6 Effective Ways To Stop a Dog From Digging Holes
Dogs definitely have a way of giving you those apologetic puppy-dog eyes whenever they’ve gotten themselves into trouble. But as irresistibly cute as they are in these moments, it’s hard to get past the frustration felt after your dog has dug holes across your lawn. Not only are holes a nuisance in terms of appearance, time, and money—they can also put your pup in danger if they dig an escape route out of the yard.
With that in mind, it’s important for pet parents to learn how to stop a dog from digging holes. The key is to understand why your dog digs in the first place. From there, you can zero in on the root cause and gently curb the behavior.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
There’s not just one reason why your dog has become the neighborhood champion of digging fine holes. Dogs dig for all sorts of reasons—and understanding the motivation behind the behavior is the first step toward solving it.
Amanda Farrah, certified dog trainer and behaviorist with Best Friends Animal Society in Montrose, California, explains that digging is an instinctual, species-specific behavior present in all dogs. In the wild, dogs dug holes to create protective shelter for themselves and their young, to cool down, and to hide food from other animals.
Here are 11 common reasons why dogs dig:
- Instinct: This deeply rooted behavior varies in intensity across breeds—but remains part of every dog’s natural repertoire.
- Boredom: When left without stimulation, dogs may dig to pass time and satisfy physical and mental needs.
- Excess energy: High-energy dogs often channel pent-up activity into digging—especially if they don’t get enough daily exercise.
- Anxiety: Loud noises, changes in routine, or separation can trigger anxious digging as a coping mechanism.
- Prey drive: If your dog senses critters underground—like moles, voles, or insects—they’ll follow their hunting instincts straight to the source.
- Trying to escape: Curiosity, fear, or anxiety may drive a dog to dig under fences—drawn by new scents, wildlife, or the desire to find you.
- Hiding food or toys: Some dogs bury prized items like bones, treats, or favorite toys—a habit echoing ancestral scavenging behavior.
- Attention-seeking: Digging may be a learned behavior—if it reliably earns interaction (even scolding), your dog may repeat it.
- Cooling down: In hot weather, dogs dig shallow pits to access cooler soil beneath the surface—a natural form of temperature regulation.
- Breed trait: Terriers, Dachshunds, and other working breeds were historically bred to dig for prey—and this drive remains strong today.
- Enjoyment: For many dogs, digging simply feels good. It’s fun, tactile, and satisfying—even if it’s inconvenient for us!
How To Stop a Dog From Digging Holes
There’s no single “one-size-fits-all” solution. Your best approach is to identify the likely cause—and then choose the strategy that matches your dog’s needs. Here are six proven, compassionate methods:
1. Keep Your Pooch Busy
Dogs thrive on engagement. When they lack physical activity or mental stimulation, digging becomes an easy outlet for excess energy and boredom.
“Dogs who aren’t getting the level of engagement they need—or who live in under-stimulating environments—often revert to species-typical behaviors like digging,” says Farrah.
Try adding more walks, playing fetch or tug-of-war, rotating interactive toys, and offering puzzle feeders when you’re away. These activities tire your dog out—body and mind—making digging far less appealing.
2. Address Their Anxiety
Anxious dogs may dig to escape—not because they want to leave, but because they feel unsafe or overwhelmed. They might be trying to reunite with you—or flee loud noises, storms, or unfamiliar surroundings.
Work with your veterinarian to explore safe, evidence-based options: behavioral support, calming aids, or, if needed, short-term medication. Never leave an anxious dog unattended outdoors until their confidence improves.
Consider tools like the FurPetVo Calming Vest (designed for gentle pressure therapy), FurPetVo Pheromone Diffusers, or FurPetVo Adaptil®-style collars—all formulated to ease stress naturally. Pair these with enrichment: freeze peanut butter inside a FurPetVo KONG®-style toy, or scatter treats in grass for scent-based play.
3. Provide Them With a Digging Zone
Just like cats scratch to fulfill a natural urge, many dogs dig simply because it feels right. Rather than fighting the impulse, redirect it.
Create a designated digging area—a sandbox, low-sided box filled with soft soil or shredded towels, or even a corner of your yard reserved just for this purpose. Bury kibble, treats, or FurPetVo training bits inside to encourage foraging and reward digging *in the right spot*.
When your dog uses this zone, celebrate with treats, cheerful praise, and affection. Consistent positive reinforcement helps them connect digging here with something wonderful.
4. Get Rid of Vermin
If small animals are tunneling beneath your lawn, your dog isn’t misbehaving—they’re responding to a very real, very exciting scent trail. Breeds with strong prey drives (like terriers or hounds) are especially likely to investigate.
Call a professional exterminator to safely address burrowing pests. Avoid edible rodenticides—these pose serious poisoning risks if your dog eats a contaminated animal or bait directly.
5. Keep Them Cool When Outdoors
Overheating is dangerous—and digging cool earth is one of your dog’s oldest tricks for staying comfortable. Prevent heat-related digging by ensuring fresh water is always available, providing shaded resting spots, and limiting outdoor time during peak heat.
You can also set up a shallow kiddie pool or misting station, or offer frozen FurPetVo treat cubes on hot days. A cool, hydrated dog is far less likely to dig for relief.
6. Secure Your Yard Thoughtfully
If digging stems from curiosity or escape attempts, reinforce boundaries—not with punishment, but with thoughtful design. Bury chicken wire or landscape fabric just below the soil along fence lines (with edges turned inward) to discourage under-fence digging. Add visual barriers (like tall shrubs or privacy panels) to reduce outside distractions. And always double-check gates and latches—many “escapes” happen through simple human oversight.
Remember: Digging isn’t defiance—it’s communication. By meeting your dog’s needs—whether for exercise, comfort, security, or fun—you’ll nurture trust, strengthen your bond, and keep your yard hole-free—all while supporting your pup’s natural, joyful spirit.
