forgot all about the yard.

A mentally tired dog = no time for digging marathons.

3. Supervise Outdoor Time (Sorry, No Unsupervised “Yard Parties”)

I used to leave Daisy outside, thinking, “She’ll enjoy the fresh air.”

Wrong.

When I stopped leaving her unsupervised, the digging almost vanished. I redirected her whenever her paws twitched toward the soil—giving her a toy or calling her inside.

Problem solved. (Mostly.)

4. Create a “Legal” Digging Spot

This one blew my mind.

I gave Daisy her own digging pit—a sandbox filled with dirt and toys. She LOVED it. She could dig to her heart’s content… without destroying my rose bushes.

If your dog simply has to dig, why not let them? Just do it on your terms.

5. Teach Them to “Leave It”

Training isn’t magic—it’s consistency.

I taught Daisy the “leave it” and “stop” commands with treats and tons of praise. When she started to dig, I’d calmly say “leave it” and offer her a toy or treat instead.

It took patience (and many treats), but she learned. Yours will too.

6. Make the Yard Less Diggable

Some dogs dig because the environment tempts them.

Is the ground too soft or loose?
Are critters tunneling below?
Is the fence easy to squeeze under?

I reinforced our fence and added chicken wire underground (dogs hate the feel on their paws). I also sprinkled citrus peels—dogs hate the smell.

Guess what? Daisy stayed far away from the old digging spots.

7. Solve Comfort Issues

If your dog digs for coolness, give them shady spots or a cooling mat.

If they dig for warmth, give them a cozy outdoor dog bed.

Remove the reason for digging, and you’ll remove the digging.

8. Reward Good Behavior

I can’t stress this enough: reward the behavior you want.

When Daisy sniffed the flowers instead of digging near them? Treat.

When she chose her toy over the dirt? Treat.

Soon she realized: “Hey, leaving the dirt alone gets me snacks!”

9. Seek Professional Help (No Shame in That)

If you’ve tried everything and digging is still destroying your yard (and your sanity)… please don’t feel bad.

Some dogs dig because of anxiety or compulsive behavior. A professional trainer or canine behaviorist can help you tackle deeper issues gently and effectively.

10. Patience, Patience, Patience

I know. You want instant results.

But behavior change takes time. Some dogs learn in a week; others take months. Be kind to yourself—and your pup.

One day soon, you’ll step outside, look at your untouched lawn, and smile.

Also Read: 10 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida

Quick Tips Recap: How Do You Stop a Dog from Digging?

✔️ More exercise (physical + mental)
✔️ Supervised yard time
✔️ Provide a digging box
✔️ Teach “leave it” commands
✔️ Make digging spots less attractive
✔️ Solve temperature needs
✔️ Reward the right behavior
✔️ Get professional help if needed

My Final Thoughts… From One Dog Lover to Another

Stopping your dog from digging isn’t about punishment or frustration—it’s about listening.

Your dog is telling you something with those dirty paws: “I need more fun! More play! More comfort!”

When you answer those needs with patience, love, and a little creativity… the digging stops. The smiles come back. And peace returns to your yard.

So, next time you wonder how do you stop a dog from digging, remember: you’re not fixing a problem. You’re solving a little mystery—one wagging tail at a time.

You’ve Got This. And So Does Your Dog. 💕

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Written with love by Anna Wayne — dog mom, garden survivor, and believer in second chances (for dogs AND flower beds).