You’ll be happy to know that some dog breeds are prone to digging while others dig less. Terriers of all kinds are great diggers, as well as dachshunds. These breeds were bred specifically for ground-hunting (source), which is why they’re called ‘earth dogs.’ Strong seeking dogs may be telling you that you have unwanted rodents in your yard that you may want to control. If your dog is left alone for long periods of time, doesn’t receive enough stimulation or has nothing to play with, digging is a great game for him which can be performed almost anywhere. Counteract this by making sure that your dog has plenty to keep him occupied when you’re not around, that you spend enough time with him and that he is walked and played with enough to keep him happy. It is also important to note that digging can be attention seeking behaviour in dogs- if he has learnt that digging will get a reaction out of you, this can reinforce his digging behaviour. Don’t reward problem digging with attention- tell your dog ‘no’ and do so until he stops- at which point he should be praised for compliance.

Sandbox or Digging Area: Create a designated digging area in your yard where your dog can freely dig without causing damage. So if you’ve got a Rottweiler that loves digging, then you may need to look at other options. But if you’ve got a smaller pup, this could be a good fit. Once your pup has had their fun, you can easily remove the flaps and toss them into the washing machine.

Digging to escape

The latest toy for dogs that dig is the iDig Go from the people that have brought you the iFetch automatic ball launcher. See “ Automatic ball launchers for dogs” to learn more. An often annoying but nonetheless true fact is that many dogs like to dig, and digging behaviour is perfectly natural in the dog, albeit it is often messy and inconvenient! As well as potentially making a real mess of your garden, some dogs are apt to simulate digging behaviour in the house, burrowing into bedding or piles of clothes or even scrabbling at the carpet and furniture. Lastly, if you've tried all the above steps and you're dog is still persistently digging, create a designated digging spot to contain the issue. This will at least keep the dog away from your flowerbeds and other areas of your garden you want to remain unspoiled.

By the way, I did also write an article on how to stop your dog from digging if you want to try to stop the problem in the first place.

Summary – Dog toys for diggers

Our pet dogs share the desire to sleep in and under things that resemble a den. They often dig at the ground and circle before lying down, as though they’re trying to make a softer resting place. Many dogs do this on the carpet, or furniture or on their own dog bed as well.

If the dog is still digging around and ignoring its toys – get them a sandbox. A sandbox is easy to dig in, and the dog will have a blast, while the damage will be restricted to the sand. Tip #5 – Cool them down with a doggie pool

You can also make your own dog toys or find something that you already have in your household. How & When To Best Use Digging Toys Positive Association: Create a positive association with the digging toy by using treats or praise. When your dog shows interest in the toy or approaches it, reward them with a treat and verbal praise.

The full name of this toy is the “Busy Body Bouncy Bone Treat Dispenser Tough Dog Chew Toy.” Whew, what a mouthful! However, it’s a fitting name for a toy with this many aspects to it. This is a food puzzle, designed to keep your pup busy (and not digging) for hours on end. But it’s also a bouncy ball and a food puzzle. Try using safe, non-toxic or humane ways of keeping other wildlife out of your garden or call a company that will do it for you,' says animal behaviourist Carolyn Menteith. Behavioral Management: Dogs with a natural inclination to dig may target your yard or garden, causing damage. Providing them with appropriate digging toys redirects their behavior to a designated area, protecting your property while satisfying their instinctual needs. Interactive Puzzle Toys: These toys require your dog to solve puzzles or manipulate parts to access hidden treats or toys. They provide mental stimulation, encouraging your dog to think and problem-solve while having fun.Obviously, durability is a major factor when it comes to purchasing any kind of toy for your pup. You want a toy that can withstand numerous hours of tough and rough play, especially if you have a puppy or a larger dog who is rough on toys. Plus, it’s lots of fun for you to watch, too. The iDig not only gives your dog the perfect outlet for their natural digging instincts, but it also provides healthy mental stimulation, keeping your pooch happy and out of trouble. Though this isn't a long-term solution for how to stop dogs from digging in the garden, it's a good option for stopping the digging when it starts to happen. 3. Make sure they're getting enough exercise One thing that has to be pointed out is never to use mothballs to deter a dog from doing something. While mothballs are effective in this regard, they’re very dangerous if ingested ( source), and the dog could die. Will coffee grounds deter a dog from digging?