How To Stop Your Dog From Digging Holes in the Yard

You fill one hole. The next morning there are two more. Your dog greets you at the door with dirt on their nose and absolutely zero regret.

Digging is one of the most common complaints dog owners have, and one of the most fixable, once you know why your dog is doing it.

Why Dogs Dig

• Boredom. A dog with nothing to do will find something to do, and digging is free entertainment.
• Heat. In Florida, a dog may dig to reach cooler soil to lie in. If the holes are in shady spots near the house, this is a likely reason.
• Hunting. Moles, grubs and other critters under the lawn are irresistible to many dogs.
• Escape. Digging along the fence line usually means your dog is trying to get somewhere.
• Instinct. Terriers, huskies and many hounds were bred to dig.

The American Kennel Club's guide to why dogs dig breaks down even more reasons.

6 Ways To Stop Your Dog From Digging

• Burn the energy first. A tired dog doesn't dig. A daily walk does more than most toys ever will.
• Beat the heat. Give your dog shade, fresh water and a cool place to lie down so they don't have to make their own.
• Give them a legal dig spot. A sandbox or a corner of loose soil with toys buried in it turns digging into a game with rules.
• Supervise and redirect. If you catch them digging, calmly interrupt and lead them to the dig spot. Don't punish after the fact. They won't connect it.
• Deal with critters. If your dog is hunting, the holes will keep coming until the moles or grubs are handled.
• Secure the fence line. Bury chicken wire or place pavers along the base of the fence if your dog is digging to escape.

Humane World for Animals has more ideas for redirecting digging if your dog is especially determined.

Holes, Poop and Your Lawn

Between digging, brown spots from waste and yellow spots from pee, a dog can wreck a lawn fast. Fixing the digging is step one. Keeping the yard picked up is step two. Our guide to fixing brown spots from dog poop covers the rest.

A Tired Dog and a Clean Yard: The Anti-Digging Combo

Most digging comes down to boredom and energy, and a clean yard is easier to keep an eye on. Add a midday walk to your yard cleanup from just $9.99 and give your dog something better to do than redesign your lawn. Weekly service starts at $14.99 with no contracts, and every visit is backed by our Spotless Yard Guarantee: if we miss a spot, tell us within 24 hours and we'll come back and re-clean it free. Still not happy? That visit is free.

We're local, and we serve dog owners in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City. Get your free instant quote in about 60 seconds, with no phone call needed.

Keep reading: How Much Exercise Does A Dog Need Every Day?.

About the Author

Tiffani, Owner of Scoop Dog

U.S. Army veteran and Zephyrhills dog mom to Luna and Snickers. Tiffani personally scoops yards and walks dogs across Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Land O' Lakes, San Antonio, Dade City, Lutz, New Tampa and Plant City, and writes every guide from what she sees in local backyards each week. Read her story.