Why Does My Dog Dig?

There are several reasons why dogs dig. From the dog’s view point, digging is perfectly normal to them. After all it is a natural behavior for many dogs especially Terriers and Dachshunds.

Terriers were largely bred for the abilities to tunnel for prey in hidden burrows and underground nests. Dachshunds were bred for a peculiar physique to facilitate pursuit of their prey in narrow subterranean passages.

Fact: The word terrier comes from the Latin word and it means ‘to hide.’ So terriers are literally dogs that go to ground and will burrow into holes digging their way to find prey.

Although some breeds were prized for digging, it does not mean they will become problem diggers. A dog of any breed can learn to dig almost compulsively given any opportunity for misfit.

Dogs May Dig for One or More of These Reasons

• To bury bones, toys, or maybe your slippers for safekeeping. In the wild, wolves dig holes to hide leftover food and bones so they will have a nice snack for later. Fido may not regard your slippers as snack, but it’s sure nice to chew them while you aren’t looking!
• To investigate. Freshly dug dirt has all sorts of interesting smells especially if you add compost or fertilizer to the garden bed (in a form of blood and bone) the areas is all the more inviting, and dogs just love to use their noses.
• To release pent-up energy or out of boredom. If your dog has been home sleeping all day while you are at work, he’s probably expending energy for sheer enjoyment and exercise value. Usually these are random acts where Fido creates a lunar landscape on your well-manicured lawn.
• To create a cool hollow in which to rest during warm days or digging snow to prepare an indentation to help preserve body heat. Geriatric dogs loose some ability to regulate their own body temperature, often feeling the cold or the heat much more than when they were younger. When digging is done indoors, it can have disastrous results to your carpet or sofa or hardwood floors.
• To build shelter. Adult wolves dig underground dens for puppies to provide shelter and safety. You may not notice this behavior much, but almost all pregnant dogs will do so a couple days before delivery.
• To catch moles and rodents burrowing underground. Although our pet dogs may no longer eat these small animals for tasty snack, however there are a few dogs who would kill them for entertaining pleasure. If Fido is in the mood of sharing, he may bring his prized possession to your feet!=(
• To escape and to connect. Some dogs dig simply because they are deprived of social contact with people—don’t be surprised if Fido showed up at your office! =O Dogs will dig near gates or doors or any area where people congregate. He is just attempting to escape its solitary confinement and is simply looking for attention, especially from humans or in search for that true love—bitches in heat!

Our dogs may no longer need to be expert diggers for vital survival skills, but the behavior can surface and persist as a recreational activity.