You step outside to a fresh crater in your flower bed, and your dog greets you with a dirt-covered nose and a wagging tail. Digging is one of the most common and frustrating behaviors dog owners face, but it is rarely done out of spite. Dogs dig because they are hot, bored, anxious, or following an instinct wired deep in their DNA. The good news is that you can stop a dog from digging without losing your mind or your lawn. It starts with understanding the why, then applying the right fix for your specific dog.
1. Give Them a Place Where Digging Is Allowed
One of the simplest ways to stop a dog from digging in your prized garden is to give them a spot where digging is not just allowed, but encouraged. Build or designate a sandbox or a small patch of loose soil in a corner of the yard. Bury toys, treats, or chews in that area and teach your dog to dig there on cue. Every time you catch them digging in a forbidden spot, calmly interrupt and lead them to their digging pit. Reward them enthusiastically when they dig in the right place. This works especially well for breeds with a strong digging instinct, such as terriers and dachshunds. If you have a multi-pet household, consider how your dog interacts with other animals, for instance, if you also have a cat, you might want to read about whether Norwegian Forest Cats are good with dogs to ensure everyone gets along in the yard.
2. Increase Physical and Mental Exercise
A tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Many dogs dig simply because they have pent-up energy and no better outlet. If your dog is digging out of boredom, the solution is straightforward: more walks, runs, fetch sessions, and mental challenges. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of purposeful exercise daily, depending on your dog’s breed and age. High-energy working breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs need plenty of activity, and if you own one, you might wonder how much exercise a Bernese Mountain Dog needs to stay calm and content. In addition to physical exercise, provide puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and short training sessions to tire out their brain. A mentally stimulated dog is far less likely to resort to digging as a hobby.
“A dog who digs out of boredom is not a bad dog, they are a dog asking for a job.”
3. Address Temperature and Comfort Issues
On hot days, dogs dig holes to reach the cooler soil underneath so they can lie down and regulate their body temperature. This is especially common in breeds with thick coats, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs, who can overheat quickly. If your dog digs in shaded spots or near the foundation of your house, they are likely trying to cool off. Provide a shaded area with a cooling mat, a kiddie pool with fresh water, or a well-ventilated doghouse. If your Berner is also leaving fur around the house, you may want to check out whether Bernese Mountain Dogs shed a lot to better manage their coat and comfort. In winter, some dogs dig to create a warm, insulated den. Make sure your dog has a comfortable, climate-controlled indoor space so they do not feel the need to engineer their own shelter.
Freeze a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or wet dog food and give it to your dog on a hot day. It keeps them cool, busy, and far away from your flower beds.
4. Manage Separation Anxiety and Stress
Dogs with separation anxiety often dig near fences, gates, or doors as an attempt to escape and reunite with their owners. This type of digging is frantic and usually paired with other signs like whining, pacing, or destructive chewing. To stop this, you need to address the underlying anxiety. Start by practicing short departures and gradually increasing the time you are away. Provide a safe space, such as a crate or a quiet room, with a long-lasting chew or a calming toy. In severe cases, consult a veterinary behaviorist or your regular vet about anxiety medications or supplements. If you have a multi-dog household, the stress of a new pet can also trigger digging, so it is helpful to understand dynamics like whether Siamese cats get along with dogs if you are introducing a feline friend to the mix.
5. Make the Forbidden Spots Unappealing
Sometimes the most effective method is to make digging in certain areas less rewarding. You can bury chicken wire or large rocks just below the surface of the soil in spots your dog targets repeatedly. The texture will be uncomfortable for their paws, and they will learn to avoid that area. Another option is to use motion-activated sprinklers that give your dog a harmless but startling spray of water when they start digging. You can also apply a scent deterrent, such as diluted citrus or vinegar, around the edges of your garden beds. Just be sure to reapply after rain. And if you notice your dog digging near fences, check for gaps or loose boards, because a determined dog can turn a digging habit into an escape route.
Remember, punishing your dog after the fact will not stop the behavior because they do not connect the punishment with the digging. Instead, they will simply learn to dig when you are not looking. Stay patient, use these strategies consistently, and you will see real improvement. Every dog is different, so try a combination of these methods to find what works best for your unique companion.
