Does your puppy treat your yard like a personal excavation site? You’re not alone. Many new dog owners search for answers on how to stop a puppy from digging, especially when flower beds, lawns, or fences are at stake.
While digging is a natural behavior rooted in canine instincts, there are ways to manage and redirect this behavior constructively. Let’s dig into the reasons puppies dig—and how to help them stop.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Puppies Dig?
- Is Digging Normal Puppy Behavior?
- Step-by-Step: How to Stop a Puppy from Digging
- Training Tips to Curb Digging
- Providing Digging Alternatives
- Environmental Changes That Help
- Breeds More Prone to Digging
- FAQ: Stopping Puppies from Digging
Why Do Puppies Dig?
Before you can solve the problem, it’s important to understand why puppies dig. Common reasons include:
- Natural instinct: Many breeds were historically bred to burrow or hunt underground animals.
- Boredom: A puppy left alone too long without stimulation may dig for fun or mental stimulation.
- Seeking comfort: Puppies may dig shallow holes to cool off or lie in soft dirt.
- Anxiety or stress: Some dogs dig as a coping mechanism when they’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
- Hiding food or toys: A throwback to wild behavior, some puppies bury treasures for later.
- Escape attempts: Digging under fences may be a sign they’re trying to leave the yard.
Is Digging Normal Puppy Behavior?
Yes. Digging is perfectly normal—especially for young, curious, and high-energy puppies. While completely eliminating the desire may not be realistic, you can redirect the behavior to protect your property and ensure your puppy’s well-being.
Step-by-Step: How to Stop a Puppy from Digging
Step 1: Supervise Outdoor Time
Don’t leave your puppy unsupervised in the yard until they learn what’s off-limits. If you see them start to dig, interrupt with a firm “No” and redirect.
Step 2: Increase Daily Exercise
A tired puppy is less likely to dig out of boredom. Aim for:
- Two or more daily walks
- Play sessions with fetch or tug toys
- Mental stimulation via puzzle feeders
Step 3: Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your puppy when they choose appropriate behaviors, like chewing on a toy or relaxing instead of digging. Treats, praise, or play can reinforce good choices.
Step 4: Address the Root Cause
If the digging is weather-related or due to anxiety, focus on those issues directly. Provide shaded areas or anxiety-relief aids as needed.
Training Tips to Curb Digging
- Teach “Leave it” and “No dig” commands: Use consistent cues and reward when they stop digging.
- Catch early signs: Interrupt before a full hole is dug to make correction easier.
- Crate train indoors: This keeps them safe when unsupervised and avoids forming bad outdoor habits.
- Limit access: Use fencing or barriers around flower beds or sensitive areas during training.
Providing Digging Alternatives
If your puppy simply loves digging, give them an appropriate outlet:
Create a Digging Zone
- Designate a spot in the yard (a sandbox works great)
- Encourage digging there with hidden toys or treats
- Praise and reward when they use the correct spot
Indoor Play Ideas
Offer chew toys, snuffle mats, or frozen Kongs when outside digging isn’t possible due to weather or space limitations.
Environmental Changes That Help
- Block hot spots: Place large rocks, fencing, or chicken wire under common dig sites
- Eliminate pests: If your puppy’s digging is focused and frantic, check for gophers or moles
- Use citrus deterrents: Most dogs dislike the smell of citrus—try orange peels in digging zones
- Don’t leave toys or food buried: These attract your puppy to dig more often
Breeds More Prone to Digging
Some breeds are more likely to dig based on their history and temperament. If your puppy is one of the following, you may need more redirection:
- Terriers (Jack Russell, Cairn, Airedale)
- Dachshunds
- Beagles
- Huskies
- Border Collies
These dogs may need more structured exercise and mental stimulation to curb unwanted behaviors.
FAQ: Stopping Puppies from Digging
Why does my puppy dig even when they’re not alone?
Digging may still be instinctual or playful, even with company. It doesn’t always signal boredom or anxiety.
Is punishing my puppy for digging effective?
No. Punishment may cause fear or stress, worsening the behavior. Focus on redirection and positive reinforcement.
Should I use a spray or deterrent?
Sprays can help, but should be used alongside training—not as the sole method. Natural scents like citrus or vinegar may work, but test for plant safety.
When should I be concerned about digging?
If digging becomes obsessive, targets the same area repeatedly, or is paired with other signs of stress, consult your vet or a behaviorist.
Will my puppy outgrow digging?
Some dogs dig less as they mature, but habits formed in puppyhood can last. Early training is essential to prevent long-term issues.
Conclusion
Digging is a normal puppy behavior—but that doesn’t mean you have to accept ruined gardens or torn-up lawns. By understanding how to stop a puppy from digging and using redirection, training, and environmental changes, you can raise a happier dog and protect your home at the same time.
With patience and consistency, your pup will learn where digging is allowed—and where it’s not. Let’s turn those tiny paws away from destruction and toward well-mannered fun.