15 Tricks To Stop Your Dachshund From Digging Up The Yard

Dachshunds, with their long bodies and tiny legs, bring a mix of playfulness and determination wherever they go. Originally bred for hunting, their digging habits come naturally—but don’t worry. Try these 15 simple tricks to help manage the behavior and keep your pup (and your yard) in check.

Create A Dedicated Digging Pit

Designate a specific area in your yard where your Dachshund is allowed to dig freely. To make it more appealing, fill a sandbox or a corner of the garden with soft soil or sand. Also, bury a few toys or treats to encourage them to dig there instead of your flower beds.

Offer More Physical Exercise  

Dachshunds often dig because they have excess energy and need a physical outlet. Incorporate daily walks or fetch sessions to help burn off that energy. A tired dog is much less likely to dig out of frustration or boredom. Additionally, try letting them climb small ramps or tunnels, which appeal to their adventurous nature.

Use A Snuffle Mat Indoors

Snuffle mats are textured feeding mats designed to hide small treats within layers of fabric. They mimic the experience of digging and keep your Dachshund mentally stimulated without the mess. Place one on the floor during feeding time or as a midday activity. This is a great indoor option, especially on rainy days.

Build An Obstacle Course

Make a simple indoor course with safe jumps, tunnels, and hurdles. These activities keep your dachshund both physically active and mentally stimulated, helping reduce boredom-related habits like digging. Since dachshunds enjoy a good challenge, they’ll stay more focused when trying something new.

Provide Chew Toys And Bones

Sometimes, dogs also chew to relieve stress or to channel their energy, much like how they use digging. So, offering durable chew toys or rawhide alternatives can help distract them from destructive digging. Select toys with varied textures and flavors to hold their attention. Moreover, they should be monitored to ensure safety and avoid overconsumption.

Introduce Digging Blankets Or Piles Indoors

If you lack yard space, consider creating an indoor enrichment area using old blankets or towels stacked into a pile.  Encourage your Dachshund to burrow by hiding a toy or treat inside, which can engage their foraging instincts in a way similar to digging. This can provide mental stimulation, especially for apartment dwellers.

Train The “Dig” Command

Consider teaching your Dachshund to dig on command to help make the behavior more manageable. Use a cue word like “dig” and reward them for digging in an approved area, such as a sandbox or a designated indoor spot. This creates a positive association with specific zones, helping to channel their natural instincts—even if it doesn’t completely stop them from digging elsewhere.

Use Frozen Treats For Distraction

On hot or restless days, offer frozen dog-safe treats like yogurt-filled Kongs or ice cube snacks with treats inside. These treats take time and effort to consume, providing both mental stimulation and a cooling effect. When your Dachshund is focused on licking and chewing, it’s less likely to dig for entertainment.

Block Access To Tempting Spots

If your Dachshund has favorite digging spots, like your garden beds or under fences, use physical barriers to block access. You can place chicken wire below the surface, add large decorative rocks, or use raised garden beds to prevent digging. This will make those areas less appealing while guiding them to their designated digging zone.

Use Strategy-Based Puzzle Toys

Instead of just basic treat dispensers, invest in interactive puzzle toys that require your Dachshund to solve a mini-challenge. Some toys require pulling levers, flipping lids, or sliding parts to access treats. Such activities stimulate cognitive thinking and distract them from digging behaviors caused by boredom or lack of mental engagement.

Try Nose Work Training

Enroll your Dachshund in introductory nose work training or set up simple scent trails at home. Use cotton balls dabbed with a safe scent (like chicken broth) and hide them in accessible, dog-safe areas. This takes scent games one step further by encouraging methodical searching rather than just digging.

Rotate Sensory Stimulation Items

Enhance your dog’s environment by rotating toys and items with different smells, textures, and sounds—like a crinkly tunnel one day or a dog-safe scented toy the next. This variety keeps their surroundings interesting and can help reduce boredom-related behaviors like digging, even if it’s not a direct fix.

Practice Cooperative Play And Tasks

Strengthen your bond through cooperative games and training routines, like tug-of-war with rules or short, fun obedience drills. Your dog thrives on focused attention and will appreciate the connection. When they’re engaged with you mentally and emotionally, they’re less likely to act out through digging or other unwanted habits.

Build A DIY Dig-And-Find Garden

Instead of a box, create a small container garden with plant-safe soil and hide scent-soaked fabric scraps or natural chews inside. To make it even more enriching, plant hardy, dog-safe herbs like mint or basil. This turns digging into a mini-adventure while keeping your yard safe.

 Consult A Veterinarian Or Behaviorist If Needed

If your Dachshund’s digging becomes excessive, obsessive, or destructive despite redirection, it may indicate an underlying issue. Anxiety or medical conditions like skin irritation can sometimes drive compulsive digging. A veterinarian can rule out health problems, while a behaviorist can offer tailored strategies.