Why Your Dog Started Digging
A digging furry friend can be quite a pain. Whether they are destroying your yard or plotting their escape, canine digging can cause an abundance of frustration for their owners. To help you better understand the digging pup in your life, let’s discuss the main causes of this behavior below.
The action of digging is ingrained in a dog’s DNA. While this impulse may be present in all dogs in some form, the need to dig is stronger in some breeds than others. Some dog breeds have been bred specifically for their hunting and digging abilities, as they were experts in chasing tiny critters into their burrows.
Humans played a huge role in creating dogs that are so drawn to digging holes. By selectively breeding the pups that were excellent diggers, we were left with burrowing professionals.
Because of this, the urge to dig has remained present in many of the breeds in our homes today. Some of the breeds that enjoy digging the most include Jack Russell Terriers, Dachshunds, Siberian Huskies, Beagles, and more.
Though our furry friends may be far from their wild roots, they still enjoy chasing after potential prey. Critters like small mammals and bugs can make their way onto our property, stirring up a dog’s prey drive.
Not only can a passing animal cause a dog to dig in hopes of finding them, but their scent can cause a dog to dig as well. Animal droppings like cat poop and leftover scents can trigger a dog’s urge to hunt, leading to excessive digging in certain areas.
If you notice an increase in animals or animal droppings in your yard, this may be the cause behind your dog’s sudden digging. You may also observe your pup digging excessively around trees, near rocks, and other notorious critter hiding spots.
Do you have a favorite activity that you enjoy when you are particularly stressed? Our dogs have hobbies they enjoy as well, many of which they turn to when they are anxious or overwhelmed.
Many dogs resort to other canine behaviors to display stress and restlessness, but digging can be a pleasurable activity for many dogs and offers them an outlet for their current struggle.
Dogs can experience stress due to several situations. A dog may turn to the behavior of digging if they are left alone for long periods, not getting enough exercise, dealing with the addition of a new dog in the home, and more. If your dog’s digging began after a potentially stressful event, this could be the cause of their sudden digging.
Many dogs can turn to destructive behavior if they are experiencing boredom. A dog with pent-up energy may look for a fun distraction to keep them busy, and this distraction can be sudden digging in many cases.
Our dogs rely on mental and physical stimulation each day to keep them content and can even experience stress when these needs are not met. When their energy levels boil over, and they become frustrated, your yard may take the brunt of the storm.
If your canine companion does not get the recommended exercise amount for their breed each day, you may see multiple forms of destructive behavior in their routine. It’s crucial to be they get an adequate amount of exercise. If your hyper pup is digging every chance he gets, it may be time to step up their mental and physical stimulation.
Do you have a dog that likes to hide its toys from other animals in its home? How about a dog that takes its treats into the other room to eat in peace? Dogs like this often enjoy hiding their “treasure” in a safe place, ensuring that they are the only ones who can enjoy it.
Some dogs do this by digging holes in their favorite spot in the yard, then burying their favorite dog toys in the process. These pups tend to view hiding their favorite toy as a type of brain-stimulation game.
Many dogs will hold their favorite item in their mouth as they search their yard for the perfect place to dig. You may then see them drop the item in their new hole, often nuzzling the dirt with their nose while they bury it. If you see your pup carrying their prized possessions around the yard before they dig, they may be trying to hide a treasure.
Just as some dogs have an ingrained need to dig, some dogs feel an overpowering urge to create a den. While our domesticated pups may not need to create their shelter, their wild ancestors certainly did. This is also why crate training is effective and why most dogs prefer a dog crate to sleep in.
Wild dogs would create burrows in the ground to protect themselves and their pups against the elements, offering them a cozy area to feel secure. This instinct is why you may notice your dog digging in his blankets as he is getting situated, as this is a part of their comfort process.
If you notice your pup digging a hole in your yard to then lay in the spot and rest, they may be trying to create a safe den for themselves. Your dog may turn to the same hole each time they want to relax or proceed to dig a new hole each time they are outdoors.
Some dogs have an undying need to run free. If an escape artist can’t find a way to jump over or through an obstacle, they may turn to the next option…going under. If a dog can dig a deep enough hole, it may be successful in escaping from its yard. Fences don’t often go deep underground, giving them the perfect escape tunnel if they are dedicated enough to their digging.
If your dog is always digging at the base of your fence, he may be trying to plot an escape. This escape plan can be especially dangerous for our furry friends, as they can fall victim to many unfortunate fates when roaming the world on their own.
Digging may be normal behavior in our canine friends, but it does not mean that it is completely safe. Digging brings with it a few serious risks for our furry friends, making it essential to try and limit this behavior when possible. Some risks of digging in dogs include:
Some dogs are notorious diggers, while others could care less. If your dog falls into the latter category but has suddenly taken an interest in this problematic pastime, you’re probably wondering, ‘Why Is My Dog Digging Holes All of a Sudden?!’
Some dogs will dig a den for protection and safety when they are sick or injured, while some health conditions can cause behaviors such as Pica (a compulsion to eat things that aren’t food), which may cause your dog to dig. Nutritional deficiencies may also cause your dog to seek food in this way.
Digging to escape the heat
Some dogs will dig a hole to unearth the cooler layers of soil underneath the surface. Especially during hot weather you may find your dog likes to lay in a cool hole.
Pregnant mother dogs can dig holes as part of their nesting routine. Other mothers like to tear up things to create a nest. If you’re pregnant dog likes to dig a hole, just make sure she doesn’t also squash or try to bury the puppies like one client we had!
Why do Dogs Scratching the Floor at Night? This fact will shock you
Dogs digging holes all of a sudden are usually due to 3 reasons: Boredom, Heat, and Pest. The most efficient way to solve this problem is to get a sandbox. Sandbox’s are cooler than the air temperature, great places for pest, and are great for hiding toys. However, this article explains 10 other reasons your dog could be digging.