C. HockingToys for Dogs That Like to Dig
Digging is a common behavior in dogs and not all dogs dig for the same reason. If your dog is hot, they may dig outside or at their bed to get cool and comfortable. Other dogs dig for entertainment likely due to boredom.
If you’re looking for ways to satisfy your dog’s digging, first verify with your vet that their digging behavior is common for their breed, age, size, and health.
Many dogs just dig for the fun of it — and that’s where toys come in!
Why Do Dogs Dig?
Digging is a natural canine behavior that occurs for a number of reasons. Your dog may dig to cool off, hunt, bury objects, escape the yard, or for the sheer fun of it! Your dog may also dig as a result of anxiety.
Maybe you have a dachshund or other hunting dog breed eager to get to the chipmunks under the lawn, constantly digging up chunks of grass. If your dog’s digging is an issue for you, then they probably aren’t getting enough enrichment in their day. Dog owners need to ensure their pups are getting enough physical and mental exercise every day.
Digging dogs need the right digging toys and activities for mental stimulation that will redirect destructive behavior. If your aggressive digger has busy paws and is sniffing around for a new toy, check out our picks below.
Best Toys for Dogs Who Dig
The best dog toys are toys that provide both physical and mental stimulation. The following puzzle toys, chew toys, plush dog toys, and interactive toys are all great options for dogs who dig holes.
Squeaker Matz
Why they’ll love them: Filled with four durable squeakers and one grunting squeaker, your dog will enjoy digging on this toy while the exciting squeaking sounds keep them engaged! Squeaker Matz toys are an effective solution for providing dogs with an alternative digging space.
Squeaker Matz Plush Toy, Gator
$18.49 $9.50
Squeaker Matz dog toys from Outward Hound are the perfect mate for your furry friend! These soft plush dog toys are made with multiple rows of squeakers that mimic bubble wrap to keep your pup engaged for hours! The flat and floppy body is great for interactive games of tug of war and chasing whether you have one dog or more. Squeaker Matz come in a variety of animal and holiday characters that you can…
Hide A Hedgie
Why they’ll love it: A puzzle plush toys for dogs, this hide and seek dog toy was designed to eliminate boredom and stimulate mental play with squeaky finds keeping your dog entertained every time they play! Have a small dog? Then try the Hide A Squirrel small size.
Hide A Toy Plush Puzzle Toy
$27.49 $12.50
Outward Hound’s Hide A line of hide and seek plush dog puzzles was designed specifically to eliminate boredom, encourage positive play, and feed your dog’s natural hunting instincts. 2-in-1 interactive play means double the fun with options to play fetch or hide and seek to keep your dog mentally-stimulated. For dogs who can’t get enough of these plushy animals, check out our replacement 3-packs! Bound to…
Snuffle Matz
Snuffle mats are ideal for a dig-loving pooch. It’s kind of like a personal dig box/sandbox but without the mess. Hide your doggie’s favorite treats or dog food and watch as they sniff and dig for the tasty rewards. Our Activity Matz keep dogs busy, are machine washable, and available on Amazon.
Dog Smart Dog Puzzle
Hide, seek and treat with this interactive dog game by Nina Ottosson! The Dog Smart is a brain game that works to fight boredom by challenging your dog through treat-seeking and discovery! TIP: Instead of dog treats, fill with kibble to make mealtime more fun!
Dog Smart Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Orange
$16.99 $10.99
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Smart interactive dog puzzle is a fun way to get your dog excited about problem solving games! This level 1 dog puzzle toy features nine treat hiding compartments that can be filled with your pup’s favorite treats and covered with nine dog bones that release the tasty scent of treats through the top hole. Place on the ground and watch your dog use his noggin as he…
Tough Seamz Rhino
Tough chewers have met their match with the Outward Hound Invincibles Tough Seamz Rhino. Featuring a chew shield technology and our bestselling Invincibles squeakers keep squeaking if punctured! Durable biding and an open dig space on the front of this Rhino make squeaking, chewing, and playing way more fun!
Tough Seamz Rhino Plush Dog Toy, Grey, Medium
$16.49 $15.49
Outward Hound’s Tough Seamz dog toys are durably designed in an engaging array of the toughest animal characters. Stuffed with crinkle paper and squeakers, these toys are made to provide huge tugging, chomping, and fetching fun with your furry friend. Unique K9 Tuff Guard Technology features a durable inner lining and double stitched seams, that are built to last twice as long as regular Outward Hound…
Tactics for curbing digging behavior
Toys aren’t the end-all-be-all for curbing your dog’s garden-destroying activities. Wondering how to stop a dog from digging under the fence for good? Check out some of these tried-and-true strategies for how to stop a dog from digging under the fence.
