Are you curious about why your dog has started digging up your backyard? Or why their new favorite hobby is digging up the sand when you go to Tampa Bay’s dog-friendly beaches, including Davis Island Dog Park, or Picnic Island Dog Park. Let’s discuss how this behavior starts and how it can be managed by exploring the question of “Why is my dog all of a sudden digging in the yard?”
Digging to cool down
We all know how humid it can get in Tampa Bay, and one way dogs can cool off is by digging up some fresh, cool earth to lie down on. Your dog may especially be doing this in areas with little shade.
You can manage this behavior by making sure your dog has access to a shaded, breezy area with lots of fresh water. You can increase airflow by setting up a raised dog bed, such as a Kuranda. Your dog could also use a kiddie pool to cool off and splash around in, with no digging required.
For more information on how to manage the Tampa Bay heat and humidity, we have published a blog on “Heat safety for dogs”.
Digging for fun
Some dogs just love to dig, whether it’s digging their own hole or joining in with a friend. When digging for fun, dogs usually create deeper, smaller holes, since they aren’t made for them to lie down in. While it’s fun for your dog. You may not appreciate that the grass or garden is now filled with small craters.
By relieving your dog’s boredom, you can better manage their behavior. You can help this by:
- Giving your dog backyard only toys to play with, and rotate these every few days so they stay more interesting.
- Providing a stuffed Kong, such as frozen peanut butter mixed with kibble.
- Burning off some energy by taking your dog for a walk in your neighborhood. Or explore Tampa Bay’s many dog parks andhiking trails.
- Playing fetch or take your dog for a jog orbike ride alongside them.
Digging to escape
Some dogs are more interested in escaping the backyard than others. Maybe they want to reach the dog next door or explore the neighborhood. No matter the reason, it’s not a safe thing for your dog to do. Regardless of how motivated they are to break out.
You can dissuade your dog from digging by putting rocks or chicken wire on previously dug-up areas. It’s best not to leave your dog unsupervised for extended periods.
Digging to bury and retrieve treasure
Some dogs like to bury high-value items, such as bones, and come back for them later. This is a natural behavior that can be linked to resource guarding.
If you notice that your dog is burying specific items, such as bones, you can limit access to these items in the backyard.
Should you just let your dog dig?
As long as your dog isn’t escaping or destroying anything you value, you could decide to just let your dog dig. After all, it’s natural for dogs to dig, and it can be an easy way for them to burn off energy and be entertained. Just remember that this behavior can get worse if it’s not addressed or is reinforced.
We are here to help
Would you like help with dog obedience training, manners, and treating any problem behaviors such as resource guarding or touch sensitivity? Beyond the Dog Tampa Bay offers personalized one-on-one training sessions, including training at your home and local Tampa neighborhood, board-and-train programs, and virtual training programs. You can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team to receive a personalized recommendation on your training goals and any questions you may have.
We use scientifically proven training methods, backed by over 20 years of hands-on experience. Beyond the Dog Tampa Bay is led by our co-founders, Dr. Echterling-Savage, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Sean Savage, a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) and Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA).
