• To escape; one common reason for dogs to dig is due to separation or generalised anxiety.
•  To mate; intact dogs will often dig to escape and find another to mate with.
•  To keep cool; some dogs like to dig a shallow hole and lay in it throughout the heat of the day.

• In response to hearing something under the ground such as running water in pipes.
• ​Dogs dig to bury or retrieve valued items, such as a bone.
• For fun or out of boredom; often seen in puppies, or if you reduce the amount of attention your dog is used to.

If your dog is digging to escape due to anxiety, this needs to be addressed and sometimes medications are needed to treat. 

Signs of generalised anxiety (please note there are many);

• Tucking tail under their bodies.
• Trembling, pacing and panting.
• Hiding away and exaggerated reaction to noises. 

Some signs your dog may have separation anxiety;

• Your dog always keeps you in view.
• Will follow you closely when you are preparing to leave the house.
• Are over-excited to see you return home.

If your dog is digging to create a cool spot to snooze, provide them with a half shell pool filled with sand or soil in a nice shady spot.

If your dog is digging to escape due to wanting to breed, get them neutered. 

• However, if you would like to breed in the future, keep female dogs confined while they are in season.  Use a secure outdoor enclosure or supervise all outside access. 
• If your dog is male it is more difficult to control the times that he will dig to escape.  You may need to modify your fencing, incorporating an underground section.
• ​If there is a pattern to where your dog is digging, or you know that they are digging where pipes run under the ground – provide a safe place for your dog to dig or use aversive techniques (see later).