Four tips to stop your dog's digging ruining your garden

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Digging in the garden is a natural behaviour for them, something that's hardwired into their nature.

However, uncontrolled digging can cause harm to plants, lead to escape attempts, and even result in injuries.

Once you figure out why they're digging, you can control the behaviour to reduce its effect on your home and garden, and possibly even improve your dog's quality of life.

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It's worth keeping in mind that digging's a natural behaviour for dogs. It's a part of their nature and used to serve a purpose, like stashing tucker or making a den. Knowing this can help you handle the situation with more patience and understanding.

• Many dogs dig to find cooler ground during hot weather or to create shelter and warmth during colder months. This is often seen in breeds that originated in extremely cold climates, like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.

• Certain dog breeds, like terriers, tend to show a stronger inclination to dig, which is a trait they've inherited from their original purpose of hunting, often involving digging up animals that reside in underground burrows.



• Mums-to-be often burrow to create a safe and comfy spot for giving birth and raising their young, a behaviour that's been hardwired into them for their little ones' survival.

• Some dogs dig out of boredom, looking for something to do or as a way to deal with feeling anxious or lonely. This is a common problem in working breeds like border collies and kelpies, and it can get out of hand if not sorted properly.

• It's worth keeping in mind that digging can also be a source of enjoyment for dogs. Young pups love to investigate and many find digging a real thrill. Even adult dogs might dig just for the sake of having a good time.

What to do

It's unrealistic to expect to completely stop a dog from digging, but you can control and divert this behaviour to more suitable spots and prevent damage to your garden and outdoor surroundings.

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• A sand-filled pit with some toys in a shaded area of the backyard can help your dog satisfy their natural digging urge in a controlled way. This designated spot allows them to dig without damaging other parts of the yard. Make sure to keep an eye on your dog and encourage them to use this area.

• Regular exercise, including off-leash running and interactive play sessions, helps dogs burn off excess energy, reducing the chances of digging due to boredom. Dog sports like agility, flyball or nose work are great ways to get your dog active.

• When you're outdoors, you should keep an eye on your dog and steer them towards other activities that don't involve digging. Brief training sessions are perfect for this - use plenty of treats to encourage good behaviour. If you can't keep an eye on your dog, you should block their access to areas where they might dig.

• Give your dog other things to do, like interactive puzzle toys and chew toys. These toys should be challenging and interesting, giving your dog mental stimulation and helping to redirect their digging energy into something else. Making a safe and stimulating environment reduces the reason for them to dig.

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