It is in the nature of dogs, especially younger ones, to dig. In fact, there are dog breeds that with their peculiar digging habits, owners would tend to think that they are only made to dig. Puppies belonging to the terrier, sporting and Nordic group breeds are examples of this.

There could be many reasons behind this behavior, but basically, puppies have fun when they dig. Dogs may also dig to find a cool spot in the ground in the summer, a warm spot underground in the winter, to overcome anxiety related to moving or having new family members, or simply to overcome boredom.

Whatever the reason, however, there are certain ways to control or lessen your pet’s unfavorable digging habits. By doing so, you can lessen the destruction your pet causes in your lawn or backyard. As a result, you punish or scold your pet less for behavior it loves to do.

First of all, a pet owner must find out the reason for the puppy’s excessive digging behaviors. Boredom caused by less physical activities or attention can be easily resolved with fixed regimens that will divert the dog’s attention from digging.

Below is also a set of instructions that will help you support your dog’s digging habits. Eventually, with these steps, you’ll be able to give him his own nice digging spot and also train him to stay in his area away from your lawn.

1. Designate an excavation area. Find a spot on your lawn or backyard where your puppy or dog can dig freely. When you don’t have the luxury of a lawn or backyard, find a suitable spot in a nearby park or somewhere inside your home. You can set up a digging pit similar to a child’s sandbox.

2. Encourage your dog to dig in his own area. By making digging more fun for your dog, you’ll have more reason to stay in your own digging hole and away from his belongings.

You can achieve this by burying your favorite toys under the digging area so that after you find them, you feel like you’ve just dug up treasure. You can also insert a bone into the digging hole for him to chew on when he finds it. Otherwise, play with your dog by digging next to it.

3. Create a diet. Commanding or instructing your dog to dig regularly will also help him stay in his digging hole. Every day, you can command your dog to “dig” in your area. Eventually, your dog would not like anything else and would start scratching the ground for a good find.

4. Correct unfavorable excavations. Any time you find your dog digging somewhere other than his digging hole, be sure to correct him with a firm “no” and guide him back to his designated hole.

These steps won’t immediately solve dog digging problems, but over time, with regular training, your pup will create less destruction on your property and build a habit of digging in your little spot.