Chewing, digging, jumping
How do I stop my dog digging up the lawn?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Look for grubs or moles first, since a dog digging in one exact patch of lawn is often hunting something moving underground rather than digging at random. If the lawn is pest free, treat it as boredom digging and add exercise, a dedicated dig patch, and closer supervision until the habit breaks.
Rule out pests under the grass
Lift the turf gently at the dug spot and check for grubs, chafer larvae, or mole tunnels, since a dog fixated on one exact area night after night is usually following a smell you cannot detect. Treating the lawn for the pest often stops the digging faster than any training.
If the lawn is pest free
Random digging across an otherwise healthy lawn is almost always boredom or excess energy. A dog that gets a proper walk and some off leash sniffing time before being left in the garden has far less reason to entertain itself by digging.
Supervise and redirect in the meantime
Stay outside with your dog for a week or two, interrupt digging calmly with a cue like leave it, and walk them straight to a sanctioned dig patch instead. Consistency over several days matters more than any single correction.
Key takeaways
- A single fixed digging spot often means grubs or a mole tunnel underneath.
- Random digging across the whole lawn usually points to boredom or excess energy.
- Supervised redirection to a dig patch works better than scolding after the fact.