Is digging a natural instinct for dogs?

When we see holes of various sizes suddenly appearing in our own yard, the newly planted flower seedlings in the garden being turned upside down, or deep claw marks on our beloved sofa cushions, our first reaction is often a mix of anger and helplessness. And the culprit - our lovely dog - is wagging its tail, with an innocent and excited look in its eyes. At this moment, a question can't help but come to mind: Is digging a deliberate act of naughtiness by the dog, or is it an inborn natural instinct? The process of exploring this answer can not only help us understand the dog's behavior but also be a warm journey into their inner world.

From a biological and evolutionary perspective, digging is a survival instinct that dogs have gradually developed during the long process of evolution. In the wild, for the ancestors of dogs, wolves, and early canines, the behavior of digging was crucial to their survival. Digging a den could provide them with a safe hiding place, allowing them to avoid the pursuit of natural enemies and seek shelter in adverse weather conditions. Just imagine, in a cold winter night or during a torrential rainstorm, a warm and dry den is a haven for dogs in the wild. At the same time, digging is also an important way for them to store food. When they catch prey or find surplus food, dogs will bury the food underground, covering it with soil and fallen leaves to prevent other animals from snatching it. This behavior of storing food ensures their survival during periods of food scarcity. In addition, digging can help dogs regulate their body temperature. In the hot summer, the temperature of the soil underground is relatively low, and the den dug by dogs becomes a natural "air-conditioned room" for them to escape the heat; while in the cold season, the den can block the cold wind and maintain a certain temperature.

Even after a long period of domestication, many domestic dogs still retain this instinct to dig. Different dog breeds may vary in their tendency and degree of digging. Breeds such as terriers and hounds were initially bred for the purpose of digging dens and hunting small prey underground, so their digging instinct is stronger. These dogs are naturally curious about the movements underground. Given the opportunity, they can't wait to dig the soil with their claws, trying to explore the "secrets" hidden underground. While some small ornamental dogs have a relatively weaker digging instinct, they may also exhibit digging behavior under certain circumstances.

In addition to instinct, there can be various practical needs behind a dog's digging behavior. Sometimes, digging is a way for them to relieve stress and anxiety. When dogs feel lonely, bored, or when there are changes in their living environment, such as moving to a new place or adding a new member to the family, they will dig to release their inner feelings of unease. Just as humans relieve stress through exercise or talking when under pressure, digging becomes an outlet for dogs to vent their emotions. During the process of digging, dogs can focus on the present action and temporarily forget the pressure from the outside world. Moreover, digging is also a way for dogs to explore the world and satisfy their curiosity. The rich smells underground and the activities of tiny creatures all attract dogs to find out. They smell the odors underground with their sensitive noses and, driven by their instincts, start digging in the hope of discovering something new and interesting.

For a dog's digging behavior, we should not simply blame and stop it but rather understand it and provide proper guidance. If we have a yard, we can demarcate a specific digging area for the dog. Spread soft sand or soil in this area and place some toys and bones, allowing the dog to dig to its heart's content. When the dog digs in the designated area, we can give praise and rewards, such as gentle strokes and delicious snacks, so that it knows that digging in this place is allowed and encouraged. This not only satisfies the dog's digging instinct but also protects other areas of the yard from being damaged. If there is no yard, we can provide the dog with some toys that simulate digging, such as puzzle toys with holes that require the dog to dig with its claws, enabling them to satisfy their desire to dig through play even indoors.

Of course, when a dog digs in inappropriate places, such as damaging furniture or the garden, we need to stop it in a timely manner. But the way of stopping should be gentle, and we should not use violence or overly harsh punishment, otherwise, the dog will feel scared and may even develop behavioral problems. We can say "no" in a firm tone and then guide the dog to a suitable place to divert its attention. At the same time, we also need to reflect on whether the dog is digging to seek attention because of a lack of companionship or insufficient exercise. If so, we need to increase the time for interacting with the dog, take them for enough exercise and games, and let their energy be fully released.

Digging is an inborn natural instinct of dogs, a connection to the memories of their ancestors, and a way for them to express their needs and emotions. As dog owners, we are fortunate to be participants and guardians in their lives. By understanding their digging behavior and providing proper guidance and care, we can gain more trust and joy in our relationship with dogs and jointly create a wonderful time full of understanding and warmth.