Dog Digs Holes Daily? Stop It With These Proven Methods

Use Your Dog’s Poop as a Natural Deterrent

One of the most effective ways to stop daily digging is to turn your dog’s own poop into a booby trap. According to *Lucky Dog Lessons*, holes are often “art projects” your dog keeps returning to. To stop this, locate every hole, place a piece of dog poop at the bottom, cover it with an inch or two of dirt, and let your dog discover it. When they dig and hit the poop, they’ll recoil due to its smell, sight, and taste—instinctively avoiding the spot. This method works because it uses the dog’s natural aversion to their own waste.

Repeat the process if your dog starts new holes. The key is consistency: each new hole must be treated the same way. Over time, your dog learns that digging leads to unpleasant consequences, not satisfaction.

Redirect Digging with Toys and Treats

If your dog starts to dig or shows signs of digging (like sniffing a spot), redirect their attention immediately. As *Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog* suggests, use a toy or treat to shift focus from the ground to you. Place a treat at their nose, then bring it to your eyes while saying “Look at me.” This teaches your dog to look to you instead of the ground.

This “look at me” technique is especially useful for puppies and high-energy breeds. With consistent practice—sometimes for days or weeks—your dog learns that engaging with you is more rewarding than digging. It’s a positive, non-punitive way to change behavior.

Create a Designated Digging Box

Instead of just stopping digging, teach your dog where it’s okay to dig. *Do Over Dogs* recommends building a “digging box” or pit in a corner of the yard. Fill it with loose soil and let your dog use it freely. When the urge to dig hits, they’ll go to this spot instead of your lawn.

This method works best when combined with mental and physical exercise. Boredom is a common cause of digging, especially in working breeds like Labs, huskies, and chow chows. A tired dog is less likely to dig. Daily runs, fetch sessions, and interactive toys (like the Buster Cube) help burn off excess energy and reduce the need to dig.

Control the Environment and Prevent Access

For older dogs or those with strong digging habits, environmental control is key. *Zak George’s Guide* advises using a 20-foot leash when your dog is outside. This allows freedom to explore but prevents sustained digging. You can also supervise closely and intervene before digging begins.

If your dog digs to escape or find cool spots, address the root cause. Keep them indoors on hot days, provide shaded areas, or use cooling pads filled with water-absorbing crystals. These help if digging is driven by temperature discomfort.

Address Boredom and Energy Needs

Many digging dogs are simply bored or under-exercised. High-energy breeds need more than a daily walk—they need intense physical and mental challenges. *Do Over Dogs* emphasizes that a tired dog is a well-behaved dog. Let them run freely in a safe space, chase toys, or play fetch until they’re exhausted.

Interactive feeding tools like the Roll-A-Treat Ball turn mealtime into a game. This keeps your dog mentally engaged and reduces the urge to dig out of boredom.