Why is My Dog Suddenly Digging? 10 Potential Causes312

Dogs are instinctive diggers. In the wild, they dig for many reasons, including:

To create a den for shelter or to raise their young
To bury food or other objects for later
To cool down on a hot day
To escape from a confined space or to hunt prey

Domesticated dogs may also dig for these reasons, but there are other potential causes as well. If your dog has suddenly started digging, it is important to try to determine the cause so that you can address it appropriately. Here are 10 potential reasons why your dog may be digging:

1. Boredom

Dogs who are bored may dig as a way to entertain themselves. If your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation, this is less likely to be the cause. However, if you have recently changed your dog's routine or if they are spending more time alone, boredom may be a factor.

2. Anxiety

Dogs who are anxious or stressed may dig as a way to cope with their emotions. If your dog is digging in response to a specific trigger, such as being left alone or hearing loud noises, this may be the cause.

3. Attention-seeking

Some dogs dig as a way to get attention from their owners. If you have been rewarding your dog for digging in the past, even unintentionally, they may have learned that this is a way to get your attention.

4. Medical problems

Some medical problems can cause dogs to dig excessively. These include:

Allergies
Parasites
Skin infections
Thyroid problems
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome

If you suspect that your dog's digging is due to a medical problem, it is important to take them to the vet for a checkup.

5. Hunting

Some dogs dig as a way to hunt for prey. This is more common in dogs who have a strong prey drive, such as terriers and hounds. If your dog is digging in areas where they have seen prey, this may be the cause.

6. Escaping

Dogs who are trying to escape from a confined space may dig under fences or walls. This is more common in dogs who are anxious or who have separation anxiety.

7. Cooling down

Dogs may dig to cool down on a hot day. If your dog is digging in a cool, shaded area, this is likely the cause.

8. Hiding food or other objects

Dogs may dig to bury food or other objects for later. This is a natural instinct that is common in many animals. If your dog is digging in areas where they have hidden food or objects in the past, this may be the cause.

9. Denning

Dogs may dig to create a den for shelter or to raise their young. This is more common in pregnant or nursing dogs. If your dog is digging in a secluded area, this may be the cause.

10. Breed-specific behaviors

Some breeds of dogs are more likely to dig than others. For example, terriers were originally bred to hunt rodents, and they often dig to find their prey. Huskies and other northern breeds were bred to work in cold climates, and they often dig to create dens to shelter in.

How to Stop Your Dog from Digging

The best way to stop your dog from digging is to address the underlying cause. If your dog is digging because they are bored, provide them with more exercise and mental stimulation. If your dog is digging because they are anxious, try to identify the trigger and find ways to reduce their anxiety. If your dog is digging because they are trying to escape, make sure that their yard is securely fenced and that they are not left alone for long periods of time.

There are also a few things you can do to discourage your dog from digging in specific areas. You can:

Supervise your dog when they are outside
Fill in any holes that your dog has dug
Place large rocks or other objects in areas where your dog likes to dig
Spray your dog with a water hose when they start to dig
Use a commercial anti-digging spray

It is important to be patient and consistent when trying to stop your dog from digging. It may take some time, but with the right approach, you can train your dog to dig only in designated areas.

2025-02-13

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