How to Stop Your Dog from Digging Up Buried Bones

Why Dogs Dig Up Buried Bones

Dogs dig up buried bones because it’s a natural instinct. As noted in *Doctor Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book*, digging is a legitimate canine behavior—especially for breeds like Terriers, originally bred to pursue rodents. Your dog may be trying to retrieve a buried bone, or simply enjoying the act of digging itself. Some dogs dig to cool off, as freshly dug dirt is cooler than sun-heated ground. Others dig due to stress, anxiety, or boredom.

In some cases, your dog may be trying to participate in activities you’ve done outdoors, like gardening. If they’ve seen you planting, they might think they’re helping by digging up flowers. This isn’t misbehavior—it’s instinct and social curiosity.

Create a Designated Digging Area

The most effective solution is to give your dog a designated digging pit—a sandbox-like area in your yard where digging is allowed. *Doctor Dunbar’s Good Little Dog Book* recommends stocking this pit with food treats, kibble, Kongs, marrow bones, and stuffed chew toys. When your dog discovers buried goodies, they’ll prefer this spot over the rest of the yard.

Start by digging in the pit yourself and encouraging your dog to join. You can partially bury bones or toys to make it more exciting. Over time, your dog will learn that the digging pit is a “treasure trove,” making it more rewarding than digging elsewhere.

Redirect and Supervise Behavior

If your dog starts digging in the wrong place, redirect their attention immediately. *Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog* suggests using a toy or treat to shift focus from the ground to you. Say “Look at me” while holding a treat near their nose, then bring it to your eyes to encourage eye contact.

For older dogs, use a 20-foot leash to maintain control while allowing exploration. This prevents sustained digging while still giving your dog freedom. Always supervise outdoor time, especially when your dog shows signs of digging—like sniffing a favorite spot.

Manage the Environment and Reduce Triggers

Prevention starts with management. *Juvenile Delinquent Dogs* advises not giving your dog bones to bury outside. Instead, allow bone-chewing indoors. This removes the incentive to dig up bones in the yard.

If your dog digs to cool off, provide alternative cool spots: shaded areas, taller grass, or a kiddy pool (with fresh water, not standing water). If digging is stress-related, address the root cause with training and environmental enrichment.

Use Positive Reinforcement, Not Punishment

Avoid harsh methods like burying poop in holes—while *Lucky Dog Lessons* describes this as a “booby trap,” it’s not recommended by other sources and may cause confusion or fear. Instead, focus on positive redirection and reward-based training.

When your dog digs in the right place, praise them. When they dig in the wrong spot, calmly redirect them to the digging pit. Consistency and patience are key. As one dog owner found, giving a dog a place to dig freely eliminated the problem entirely.