How to Stop Your Dog Digging

Destructive behaviour in the garden, such as excessive digging, is an issue that I am often called upon to resolve. I frequently encounter situations where some dogs have turned a once well-manicured garden into an unsightly dirt bowl. It needn't be that way! Effectively resolving digging problems involves a combination of lateral thinking and a healthy dose of patience to arrive at a lasting and effective solution.

Digging problems in dogs can often arise due to a significant lack of both physical and mental stimulation. The process of digging has a few distinct stages that usually start with a casual sniff, which is then followed by a more intense sniff, leading to some light scratching, and eventually escalating into a full-on dig that can be quite disruptive.

Full supervision of your dog is crucial, especially during its formative first year, as this should prevent the opportunity for it to practice this undesired behaviour in your garden or valued borders. It is important to recognise that digging is a natural behaviour for dogs, and certain breeds, such as Terriers, are far more likely to indulge in such a habit due to their innate instincts. Your dog may be digging not only out of boredom, but also to create a cool and comfortable patch for itself to ensure it is adequately catered for during the warmer weather.