How to Keep Dogs From Digging Your Yard

As a dog owner, it’s a scene you know all too well—the telltale signs of mischief. Your dog enters the house, leaving muddy paw prints everywhere, their fur and nose caked in dirt—they’ve been digging yet again. And while their puppy eyes may melt your heart, it’s hard to overlook the frustration when you step outside and see your lawn covered with holes and loose dirt everywhere.

Sure, planting grass plugs can help restore your yard, but that only fixes what's been done, not the real issue—your dog’s persistent digging behavior.

Why Is Your Dog Digging Holes Anyway?

After dealing with the problem repeatedly, you might start wondering what exactly your dog is trying to achieve or what—or what satisfaction they get from digging. Rest assured, it's not to spite you. Digging is instinctive for many dogs, especially puppies and high-energy breeds. Simply put, it's your dog being a dog.

While some puppies outgrow this behavior, others carry it well into adulthood. Sometimes, it can also signal an underlying issue with your dog. Understanding your dog's motivation is the first step toward solving the problem.

Boredom

Dogs with pent-up energy often turn to digging as an outlet. High-energy breeds like border collies, terriers, and beagles are particularly prone to digging holes when bored. Without enough mental and physical exercise, they may resort to digging as a form of self-entertainment.

Dog Breed

In addition to having high energy, some dog breeds just naturally love to dig. Breeds like terriers, dachshunds, and beagles were initially bred to dig for prey, and they often dig to search for something—whether real or imagined. If your dog belongs to any of these breeds, their digging behavior can be rooted in their hunting instincts.

Other Motivations

Some dogs dig for reasons unrelated to boredom or instinct, such as trying to escape, marking their territory, or even making a shelter for themselves. Digging can provide a cool, sheltered resting spot, especially on a hot day.

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging Up the Grass

Recognizing the motivation behind your dog's digging behavior is crucial to outlining an effective solution. In most cases, dogs dig out of boredom or a need for entertainment. Providing activities that keep them mentally and physically stimulated not only benefits your dog in the long run but also helps divert their attention from destructive digging.

Increase Exercise

A tired dog is a happy dog and is far less likely to dig. Regular walks, playtime, and interactive games help burn off excess energy that might otherwise lead to destructive behavior. Incorporating plush toys for tug-of-war or other high-energy activities can keep your dog engaged and tired out, reducing their urge to dig.

Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity. Puzzle toys or treat-dispensing balls can keep your dog occupied and mentally engaged for hours. By giving them an alternative to digging, you can reduce their desire to dig holes in your lawn.

Teach Basic Commands

Training your dog to follow simple commands like “leave it” or “stop” can help manage their digging behavior. Enrolling in an obedience class or working with a dog trainer can reinforce these commands, making it easier to redirect your dog’s attention and stop digging in its tracks.

Supervise Time in the Yard

Whenever possible, supervise your dog while they’re outside. This lets you stop any digging before it becomes a problem. If you can't be there to watch them, limit their yard access instead. For indoor bathroom breaks, use grass pee pads for dogs like Gotta Go Grass. These natural, pet-friendly solutions offer an accessible and sanitary spot for your dog to relieve themselves and help prevent further lawn damage.

Create a Designated Digging Area

Some dogs simply love to dig, and it can be hard to remove this ingrained habit entirely. In these cases, setting up a designated digging area can help. Create a space in your lawn where your dog is free to dig, like a dig pit filled with loose soil or sand. Encourage them to use this space by burying toys or treats. This solution will help redirect their natural digging instincts to an acceptable location, keeping the rest of your lawn intact.

Address Underlying Motivations

If your dog digs to escape, make sure your yard is secure by checking for gaps in the fence line. If they're digging for shelter, try building a dog house in the shade to provide them with a cool resting spot and keep them from digging to escape the heat.

How to Recover Dog-Damaged Grass

Once you’ve addressed your dog’s digging behavior, it’s time to repair the damage to your lawn. While grass can self-repair, it often takes time. (can you add something here that completely damaged grass may need replacement) For faster results, consider planting grass plugs.

SodPods are small sections of grass sod with fully established root systems. They are grown individually in trays, which is ideal for repairing small damaged areas in your yard. These grass repair pods are also an excellent way to introduce a more dog-friendly grass type like bermudagrass. With its dense growth and durability, bermudagrass can withstand heavy pet activity and recover quickly from damage.

Visit the SodPods website to explore your options for high-quality grass varieties that can help maintain a lush, healthy lawn—even with active dogs. For best results, pair your plugs with NutriPod grass fertilizer to support establishment and grow grass up to two times faster.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining a healthy lawn and keeping a happy dog is possible with the right strategies. By addressing your dog’s digging behavior and repairing damaged areas with grass plugs, you can create a yard that you and your pet can enjoy.