Labradors are energetic and playful dogs, and digging is a natural behavior for them. While occasional digging is normal, excessive digging can damage lawns, gardens, and fences, becoming a frustrating habit.
In this guide, you’ll learn why Labradors dig, how to stop destructive digging, and the best ways to redirect their energy.
1. Why Do Labradors Dig?
🐶 Common Reasons for Digging:
- Boredom – Lack of exercise or stimulation.
- Excess Energy – Labradors need daily activity.
- Seeking Comfort – Cooling off in hot weather.
- Hunting Instincts – Chasing small animals or insects.
- Burying Objects – Hiding toys or bones.
- Escape Attempts – Digging under fences to explore.
🚨 Why It’s a Problem:
❌ Can destroy lawns, flower beds, and patios.
❌ Risk of escaping or digging into dangerous areas.
❌ Ingesting dirt, roots, or toxic plants.
✅ Good News: With proper training, Labradors can learn to stop digging destructively!
2. How to Stop Your Labrador from Digging
Step 1: Provide Enough Exercise and Mental Stimulation
🐕 A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
✅ Ways to Burn Energy:
- 1-2 hours of exercise daily (walks, runs, fetch).
- Play interactive games like tug-of-war or agility courses.
- Use puzzle toys (KONG, treat-dispensing balls) to engage their brain.
📌 Why It Works: If your Labrador is tired after playtime, they will be less likely to dig out of boredom.
🚨 Mistake to Avoid:
❌ Only providing physical exercise—Labradors also need mental challenges to prevent destructive behaviors.
Step 2: Block Access to Digging Areas
If your Labrador keeps digging in the same spot, make it less appealing.
✅ Ways to Prevent Access:
- Place large rocks or chicken wire over the digging spot.
- Use garden fencing to block off areas they tend to dig.
- Try a motion-activated sprinkler to deter them from returning.
📌 Why It Works: If digging becomes difficult, they will lose interest.
🚨 Mistake to Avoid:
❌ Leaving them unsupervised in the yard for long periods—this encourages more digging.
Step 3: Provide a Designated Digging Area
Some Labradors love digging too much to stop completely. Instead of eliminating the behavior, redirect it!
📌 How to Create a Digging Spot:
1️⃣ Choose a corner of the yard and loosen the soil or add sand.
2️⃣ Hide toys or treats in the area to encourage digging there.
3️⃣ If they dig elsewhere, gently redirect them to the designated spot.
4️⃣ Reward them when they dig in the right place.
✅ Best Options for a Digging Zone:
- A sandbox filled with soft sand.
- A sectioned-off area of the yard with loose dirt.
🚨 Mistake to Avoid:
❌ Punishing them for digging without giving them an alternative outlet.
Step 4: Use Positive Reinforcement Training
Labradors respond best to reward-based training.
📌 How to Train “No Dig”:
1️⃣ Catch them in the act of digging.
2️⃣ Firmly say “No Dig” and redirect them to a toy or digging spot.
3️⃣ Reward them when they stop digging or move to the correct area.
📌 Why It Works: They learn that not digging = rewards, while digging in the wrong place = no rewards.
🚨 Mistake to Avoid:
❌ Yelling or punishing them after they’ve already dug—this confuses them.
Step 5: Keep Your Yard Unattractive for Digging
Sometimes, simply making the yard less interesting can reduce digging.
✅ Ways to Deter Digging:
- Bury chicken wire under topsoil in problem areas (dogs dislike the texture).
- Sprinkle citrus peels or vinegar in digging spots (dogs dislike strong smells).
- Remove small rodents or insects if your Labrador is digging to hunt.
📌 Why It Works: If the yard is less fun for digging, they will stop.
🚨 Mistake to Avoid:
❌ Using harsh chemicals or spicy deterrents—these can irritate your dog’s nose and paws.
3. What If My Labrador Keeps Digging?
🐾 If They Dig When Left Alone:
✅ Try crate training or indoor playtime instead of long unsupervised yard time.
🐕 If They Dig Only in Hot Weather:
✅ Provide a shady, cool spot to rest instead of digging to cool off.
🚪 If Digging Is Caused by Separation Anxiety:
✅ Work on gradual alone-time training (see our guide on preventing anxiety).
📌 Pro Tip: Observing when and where they dig helps you find the right solution.
4. How Long Does It Take to Stop a Labrador from Digging?
📅 Training Timeline:
- Mild Cases: 1-2 weeks with consistent redirection.
- Moderate Digging Habit: 3-6 weeks of training.
- Severe or Anxiety-Based Digging: 1-3 months with extra behavioral support.
✅ The Key to Success? Consistency and providing alternative activities!
Final Thoughts: Stopping Your Labrador from Digging
Digging is a natural Labrador behavior, but with proper training, exercise, and redirection, it can be controlled.
🔹 Provide enough exercise and mental stimulation daily.
🔹 Block access to digging spots or use deterrents.
🔹 Offer a designated digging area for dogs that love digging.
🔹 Train “No Dig” and use positive reinforcement.
🔹 Modify their environment to make digging less appealing.
With patience and consistency, your Labrador will learn better habits and stop destructive digging!