Why dogs do it
Why does my dog dig holes?
A crater in the lawn is rarely a protest. Digging is one of the most natural things a dog does, and many dogs find it deeply satisfying. The useful question is which need the digging meets, because a dog cooling off and a dog tunnelling toward the street need very different answers. Below we sort the common reasons and what each one looks like in the yard.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Clues in the yard
Location, timing and hole shape usually give it away.
Cooling holes tend to be shallow, wide and in shade, often under a deck or beside the house, and the dog lies in them on warm afternoons. Prey digging is more focused: a dog nose-down, ears forward, following a line across the lawn or working one spot where voles or mice may be living. Breed plays a part too. Terriers and Dachshunds were bred to dig after quarry, and many Huskies dig dens.
Boredom digging tends to appear when the dog spends long stretches outside alone, with holes scattered at random and plants or toys pulled into the mix. Escape digging is the one to take seriously. The holes run along the fence line, often near a gate or where the dog can see or hear something on the other side. Soft ground after rain or a thaw lets fence-line digging progress faster than many owners expect.
- Shallow, shaded, dog lies in it
- Nose-down along one line
- Random holes after solo time
- Holes along the fence line
What to do first
Secure the fence first, then treat it as training.
Escape digging is a safety problem before it is a training one. Supervise yard time and check the fence line until the gaps are secured, because a dog who gets out near a road is at real risk. Digging can also tie into health. A dog that suddenly digs and paws at bedding, eats soil, or seems restless and uncomfortable should see a vet before anyone treats it as a habit.
If the dog is healthy and the yard is secure, digging is mostly about unmet needs and access. A first step is reducing unsupervised yard time and noting when new holes appear. Our how-to guide covers the method in detail. Day Training, $650 per week from Monday to Friday, adds structured daily work and enrichment for dogs with energy to spare, and the consultation points to something smaller when that is all it takes.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
How do I stop my dog digging holes in the yard?
Start by working out the reason, because cooling, prey, boredom and escape need different answers. Supervise yard time and secure the fence first. Our step-by-step how-to guide covers the training method.
Why does my dog dig holes and lie in them?
Usually to reach cooler soil, especially on warm days or after exercise. Shade and water outside help, and if the dog seems to overheat easily, mention it to your vet.
Why does my dog dig at the fence?
Often something on the other side is interesting, such as dogs, people or wildlife, or the dog is trying to get out. Treat it as a safety issue: supervise and secure the fence line before working on the behaviour.
Do some breeds dig more than others?
Many terriers, Dachshunds and northern breeds such as Huskies tend to dig more, because digging was part of the work they were bred for. Breed is a tendency, not a rule, and any dog can dig.
Keep reading
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