Dachshund Digging

If there’s one thing Harvey has taught me, it’s that the sound of paws in the garden doesn’t always mean he’s playing. Sometimes it’s just harmless sniffing around the lawn. Other times, he’s halfway to China. The first time I realised just how determined he could be, he had managed to dig a small trench under the rosemary bush before I’d even found my gloves.

This isn’t just a backyard quirk — Harvey’s digging enthusiasm comes with us everywhere. When we head down to Harvey’s favourite beach,  Coalcliff Beach on a weekend, I can guarantee that before we’ve even unpacked the towels, he’s already nose-deep in the sand, paws moving with machine-like precision. It’s part game, part instinct, and entirely irresistible to him.

Digging is one of those dachshund traits that can be both endearing and frustrating. On one hand, it’s a nod to their history as badger hunters — these dogs were literally bred to tunnel through earth, a skill that once kept them alive and made them invaluable to hunters. On the other, it’s not quite as charming when it’s your flower bed, your carpet, or your sofa cushion they’re “improving.”

Over the years, Harvey’s digging has mellowed (helped by training, redirection, and understanding his triggers), but the instinct has never completely gone away. And honestly, I don’t think it ever will — nor should it. This is part of who he is. By understanding why dachshunds dig, and learning how to manage that behaviour without trying to suppress it entirely, you can turn what feels like a nuisance into a manageable, sometimes even enjoyable, part of living with the breed.

Digging is not a random behaviour for dachshunds — it’s written into their genetic code. These dogs were originally bred in Germany to track and hunt badgers, foxes, and other burrowing animals. Their short, powerful legs and strong claws were perfect for digging into dens, while their elongated bodies helped them follow prey underground. According to the American Kennel Club, this tunnelling instinct is one of the breed’s defining traits.

For modern dachshunds like Harvey, there’s no badger to be found under our rosemary bush, but the urge to dig is still there. Sometimes it’s triggered by scent — a lizard skittering under the garden fence or the smell of seaweed at Coalcliff Beach. Other times, it’s comfort-driven, like when he “fluffs” the couch cushions before curling up for a nap.

From my own experience, and in speaking with trainers like Emily at The Whole Hound, there are a few main reasons behind dachshund digging:

• Prey Drive: The movement or scent of small animals can spark instinctive digging.
  
  
• Comfort or Nesting: Common indoors — scratching and pawing at beds, couches, or rugs before lying down.
  
  
• Boredom: Lack of stimulation can lead to digging as a self-directed activity.
  
  
• Anxiety: As explored in Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn, strong-willed dogs may dig as a form of release when they feel pent up.
  
  
• Exploration: Simply investigating new textures or environments, especially in outdoor spaces like parks and beaches.
  
  

Understanding which of these drives your dachshund’s behaviour is the first step in managing it effectively. In Harvey’s case, it’s often a mix — a hint of prey drive outdoors and pure comfort-seeking inside.

If you’ve ever watched a dachshund circle a blanket and dig furiously before lying down, you’ve seen a centuries-old behaviour in action. This “nesting” is a natural way for them to create a comfortable, safe spot to rest. For Harvey, this often happens on our bed in the evening or when he claims his spot on the couch — a few quick scratches, a spin or two, then he’s settled in like royalty.

Why It Happens Indoors

Even without soil to dig through, the instinct doesn’t disappear. Instead, it shifts to whatever surface they have available — bedding, rugs, carpets, or upholstery. Nesting can be a comfort-seeking habit, but sometimes it’s also about scent-marking. Dachshunds have scent glands in their paws, so that digging motion subtly leaves their mark on “their” space.

When It Becomes a Problem

Occasional indoor digging isn’t an issue for most owners, but it can cause trouble if:

• It damages carpets or upholstery
  
  
• It’s excessive or obsessive
  
  
• It’s paired with anxious behaviours like whining or pacing
  
  

How to Manage It Without Discouraging Comfort

The goal is not to stop your dachshund from nesting — it’s to give them an outlet that won’t ruin your home. Some ideas include:

If indoor digging is linked to anxiety — especially when paired with destructive behaviour while you’re out — it may be worth looking into separation anxiety support or speaking to a behaviourist. This is where understanding your dachshund’s personality can make a big difference in tailoring your approach.

For many dachshunds, the great outdoors is one giant excavation site waiting to happen. Whether it’s a perfectly groomed backyard lawn or the open sands of a beach, the opportunity to dig taps into their deepest instincts.

Harvey is living proof. At home, he’ll occasionally test his luck by starting a “project” near the base of our rosemary bush. But take him down to his favourite – Coalcliff Beach, and it’s game over. The moment his paws hit the sand, he’s digging like a seasoned archaeologist uncovering lost treasure.

Why Outdoor Digging Happens

• Prey Drive — Movement or scent under the soil (think lizards, beetles, or even the lingering smell of another dog) can send a dachshund into full hunt mode.
  
  
• Boredom — Without mental and physical stimulation, a yard becomes an entertainment zone, and digging is the chosen activity.
  
  
• Cooling Down — On hot days, they may dig shallow pits to lie in, seeking cooler ground.
  
  
• Play and Exploration — Digging simply feels good and can be part of how they interact with their environment.
  
  

Managing Outdoor Digging in Yards and Gardens

While occasional digging is part of a dachshund’s DNA, there’s a point where it can become excessive, destructive, or a sign of something deeper. If you’re finding new craters every day, or your dog is scratching obsessively at indoor surfaces, it might be time to look beyond simple training tweaks.

Signs Digging Has Become a Problem

• Large or multiple holes appearing daily in your yard
  
  
• Constant carpet or couch scratching, even when you’re home
  
  
• Accompanying behaviours like whining, pacing, or drooling
  
  
• Physical wear on their paws or nails from overuse
  
  
• Digging paired with attempts to escape under fences or gates
  
  

Potential Causes

• Separation Anxiety — As I’ve experienced with Harvey, anxiety can manifest in physical behaviours, including digging.
  
  
• High Prey Drive — If your yard backs onto bushland or you live near wildlife, the constant scent stimulation can keep them digging.
  
  
• Boredom or Understimulation — Dogs left alone without mental or physical enrichment may turn to digging as a pastime.
  
  
• Medical Issues — Pain, itchiness, or skin irritation may cause scratching or digging motions.
  
  

When to Call in a Professional

If the behaviour escalates despite redirection and environmental changes, it’s worth working with a qualified behaviourist or trainer. In Sydney, specialists like Emily at The Whole Hound can help assess whether the digging is anxiety-driven, habit-based, or environmental.

For owners in the UK and USA, look for trainers with credentials from organisations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers.

Medication as a Support Tool

In some anxiety-linked cases, medication prescribed by a veterinarian can help take the edge off so training is more effective. When Harvey first started on the right treatment for his separation anxiety, we noticed a dramatic drop in destructive behaviours, including unnecessary digging.

Problem digging isn’t about “fixing” your dachshund — it’s about identifying the cause and providing outlets and support that keep them happy, healthy, and mentally balanced.

Just like people adjust their habits with the seasons, dachshunds have environmental triggers that influence when and where they dig.

Spring — Scent Explosion

As the weather warms and the ground thaws in cooler climates, new scents appear everywhere — insects, small mammals, fresh plants. For a scent-driven breed like the dachshund, this can make digging irresistible. In NSW, Harvey’s springtime digging tends to spike around the base of certain plants in our garden, particularly after rain when the earth is soft. In the UK, fox activity in suburban areas can draw dogs into similar patterns, while in parts of the USA, squirrels and chipmunks are common triggers.

Summer — The Cooling Factor

Dachshunds don’t handle heat well. On hot days, they may dig shallow pits in shaded soil to create a cool resting spot. Harvey has done this at Coalcliff Beach when we’ve stayed too long in the midday sun. This is a survival behaviour, but it can be redirected by providing shaded rest areas and cool mats.

Autumn — Play & Exploration

Falling leaves and damp soil make for a sensory-rich environment. Some dachshunds will dig through piles of leaves as part of their play. Harvey enjoys leaf piles almost as much as sand, though thankfully it’s a less destructive outlet.

Winter — Indoor Nesting

In colder months, digging behaviour often moves indoors. They may burrow into blankets, dog beds, or even under rugs. This ties into their comfort-seeking personality, which is something I also talk about in the Dachshund Personality article.

Rather than fighting your dachshund’s instincts, you can use digging as a form of controlled enrichment. This doesn’t just protect your garden — it strengthens your bond and gives your dog an outlet for their natural energy.

1. Treasure Hunt Sandpit
   
   Set aside a small outdoor sandpit where you bury toys, treats, or even scent-marked objects. Encourage your dachshund to dig there by hiding something exciting. Harvey loves when I hide one of his favourite chew toys, and he gets to “rescue” it.
   
2. Indoor Dig Box
   
   For apartment living or wet weather, create a dig box using a shallow container filled with scrunched fabric, shredded paper (non-toxic, ink-free), or soft fleece strips. Hide small toys or treats inside.
   
3. Rotating Rewards
   
   To keep things interesting, change the objects you hide every few days. This keeps your dachshund engaged and prevents boredom.
   
4. Agility & Nose Work
   
   Join a local dog sports club offering nose work or earthdog trials. In Sydney, Centennial Parklands has dog training areas where you can simulate digging hunts. In the USA, earthdog trials are popular in rural areas, and in the UK, many scent work clubs allow for controlled “digging” activities.
   

By giving digging a purpose, you reduce frustration on both sides. It’s a way to meet your dog halfway — acknowledging that instinct isn’t a flaw but part of what makes them a dachshund.

• Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn
  
  
• When Do Dachshunds Calm Down
  
  
• Dachshund Separation Anxiety
  
  
• Dachshund Personality
  
  
• Dachshund Barking
  
  
• Are Dachshunds Aggressive
  
  
• Dachshund Dog Park Socialization
  
  
• Do Dachshunds Get Along with Other Dogs
  
  
• Are Dachshunds Good with Kids
  
  
• Do Dachshunds Like to Cuddle
  
  
• Dachshund Sleeping
  
  
• Are Dachshunds Good with Cats
  
  
• Why Do Dachshunds Shake

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.