Dog Digging Up Your Grass? Here's How to Put an End to It

As a dog owner, you've likely come across a clear sign of trouble in your yard—your dog’s nose covered in dirt, indicating they've been digging. And despite their adorable puppy dog eyes, it's hard to overlook the frustration of seeing your lawn riddled with holes and patches of bare soil, probably for the nth time.

While solutions like laying sod grass can help restore your lawn, they only address the surface problem. The real fix lies in addressing your dog's behavior to prevent further damage. Keeping your dog from digging holes in the first place will help save your yard and ultimately maintain a healthier relationship with your canine companion.

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?

Digging is instinctive for many dogs, particularly puppies and dog breeds with high energy levels. Sometimes, it's just a dog being a dog. But if it becomes a frequent habit, this behavior can easily transform your lush green lawn into a cratered mess. Understanding the reason behind your dog's digging is the first step toward addressing the issue.

Boredom and Pent-Up Energy

If dogs aren’t getting enough physical activity or mental engagement, they may turn to digging to release excess energy and entertain themselves. Without enough stimulation, a dog may become restless and resort to undesirable behaviors like chewing, barking, or digging up your yard.

Searching for Food or Shelter

Some dogs dig because they’re hunting for something—whether it’s a buried toy, a treat, or small burrowing animals. In other cases, dogs dig holes to create a cool, comfortable resting place on a hot day. They may also dig to make a shelter or den, especially if left outside for extended periods.

Escaping or Protecting Territory

Dogs may dig along the fence line or near gates as part of an escape attempt. This behavior can be dangerous, increasing the risk of your dog running away or getting injured. Additionally, certain dog breeds are known to be territorial. They may dig to reinforce boundaries or as a response to the presence of other dogs nearby.

How to Stop Your Dog From Digging Up the Grass

Recognizing the reason behind your dog’s digging behavior is essential for finding an effective solution. But before jumping into solutions, remember that dogs don't dig out of spite or with the ultimate goal of destroying your landscaping. Most of the time, they simply seek entertainment, attention, or a way too cool off. Here are some tips to stop your dog from digging and protect your lawn.

1. Provide Enough Exercise

A tired dog is a happy dog. Dogs with pent-up energy are more likely to dig to burn off excess energy. Regular walks, play sessions, and outdoor activities like hiking can help your dog stay active and avoid unwanted digging behavior. Make sure to match the level of exercise to your dog’s breed and energy level. More rigorous exercise routines may be necessary for high-energy dog breeds to keep them calm and satisfied.

2. Give Plenty of Mental Stimulation

In addition to physical activity, mental engagement is equally important. Interactive, chew, and puzzle toys are great ways to keep your dog occupied, especially when you can't take them outside during a hot day or when it’s too rainy. These activities stimulate your dog’s mind, helping them stay focused and less likely to dig out of boredom.

3. Teach Your Dog Commands

Training your dog with commands like “leave it” or “no dig” can help control their behavior. Be patient and consistent in teaching these commands, rewarding your dog when they respond appropriately. By catching them in the act and redirecting their attention, you can reduce the occurrence of unwanted digging.

4. Supervise Your Dog When in the Yard

If your dog has a tendency to dig, keep an eye on them while they’re in the yard. Supervision allows you to intervene immediately if your dog starts digging. Redirect their attention with toys or call them to you using a command. Over time, they’ll learn to associate being in the yard with play and interaction rather than digging holes. Alternatively, if your dog digs to escape the heat, ensure it has a cool, shaded spot to relax and access fresh water.

When you can’t supervise your dog throughout the day, consider using Gotta Go Grass. These indoor grass pads for dogs provide a designated spot for your pet to relieve themselves indoors, helping prevent yard damage and making it easier to manage their bathroom needs when outdoor supervision isn’t possible.

5. Remove Motivations to Dig

Dogs often dig because they’re searching for something—either small animals, hidden toys, or cool dirt to lie on. If burrowing animals is the cause, consider deterring them from your yard using natural repellents, physical barriers, or humane traps. Removing toys or other objects your dog may be trying to unearth can also help minimize their digging behavior. For dogs that dig to escape the yard, reinforcing the fence line and providing more interaction can help prevent these behaviors.

6. Provide an Outlet for Digging

If your dog is a natural digger, giving them an appropriate outlet can make all the difference. Create a designated digging area or “dig pit” in your yard. Fill it with sand or loose soil, and bury toys and treats to encourage your dog to dig there. Reward your dog for using the designated area, helping them understand where digging is acceptable.

How to Recover Dog-Damaged Grass

After addressing the root causes of your dog’s digging, it’s time to repair the damage to your lawn. While grass may eventually self-repair, the process is often slow. For faster recovery, consider installing sod. Bethel Farms is a trusted sod farm in Central Florida offering high-quality grass sod for sale that promotes faster establishment and a uniform lawn appearance. Our sod is grown in a controlled environment, making it a reliable solution for fast and effective lawn restoration.

Using sod is also a great way to switch to a more dog-friendly grass type, like bermudagrass. With its dense growth habit and exceptional durability, bermudagrass is well-suited for lawns that endure heavy use from pets. Its resilient nature can better withstand your dog’s playful behavior, and its vigorous growth allows it to recover quickly from any damage.

We offer a range of sod options to match your specific need. Visit the Bethel Farms website to explore your options for durable, high-quality sod to help you maintain a healthy lawn year-round, even with active dogs.

Final Thoughts

Curbing your dog’s digging habit takes time, patience, and a little creativity, but it’s possible to protect your yard and keep your dog happy with the right strategies. Addressing the root cause of the behavior and providing appropriate outlets will ensure a happier dog and a healthier lawn. And with a reliable sod farm like Bethel Farms, you can repair any damage and enjoy a lush, green yard once more.