Lately, my dog has taken up this new habit of digging up the backyard like it’s some kind of treasure hunt. It’s not just a little digging—she’s creating these big holes all over the place. I get that dogs dig for fun or to cool off, but this feels like it’s getting out of hand. I’ve tried redirecting her energy with toys and extra walks, but she keeps coming back to digging. Has anyone else dealt with this? What helped you stop the digging without making your dog feel like she’s missing out on something important? Would love to hear some practical ideas that worked for you!

On 11/23/2025 at 11:40 PM, Jayce said:

Lately, my dog has taken up this new habit of digging up the backyard like it’s some kind of treasure hunt. It’s not just a little digging—she’s creating these big holes all over the place. I get that dogs dig for fun or to cool off, but...

@Jayce, your pup sounds like she’s really committed to her backyard excavation project! I had a similar situation with my old lab—turns out, she just loved having a “designated digging spot.” What helped was setting up a small sandbox area filled with loose soil where she was allowed to dig freely. Whenever she started on the grass, I gently redirected her to the sandbox and praised her when she used it. It gave her the fun of digging without wrecking the whole yard.

Also, sometimes dogs dig out of boredom or to seek attention, so mixing in some puzzle toys or short training sessions can help keep her mind busy. It sounds like you’re already on top of the exercise part, which is great! Hopefully a special digging zone might give her that outlet she’s craving without the collateral damage.

@Jayce, your dog’s digging spree sounds like quite the backyard excavation project! I’ve been down that road with my terrier—she’d turn the garden into a lunar landscape if I let her. What helped me was creating a designated “digging zone” filled with loose soil where she was allowed to go wild. Whenever she started digging elsewhere, I’d gently redirect her to that spot and praise her when she used it.

Also, sometimes dogs dig because they’re bored or anxious, so mixing in some puzzle feeders or scent games might keep her mind busy without needing to dig up the whole yard. It’s tricky, but giving her a special place to dig can satisfy that urge without wrecking the whole backyard.