While digging problems can be frustrating to a dog owner, it is a natural canine activity and is not always a behaviour problem. Some breeds are more prone to digging than others. Possible reasons for digging include burying bones (cooling pits in the summer and warming pits in the winter), going after prey, attempt to reach and play with other dogs, boredom, or loneliness. Highly active puppies and dogs who have just moved to a new home often become diggers. Some dogs, with proper training, will easily drop the digging habit.

In order to keep a dog from digging, make sure to take it for plenty of walks and allow for healthy exercise. Play with your dog for a while before leaving the house. And if you haven't established digging rules, then you'll want to leave your dog inside until you return home. If you don't want your dog digging in any section of your yard, then you'll need to be patient during the learning process. Make sure to nip the habit in the bud as soon as you see it to occur, because the more a dog is allowed to dig, the more it will be confused when you punish it for doing so.

If you go outside to find a freshly dug hold, then call your dog over and tell it firmly, "No dig!" Some owners have placed their dog's waste into the hole, to send the message that it's a negative thing. This process works on some dogs, but you may find that it merely adds an interesting aspect to the game. Sniff, sniff! Persistent digging can be treated with shaker cans or shock collars, but an owner should be aware that these things often ruin the bond between pet and human.

Another solution for the dog who naturally loves to dig is to provide a specified "digging spot." If your yard or garden can spare a few square feet, your dog will be happy, and you can be happy now that the digging is confined to one area. For this to work, you'll need to train the pup that his or her digging spot is a good place, and other places are not for digging. Let your dog watch as you fill the digging spot with dirt and sand (to properly drain on wet days). Allow him to help and if he digs, fill him with praise. Bring chew toys and let your dog watch as you diligently work at burying them. Encourage him to help you dig them up again. You should also bury treats in this special digging spot. Call your dog over and tell him to, "Dig!" Praise him for complying. Repeat this over and over until your dog catches onto the pattern. Then, when/if you find your dog digging in an off-limits area, firmly say, "No dig!" and take him away from the spot, directly to his digging area. Then tell him to, "Dig!" As soon as he does, praise him, cheer, pet him, or even give him a treat to let him know that he's getting the hang of it.

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