What are the best toys for dogs that love to dig?

Dogs that love to dig often have a strong instinctual drive rooted in their ancestry. Breeds like terriers, dachshunds, and other earth-working dogs were historically bred to dig for prey or create dens. For these dogs, digging is a natural and rewarding behavior. Providing appropriate toys and outlets for this behavior is essential to prevent destructive digging in your yard or home. Here’s a detailed guide to the best toys for dogs that love to dig, along with practical tips and considerations.

1. Digging-Specific Toys
a. Digging Boxes or Pits: A dedicated digging area can satisfy your dog’s urge to dig without ruining your garden. Fill a sandbox or a designated pit with soft soil or sand. Bury toys, treats, or bones for your dog to discover. This encourages them to dig in the right place.
b. Snuffle Mats: These mats mimic the sensation of digging and foraging. Hide treats or kibble in the mat’s fabric strips, and let your dog “dig” through it to find the rewards. This is especially useful for indoor dogs.

2. Interactive Toys
a. Puzzle Toys: Toys that require your dog to work for treats can mentally stimulate them and reduce the urge to dig out of boredom. Look for toys with compartments or sliding parts that challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills.
b. Treat-Dispensing Toys: These toys release treats as your dog interacts with them. They can keep your dog engaged and distracted from digging. Examples include Kong toys or treat balls.

3. Durable Chew Toys
a. Rubber Toys: Durable rubber toys, like those from Kong or West Paw, can withstand heavy chewing and digging-like behaviors. Some rubber toys can also be filled with treats to keep your dog occupied.
b. Rope Toys: Thick, braided rope toys can be used for tugging and chewing, which can help redirect your dog’s energy away from digging.

4. Outdoor Toys
a. Flirt Poles: These are similar to cat toys but designed for dogs. They have a long pole with a lure or toy attached to the end. You can move the lure around to mimic prey, encouraging your dog to chase and pounce instead of dig.
b. Sand or Dirt Toys: Toys designed for outdoor play, like plastic shovels or rakes, can be used in a designated digging area. These toys make the digging experience more engaging and fun.

5. DIY Digging Toys
a. Homemade Digging Box: Use a large plastic container or kiddie pool and fill it with safe materials like shredded paper, fabric scraps, or sand. Hide toys or treats inside for your dog to find.
b. Buried Treasure: In a safe outdoor area, bury toys or treats in shallow holes and let your dog dig them up. This mimics natural foraging behavior and provides a rewarding outlet for digging.

Potential Risks and Concerns
a. Ingestion of Non-Food Items: Always supervise your dog when using toys with small parts or materials that could be swallowed. Choose toys made from safe, non-toxic materials.
b. Overexertion: Digging can be physically demanding. Ensure your dog has access to water and rest, especially during hot weather.
c. Destructive Behavior: If your dog continues to dig in inappropriate areas, it may indicate boredom, anxiety, or a lack of proper outlets. Address the root cause with training and enrichment.

Prevention and Long-Term Care
a. Training: Teach your dog to dig only in designated areas using positive reinforcement. Reward them for using their digging box or pit.
b. Exercise: Ensure your dog gets plenty of physical and mental exercise to reduce boredom and excess energy.
c. Environmental Enrichment: Rotate toys regularly to keep your dog engaged. Introduce new challenges and activities to prevent monotony.

When to Seek Professional Help
a. If your dog’s digging becomes obsessive or destructive despite providing appropriate outlets, consult a veterinarian or certified dog behaviorist. They can help identify underlying issues like anxiety or compulsive behavior.
b. If your dog ingests non-food items or shows signs of distress while digging, seek veterinary care immediately.

By understanding your dog’s natural instincts and providing appropriate toys and activities, you can channel their digging behavior into positive and enriching experiences. This not only keeps your dog happy but also protects your home and garden from unwanted damage.