There are several main reasons why dogs dig holes:
- Nesting and Resting. Dogs might dig holes because of their natural instinct to create a nest. When they can’t find a suitable spot to relax, they’ll dig to set up a temporary shelter. Plus, if a dog feels too hot, digging can help them cool down.
- Scent Marking and Territory Protection. Dogs have a lot of sweat glands in their paw pads, and the scent left behind when they dig helps them mark their territory.
- Hiding Food. In the wild, dogs dig holes to stash food, protecting it from predators or other animals.
- Play and Stress Relief. When dogs are stressed out, digging can be a way to burn off extra energy and relieve tension. Also, if a dog is bored, digging can become a fun activity for them.
