Why Do Dogs Scratch the Ground?

Most dog owners will find over the course of time that their pet has some bad habits, including digging and scratching in the dirt and around bushes. A dog will exhibit this type of behavior for many reasons, from simple boredom to the desire to chase after prey. Your pet also may be seeking a cooler place to lie down in the warmer summer months. If you have landscaping concerns, you can take some steps to prevent this destructive behavior.

  1. Comfort

    • Dogs quickly learn that digging will expose the cooler earth below the surface, which is much more comfortable to lie in. As a result, in the warmer summer months they will often dig in places they like to sleep, such as near bushes or against outside walls that offer shade. Providing a cool, shaded sleeping area or an insulated dog house may prevent this behavior.

    Digging for Bones

    • Dog-obedience trainers stress the importance of remembering that at one time, dogs lived and hunted in packs just like wolves. During that time, dogs would bury their kill in the dirt to hide it from other scavengers and to eat it later. Even though dogs no longer have to hunt to stay alive, this behavior is still inherited and dogs today will dig and scratch in the dirt to hide bones and other treasures from other animals.

    Boredom

    • Dog owners often find that their pet will scratch and dig in the dirt if it is bored, restless or left alone for long periods of time. This behavior can be avoided by making sure the dog gets plenty of exercise and plenty of attention. Leaving chew toys and balls in the yard gives the dog a way to burn off energy. A dog day-care center can provide companionship with people and other dogs while the owner is away.

    Territorial Marking

    • Dogs are very territorial, according to the Humane Society of the United States, and will often urinate in an area to mark it with their unique scent and then scratch the dirt as a way of spreading the scent. This is their way of communicating; other dogs can tell the size, sex and mating time of the dog from the scent. It is also the animal's way of staking its claim on the area. Cleaning products are available to spray the area and neutralize the scent.

    Seeking Prey

    • According to the Humane Society, a dog will often dig and scratch in the dirt in order to find underground animals such as moles, rats, mice and even rabbits. The dog's keen sense of smell will often alert the animal to the presence of these types of rodents in the yard, and the dog can become quite destructive trying to catch the animal. It is best to get rid of these pests, to prevent your dog from finding and killing them.