Some dogs simply enjoy digging, whether it is chasing a scent, cooling off in the earth on a warm day, or just following an old instinct that never really goes away. The lawn and flower borders often bear the brunt of it, with holes appearing in the most inconvenient spots imaginable, usually right where the grass looks its best.
Watching for the times of day when digging tends to happen can reveal a pattern worth working with. Many dogs dig most eagerly when they are bored or have extra energy to burn, so a longer walk or a bit more play beforehand often takes the edge off before the digging even starts.
Give the digging somewhere else to go
Setting aside one corner of the garden, perhaps with looser soil or sand, gives a keen digger somewhere of its own to work. Burying a favourite toy there now and then helps the dog associate that particular spot with the reward, making it far more appealing than the middle of the lawn or the flower bed.
Borders can be protected further with a low, discreet barrier along the edge, just enough to discourage casual digging without spoiling the look of the garden. Larger stones placed carefully among the plants also make the ground less inviting to paws that are looking for somewhere soft to dig.
Filling in old holes promptly, rather than leaving them to widen with every rainfall, keeps the lawn looking tidier and reduces the temptation to return to the same spot. A bit of fresh soil and grass seed usually settles the matter within a few weeks of steady weather.
With a designated digging spot and a little extra attention to timing, most gardens can carry on looking presentable even with an enthusiastic digger about. The behaviour rarely disappears completely, but it becomes far easier to live with once it has somewhere proper to happen.
