Why Do Female Dogs Dig Holes?

Reviewed By Kyoko •  Updated: 05/17/22 •  3 min read
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Why Do Female Dogs Dig Holes?

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Have you noticed your female dog digging holes? That can be a frustrating thing, especially if she’s tearing up your lawn or garden! But what causes your dog to dig holes?

There are several reasons that may cause a female dog to dig holes. Let’s take a look!

1. Boredom

When dogs spend too much time on their own, they may become bored. This is a common problem. When a dog becomes bored, she may do all kinds of destructive things, including dig holes.

Your dog may be digging holes to relieve her boredom and find something to keep her busy. Why not? Dogs are natural diggers!

To relieve this problem, spend more time with your female dog. Play with her, take her for walks in the morning and afternoon, and don’t forget to spend cuddle time too (if your dog likes that).

2. Escape

Does your female dog dig near the fence or a wall? If so, she may be trying to escape. Here, again, if dogs are left too long outside alone, they may feel bored and alone. They may try to escape just to get your attention, run with some neighborhood dogs, or even to get out and explore.

If you believe your dog’s trying to escape, don’t leave her alone outside unattended for long periods. It may also be necessary to invest in a dog-proof fence that goes into the ground to keep her in the yard.

3. Cooling Off

Some female dogs may dig a hole when it’s hot outside. The dog may dig down to where the soil or sand is cooler, which helps reduce your dog’s body temperature. If your female fur baby is constantly digging holes outside and laying in them, this could be the reason why.

Another reason a female dog may dig holes is to create a den. In nature, canines dig dens to rear their young and find shelter. This may not be a problem if your female dog is lying in the same hole and not digging in other areas.

However, it’s never a good idea to leave your dog outside for long periods when it’s hot (or too cold) and humid. And when she is outside, ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water and shade to lay in.

Summing It Up

These are some of the most common reasons a female dog will dig holes! If this continues to be a problem, you may want to work with a professional dog trainer to curb your fur baby’s digging habit!

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Kyoko

Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!