AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, and teaching your dog to dig on cue gives them a fun, productive outlet for that instinct. This easy trick can be incorporated into trick-training routines, while also helping you redirect digging away from gardens, flowerbeds, and other off-limits areas.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Teaching your dog to dig on cue requires only a few simple supplies:
- A blanket you don’t mind your dog pawing
- Treats your dog finds especially rewarding
- A clicker, if you use clicker training
For the best results, begin training in a quiet area of your home with minimal distractions. A calm environment will help your dog focus on learning the new behavior.
Teaching the Dig Cue
Most dogs naturally paw at a blanket when they know a treat is hidden underneath. By capturing and rewarding that behavior, you can teach your dog to dig on command.
- Lay a blanket flat on the floor and place a treat underneath by lifting one edge or folding the blanket over the treat.
- Show the blanket to your dog and allow them to investigate. As they sniff for the treat, wait patiently.
- When your dog paws at the blanket, immediately click or praise, then move the blanket so they can access and eat the treat.
- Repeat until your dog consistently paws at the blanket to uncover the reward.
- Introduce your verbal cue, such as “dig” or “paw.” Place the treat under the blanket and say the cue just before your dog begins pawing.
- Praise and reward as soon as your dog paws at the blanket.
- After several successful repetitions, begin practicing without placing a treat under the blanket. Give the cue and reward your dog with a treat from your hand when they perform the behavior.
If your dog seems confused when the hidden treat is removed, return to placing treats under the blanket for a few repetitions before trying again.
Once your dog reliably responds to the cue, practice with different blankets and surfaces. If you’re comfortable with it, you can eventually ask your dog to dig at the floor without needing a blanket.
How Digging on Cue Can Reduce Unwanted Digging
Because digging is an instinctive and self-rewarding behavior, many dogs will continue digging whenever the opportunity arises, even after they’ve learned a cue.
Teaching a cue doesn’t eliminate the behavior, but it gives your dog a clear understanding of when and where digging is appropriate. By rewarding digging in approved locations and redirecting your dog when they dig elsewhere, you can help prevent damage to your yard while still allowing them to enjoy the activity.
Consistency is important. If your dog starts digging in an inappropriate spot, calmly redirect them to their designated digging area and ask for the cue they have learned.
Creating an Outdoor Digging Area
A dedicated digging space lets your dog satisfy their instincts while helping protect landscaping and garden beds. One popular option is a doggy sandbox.
You can build a sandbox in nearly any size or shape that suits your dog and available outdoor space. Lining the area with landscaping fabric can help prevent weeds. A plastic kiddie pool can also work as a simple, contained alternative.
Fill the sandbox area with clean sand, which you can purchase from a hardware store. Sand is generally less messy and avoids some of the concerns associated with bark chips, which may contain chemicals or splinter.
Always supervise your dog while they play to make sure they’re not eating the sand. When you’re not using the digging area, consider covering it with a tarp or similar cover to discourage neighborhood animals from using it as a litter box.
Once the digging area is ready, bring your dog to the sandbox and give your dig cue. Reward your dog for pawing at the sand. You can also hide toys in the sand to provide additional enrichment and encourage exploration.
Setting Up an Indoor Dig Pit
If you don’t have a yard or want to provide year-round digging opportunities regardless of the weather, an indoor dig pit can be a great alternative.
Sand isn’t usually practical indoors because it can be tracked throughout the house. Instead, consider using a portable ball pit designed for children and filling it with dog-safe balls. Be sure to supervise your dog closely and make sure they don’t chew on or swallow the balls.
Another option is filling the pit with fleece, creating a soft surface for digging and searching.
Just as with an outdoor digging area, give your dog the dig cue and reward the behavior. To keep the activity engaging, consider hiding treats, kibble, or toys among the balls or fleece so your dog can use their digging skills to find them.