I either love dogs to pieces and cannot get enough of them, or I am crazy. Maybe a little bit of both! I bring this up because I have a lovely, well-trained four-year-old female Shepherd-Labrador-Pitbull mix named Lucy, who is the sweetest, kindest, and non-aggressive dog I have ever had. Not that I had aggressive dogs before, as I train with a loving yet stern hand, but I point that out because so many people have given Pitbulls a bad rap.
Anyway, Lucy does not dig or chew on things in the house and is accident-free when it comes to potty time. My life was fairly calm and peaceful for the most part. What do I do? Get a puppy! My magic magnifying mind felt as though Lucy might be lonely after losing her mama, Phoebe, last year to cancer when she was only seven. They were best friends. Plus, for as long as I can remember, I have had at least two dogs at a time, sometimes three.
Enter the new puppy named Mila. She is a Boxer-Bulldog mix who will probably grow to be larger than Lucy. She is almost four months old and in need of some serious dog training before Michigan gets too cold, and I won’t feel like standing outside with her for long periods.
So far, they play well together and love each other immensely. Lucy, who seemed bored and lonely before, is now full of spunk and playfulness. However, they are both digging huge holes in my yard and wreaking havoc on my lawn – at least what is left of it.
Other than keeping my eyes on them the entire time they are playing outside, I do not know what else to do. I cannot constantly watch them as I work from home and need to focus on my tasks. Some things that were recommended include the following:
- Do not leave the dogs unattended
- Increase their exercise (they get plenty of exercise playing together all day long)
- Offer mental stimulation with chewing toys and bones (they have these items for inside the house)
- Utilize physical barriers (I placed patio stones in the area, and they just dug next to it!)
- When caught in the act, redirect or use the command “leave it” (yes, I have also done these suggestions!).
- Create a dig pit and reward when they utilize the designated area (I have not tried this yet – will have to see if there is a place in my yard I can repurpose)
Specifically, what is interesting is that they keep digging where my septic tank is buried. Is there something to that? Let’s see what the experts have to say.
A septic service company suggests that, “if you notice your pet digging near septic system components, it’s imperative to take immediate action for septic system maintenance with pets:
- Cease the Behavior: Teach your pet not to dig in certain areas. Use positive reinforcement techniques to redirect their behavior.
- Inspect for Damage: Check the area for signs of damage, such as uprooted soil, exposed pipes, or unusual odors that indicate leaks.
- Consult Professionals: If you suspect any damage, consider seeking the services of a professional firm like Gateway Septic Service for inspection and subsequent remediation.
- Implement Protective Measures:
- Physical Barriers: Leading septic tank inspection and cleaning service specialists in Oak Harbor reveal that you can install fencing or plant dense shrubbery around critical areas to deter pets from accessing them.
- Designated Digging Zones: Provide specific areas where pets can dig, minimizing the opportunities to dig into parts of your yard you consider important,”.
Furthermore, they warn that, “Foul smells near the drainfield or septic tank may be a sign of leaks or system malfunctions. Leading septic tank system inspection, cleaning, and maintenance service contractors in Mount Vernon reveal that if your pet is constantly sniffing or digging in these areas, it may be a sign of a hidden problem,”.
Uh oh, I think we are way overdue for a septic cleaning appointment!
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a professional when necessary.
Why do dogs dig in the ground
Aside from digging out of boredom or a septic system warning sign, there are several other reasons why dogs dig in the ground.
According to Rover.com, why dogs dig is because, “‘Digging isn’t a ‘bad’ behavior; it’s your dog showing an emotional or physical need,’ explains Caroline Wilkinson, a certified animal behaviorist and founder of Barket Place. She says to pay attention to when your dogs dig to pin down the reason why, such as:
- Instincts (denning, hunting)
- Boredom
- Comfort (cooling off, warmth)
- Stress or anxiety
- Hiding treasures (toys, treats)
- Fun
- Prey drive (moles, gophers)
- Escape
- Genetics
- Nesting
- Search for food or nutrition in the soil
- Barrier frustration,”.
My male dog, Otis, mated with Phoebe, and they had a litter of six puppies, which is where Lucy came from. While Phoebe was pregnant, Otis, by pure instinct, decided to dig a den (yes, a literal den!) under my sunroom and deck for his upcoming family. What a smart boy he was! Although we had to fill it in, as it could pose some structural or foundation issues for our home.
Worst dog breeds for digging
Over the years, I have had many days of trying to redirect the beloved K9s in my family from digging in the yard. The different breeds listed below lived in this same home where I currently live today, and dug for different reasons:
- Chocolate Labrador named Josi (loved to dig a hole to stay cool in)
- Collie/Coyote mixed breed named Roxy (dug for critters and to bury treasures)
- Cockapoo/Shiatzu mixed breed named Luke (he actually did not dig)
- Australian Shepherd/Terrier mixed breed named Clio (she dug in poop – eww)
- Labrador/Pitbull mixed breed named Phoebe (she loved to dig either for cooling purposes, for hunting moles, chipmunks, and rabbits, or in search of buried treasures like old bones from Roxy)
- German Shepherd named Otis (for cooling and for his family’s den)
- Labrador/Pitbull/ German Shepherd mixed breed named Lucy (did not dig until Mila came around!)
- Boxer/Bulldog mixed breed named Mila (maybe for the septic or maybe for boredom – the jury is still out because she is a puppy)
Here are some breeds that are prone to digging:
- Beagle
- Border Collie
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Basset Hound
- Border Terrier
- Dachshund
- Siberian Husky
- Staffy
- Bedlington Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Alaskan Malamute
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Cocker Spaniel
- Fox Terrier
- Miniature Schnauzer
How do I stop my dog from digging holes?
In conclusion, stopping your dog from digging takes patience, creativity, and a bit of detective work—but with consistency, redirection, and maybe a designated dig zone, you can protect your yard and keep your pups happy.