Top Activities For Dogs Who Like To Dig

Introduction

Digging is a natural tendency of dogs. It is ingrained within them and there isn't much we can do to change it. While some dogs may be obsessive diggers and create many holes in your yard, other pups will just playfully 'dig' at a rug. Whatever the level of digger you are living with, embrace the fact that your doggy loves to dig! Set up activities for your pup that will encourage the fact that they are diggers and hopefully help them get some of that digging energy out.

Dig Pit

Most Popular

1 Vote

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

2 hrs

Items needed

shovel

Bone or Toy

Dirt

Bricks or Stones

Activity description

You may want to discourage your dog from digging numerous holes in your yard (for obvious reasons) so what should you do if your dog still just needs to dig? The solution: build a spot in the yard just for your dog's digging habit. It doesn't have to be a large space and it doesn't have to be filled with designer dirt, any space you can give to your pup will be beneficial. Teaching your dog that they have their own area to dig and play will greatly help their demeanor and satisfy their need to create huge holes in the yard.

Step

1

Designate a space

Designate a section of your yard as your dog's digging area. You can give up as much or as little space as you desire and think will suit your dog (big dogs or crazy diggers may need slightly more space). Section off the area using stones or brick - these visual boundaries will help when it comes to training your dog to dig in their section only.

Step

2

Make it soft

Turn over the soil in the area where you are making your digging pit. You want the ground to be nice and loose so your dog can easily dig. The fresh dirt will also be calling your dog's name and they will probably be aching to get their paws into the soft soil!

Step

3

Play and dig

Show your dog the area and let them watch as you bury a bone or toy in the new dig pit. Then, let your dog enter the area and dig away! Praise your dog for digging in the new dig pit and give them treats. It may take hiding a few more bones or toys until your dog knows that this area belongs to them but it is worth the wait to save your yard and give your dog just what they need.

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Indoor Dig

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Blanket or Rug

Activity description

You may have seen your pup digging at the rug or scratching away at your bed before. Don't they know that they cannot dig a hole in a rug? Sorry pooch, you'll be digging a long time! When dogs scratch at the floor or bed, their paws release a scent that claims the spot as their own. So why not give your pup a real spot of their own? A nice blanket will do just the trick. A blanket will easily move as your dog scratches away and allow them to get out some of that digging energy while inside.

Step

1

A new blanket

Set up a nice soft blanket in an area where your dog likes to dig inside. This may be on the floor or on a rug or even on your bed - yes, put an extra blanket on your bed just for your dog! Make sure your dog sees you putting the blanket down so they are aware there is something new in their personal spot.

Step

2

You dig first

Pretend to dig on the blanket yourself and you can even lay down on the blanket to show your pup the nice new spot. Imitating your dog's digging habits on the blanket will show them that this is a new spot to dig. It may even make your dog want to instantly push you out of the spot and take over!

Step

3

Go dog go

Let you dog have their turn at the blanket. Watch as they sniff around first and then slowly use one paw to push the blanket around. Then comes the other paw and scratch, scratch, dig, dig….your dog will be digging away at that blanket in no time. Of course they are trying to claim it as their own!

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Beach Trip

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

2 hrs

Items needed

Towel

Beach Umbrella

Water Bowl and Water

Activity description

What better place for your dog to dig than on a big sandy beach? Beaches are the ultimate digging spot for your dog as the endless sand is easy on their paws, yet will create a satisfying hole. Another beautiful fact of the beach is that no one will mind if a dog digs a bunch of holes as they can easily be filled in! Unlike your backyard where seeing your dog dig a bunch of holes is something that may cause you anxiety, watching your dog playfully throw sand at the beach is fun, entertaining and will make both you and your pup happy.

Step

1

Find a spot

Find a dog friendly beach in your area or somewhere that is easily accessible (maybe a vacation is needed!) This can be anything from a patch of sand near a pond to a 5 mile long ocean front beach - anywhere that you can bring your dog that has some nice sand for digging is where you want to be!

Step

2

Pack for play

Pack a water bowl and some water for your pup, a towel and chair for you and maybe even an umbrella if you plan on staying at the beach for a while. Keep in mind that along with digging, your dog may also want to jump in the water so be ready for that as well!

Step

3

Dig Away!

Arrive at the beach and let your pup run and dig as much as they'd like! Encourage it while at the beach and praise your pup - digging may not be something they are typically allowed to do so let them know that at the beach, it is okay. Stay as long as you'd like but before you head home, fill in some of those holes your dog created to ensure unsuspecting people don't fall in!

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More Fun Ideas...

Run Of Course!

Some dogs who are obsessive diggers are just in need of an outlet for their energy. Take your dog for a run or encourage them to run in the yard to get out excess energy.

Bury It

If you don't mind your dog digging holes in your yard, bury a bone or treat with your dog watching and then let them take over the yard and find the treat!

Conclusion

Dogs will never stop digging, so you might as well give your pup what they want. A place to dig is any doggy's dream and one that you can easily make come true. So stop disciplining your pup when they dig big holes and start thinking of ways you can help them dig, while also not losing your patience for your pooch. Well directed digging is great for you and your pup to stay calm and enjoy the scent of fresh turned dirt in the air.