Dogs have an incredible talent for turning a lush, green lawn into a patchwork of holes. Whether it’s chasing after critters, cooling off in the soil, or simply out of boredom, many pups dig far more than their owners would like. For homeowners across northeast Indianapolis—Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, McCordsville, Fortville, and Pendleton—this can quickly become more than just an annoyance. Holes can damage landscaping, create tripping hazards, and ruin the enjoyment of your yard. All these are reasons to stop dogs from digging in the yard.
At Speedy Scoop, we know how much time and effort families put into their outdoor spaces. As your local pet waste removal company, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to stop dogs from digging before small problems become major yard repairs. In this guide, we’ll break down the reasons behind digging, practical strategies to redirect the behavior, and how to keep your property safe and clean.
Why Dogs Dig in the First Place
Understanding the motivation is the first step to successfully stop dogs from digging. Here are some common reasons:
Boredom or Restlessness
Many northeast Indianapolis dogs spend long hours alone while their families are at work or school. Without enough exercise or stimulation, dogs may dig for entertainment.
Natural Instincts
Certain breeds—like terriers, dachshunds, and huskies—were bred to dig. Instinct makes it especially challenging to break the habit.
Comfort Seeking
Indiana summers get hot, and winters can be bitterly cold. Dogs may dig holes to find cooler soil in July or a cozy depression in January.
Escape Attempts
Some pups dig near fences in search of adventure or to get closer to a neighboring dog.
Hunting for Critters
Yards in places like Noblesville and Pendleton often have moles, chipmunks, or rabbits. Dogs with strong prey drives will dig furiously when they pick up a scent.
Attention Seeking
If digging always gets your attention, your dog may repeat the behavior just to engage with you. This could hinder your goal to stop dogs from digging.
How Digging Damages Your Yard
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Safety hazards: Holes can cause kids, guests, or even your dog to trip.
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Lawn destruction: Torn grass and bare spots reduce curb appeal.
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Fence issues: Tunneling near fences can destabilize posts and create escape routes.
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Odor problems: Dog waste plus fresh holes makes for an unpleasant mix.
Just like regular poop pickup, stopping digging is essential for a clean, safe, and welcoming outdoor space.
How to Stop Dogs from Digging: Proven Strategies
Here are tried-and-true approaches that can help you break the cycle.
1. Provide More Exercise and Stimulation
A tired dog is less likely to dig.
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Walk daily at Flat Fork Creek Park in Fishers or Cool Creek Park in Carmel.
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Rotate toys at home.
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Use puzzle feeders or frozen Kongs to keep their brains busy.
2. Create a Digging Zone
Instead of battling instincts, channel them.
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Designate a corner of the yard as a “dig pit.”
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Loosen soil or add sand, then hide toys or treats.
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Praise your dog for using that space instead of your flowerbeds.
This works especially well in larger yards in McCordsville or Fortville.
3. Block Off Tempting Spots
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Line flowerbeds with chicken wire beneath the mulch.
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Add rocks along the base of fences to prevent tunneling.
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Plant ground covers that discourage digging.
4. Address Pests
If digging is critter-driven, call pest control. Once moles and voles are gone, your dog’s motivation fades.
5. Offer Shade and Shelter
On hot Indiana days, make sure your dog doesn’t need to dig for relief.
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Provide shaded areas or a doghouse.
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Offer a kiddie pool for cooling off.
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Keep fresh water available outdoors.
6. Supervise Yard Time
Don’t leave your dog outside unsupervised for long stretches. Intervening early stops holes before they deepen.
7. Use Gentle Corrections
Punishment doesn’t work well. Instead:
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Redirect to toys or the dig zone.
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Reward positive behavior consistently.
Yard Protection Tips to Stop Dogs from Digging
Regular Poop Pickup
Pet waste adds to yard stress and attracts pests. Speedy Scoop’s weekly services ensure your lawn stays fresh and ready for play.
Repair Holes Quickly
Fill them in, tamp down soil, and reseed to discourage repeated digging.
Smart Landscaping
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Raised garden beds protect plants.
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Decorative rock edging prevents tunneling.
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Shrubbery near fences creates a natural barrier.
Professional Help
Local trainers in Fishers, Carmel, and Noblesville can address digging that stems from anxiety or compulsive behavior.
Community-Specific Challenges to Stop Dogs from Digging
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Fishers: Wide suburban lawns make it easy for digging to go unnoticed until holes spread.
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Carmel: High-end landscaping makes damage more costly to repair. Prevention is key.
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Noblesville: Older fencing is more vulnerable to tunneling. Reinforcement is important.
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Pendleton: Large lots attract wildlife that can spark digging frenzies.
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McCordsville & Fortville: New construction means loose dirt piles—perfect for eager diggers.
When to Seek Extra Help to Stop Dogs from Digging Holes
If digging persists:
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Schedule a vet visit to rule out anxiety or nutritional issues.
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Book a trainer consultation for customized solutions to stop dogs from digging holes.
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Partner with Speedy Scoop for poop-free yard maintenance while you focus on behavior training.
Why Speedy Scoop Cares About Digging
We’re more than just a pet waste removal company. As neighbors in northeast Indianapolis, we want your yard to be a safe, clean, enjoyable place for your family and pets. Our services include:
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Hauling waste away so it never sits in your trash.
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Sanitizing tools and boots at every stop.
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Double-checking gates for security.
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Letting you know if we notice fresh digging activity during our visits.
This proactive care helps you stay ahead of yard problems.
Final Thoughts
Digging may be natural, but it doesn’t have to ruin your yard. With a mix of training, environmental changes, and consistent cleanup, you can stop dogs from digging while still letting them enjoy outdoor time.
For families in Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, McCordsville, Fortville, and Pendleton, the right balance of exercise, yard design, and professional support makes a big difference. Speedy Scoop is here to handle the dirty work—poop removal—so you can focus on building a yard your dog loves without the damage.
When doodycalls, your pets do their business and Speedy Scoop handles the rest—reliably, efficiently, and with a smile. If your yard needs cleaned, scoop the poop, or make a poop 911 call to the pros and get a pet butler or turd burglar for your lawn. Let’s keep Central Indiana clean, one yard at a time.
Ready to upgrade your yard experience? Let Speedy Scoop take care of the dirty work—so you don’t have to. Click here to get your FREE quote today!
Speedy Scoop proudly serves the greater Indianapolis area including Anderson, Carmel, Castleton, Cicero, Fishers, Fortville, Geist, Greenfield, Indianapolis, Ingalls, Lapel, Lawrence, McCordsville, New Palestine, Noblesville, Pendleton, Westfield, and Zionsville.
