What’s Up with Your Dog? 7 Reasons Why They Might Start Digging Holes in Your Backyard

If you’ve been enjoying the great outdoors with your dog, but then suddenly notice he’s digging holes in your backyard and coming to you asking to play fetch, you might be worried about what’s going on. Luckily, it may not be something serious; many dogs start digging when they become bored or need a mental workout, or if they have separation anxiety (such as being left alone in the yard). Here are seven possible reasons why your dog might be digging holes in your backyard so you can put an end to this behavior as soon as possible!

The 7 main reasons why dogs start digging holes

1. They’re bored.
2. They’re looking for something to eat.
3. They want to make a den or shelter.
4. They’re trying to escape something.
5. They’re following their natural instincts.
6. They’ve been trained to dig holes.
7. There’s something wrong with their health.

1) Trailing Wildlife

If your dog is suddenly inspired to start digging holes in your backyard, it could be that they’ve picked up the scent of an animal that’s been traipsing through your property. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and if they’ve caught a whiff of a squirrel or rabbit, they may start digging in hopes of catching their prey.

2) Itchiness

Allergies, both seasonal and food-related, are a common cause of itchiness in dogs. If your dog is suddenly scratching more than usual, take them to the vet to rule out any possible medical causes. environmental changes (three sentences): If there’s been a recent change in your dog’s environment – like a move to a new house or the addition of a new pet – they may start digging holes as a way to cope with the stress. boredom (two sentences): A bored dog is a destructive dog.

3) Loneliness

One possible reason your dog might start digging holes in your backyard is that they’re feeling lonely. If you’ve been spending less time at home or paying less attention to them, they may start digging in an attempt to get your attention. This can also happen if you’ve recently added a new pet to the family and your dog feels left out. To fix this issue, try spending more time with your dog and showing them some extra love.

4) Unexplained Excitement

If your dog suddenly starts digging holes in your backyard for no apparent reason, it could be that they’re just excited. Maybe they’ve seen a squirrel or another animal that they want to chase. Or, perhaps they’ve just been let out into the backyard after being cooped up inside all day and are feeling exuberant.

5) Boredom

One of the most common reasons dogs start digging holes is boredom. If your dog is left alone in the backyard all day with nothing to do, they may start digging holes out of sheer boredom. Try giving your dog some toys or puzzles to keep them entertained, or take them on more walks to tire them out.

6) Predatory Instincts

One reason your dog might start digging holes in your backyard is that they’re tapping into their predatory instincts. Dogs are descendants of wolves, and while most have been domesticated, they still have some wild instincts left over. If your dog starts digging holes, it could be because they’re trying to catch prey.