Caught your beagle starting to turn your lawn into a minefield? You are probably wondering: why do beagles dig holes? After all, you don’t want this to exacerbate into larger-scale issues over time — that is unless you own an excavating business. Then it may be an asset. lol

Beagles dig holes from instinct. The reasons can be anything from hiding or storing food or treats, being actively on the chase of a scent or sight that has caught their attention, seeking refuge by creating a subterranean den-like structure for safety or comfort, or they simply have a hyperactive energy reserve that they’re needing to purge. Finally, medical issues can be a causative factor, as well.

What Are The Reasons My Beagle Digs?

Boredom/Loneliness

As Beagles don’t have the ability to turn on the TV, or scroll aimlessly on the smartphones through social media, or play random video games — they must have a way to entertain themselves somehow.

Just like us humans, they are social beings that thrive on interaction with others. If it becomes habitual, you may have a separation anxiety issue that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Escape and/or Hunting

Be vewy vewy quiet. I’m hunting rabbits — or something.

This is brought on by a desire to hightail it out of their accessible space.
Your beagle’s hunting or chasing instinct has likely been triggered by some animal burrowing underground inside its boundaries, or another animal that has caught its attention by sight or smell outside of its boundaries. Be mindful of anything that may have its attention so strongly. The same way you don’t know what the animal’s intentions are that your beagle has observed, you do not know how your beagle will act in kind.

Sure, it would be nice to imagine everything will remain friendly and copacetic. But I’ve seen enough National Geographic to know that a completely different thought process can be at play. If you think it’s a threat to the immediate environment, consider calling animal control.

Good Ol’ Youth

As you could expect, a puppy will likely be the proverbial “rebel without a cause”. As cute it may be for now, you’ll want to curb this behavior before they burrow a hole to the curb.

Hyperactive Energy

Beagles are intelligent animals. Historically, they were initially bred to perform specific tasks.
That being said: If they aren’t consistently challenged with physical and mental exercises, they will likely exhibit signs of ADHD that meets beagle behavior and act out.

As a beagle, they will be predisposed to following their nose or line of sight if something captures their attention; as are other breeds such as terriers and other hunting canines.

It’s Time For Bed

You’ll likely notice this when it’s time to wind down for the night. They’ve got their favorite blanket, and suddenly they start pawing at it.

Bed-scratching behavior consists of pawing, scratching and rolling around in the area where they intend on resting. Many beagles repeatedly circle before settling down. I know you’ve seen this exhibited before.

Some beagles nose their way through blankets to create a tunnel or cave where they can hide. Any surface he decides to sleep on is fair game, so expect that even if the bedding isn’t present, he may still scratch and paw at the floor.

Storage Locker

Beagles can be very protective of their food, treats, toys, etc.
In light of this, some beagles will dig holes to hide these for safekeeping.
Hey, it’s cheaper than those $99+ a month storage facilities, that many of us use to store our crap. At least they’re being more resourceful.

Uncomfortable Temperature Range

Extreme temperatures don’t bode well for a beagle’s health, and can potentially expose them to some potentially serious health consequences, if not monitored.
A beagle, in general, may dig to seek refuge in a more temperate environment.

Ways To Get Your Beagle To Stop Digging

Spend Quality Time

Beagles can be very attention-seeking. But it’s not that far fetched (pun intended), considering that their pack animals.

Give your pup time with you by taking them on an exploratory activity, such as a hike.
They will appreciate the change of scenery and the company you provide. Digging will not be in their thought process.

Exercise & Entertain

If your beagle is particularly high-strung, you will need an outlet for their excess energy, right?
Of course, you will. After all, if they don’t get it out with exercise, they’ll get it out while digging in your vegetable garden.

Granted; many of us are constantly juggling school, work; so much that we don’t place priority on exercise; for either ourselves or our pups. Fortunately, regardless of your lifestyle, exercise can easily be accommodated.

A 30-minute walk around the neighborhood or a quick game of fetch in your yard is always a great go-to. Except for my beagle that is, he hasn’t mastered the concept fully. He just runs after the tennis ball, grabs it, but it’ll be a few minutes of me chasing him to get it back. Nevertheless, he gets the benefit of play, and we both get the benefit of exercise. Winning.

If your beagle spends a significant amount of time outside, you should consider purchasing mentally stimulating toys to help keep them entertained.

Remember: mental exercise is just as important for your beagle, as is physical exercise.
Fortunately, there are tons of dog toys that can keep your canine very happy.
Many take advantage of their heightened senses of smell and sound, along with their sense of taste.

One word of advice though: You’ll want to rotate your beagle’s accessibility to different toys of theirs. This will help to ensure that they do not become bored with any particular one.

Another random benefit of all this exercise, is you will likely see a decrease in your beagle’s behavioral issues, if they have any. Jumping up on people, chewing on household items, excessive barking, among others can be mitigated by this simple remedy.

Keep The Wild Out Of Their Life

Beagles are a hunting breed. Period.
That being said, they are particularly attuned to any other animals are in their visual or olfactory vicinity.

If you notice your beagle seemingly perplexed or extremely engrossed, they may be on the trail of a scent or movement of an animal underground.

To fix this digging quandary, you may consider reaching out to your local animal control or pest control services. Now if you do go the pest control route, make sure they are aware that you have a dog, and insist on their use of pet-friendly methods to remove the offending animal or animals.

Be Shady

If you’ve noticed that your dog is digging particularly Beagles Dig Holes in shady areas of your yard, they might be seeking respite from the heat by burrowing into the cooler earth.

Consider buying or building a dog house that isn’t too small. You’ll want your beagle to be able to get plenty of fresh ventilation and cool breezes while relaxing inside of the structure. Don’t forget you are trying to ensure their comfort; so placing a blanket, a water bowl, and a few toys is a great reference.

Crate The Great

Crate training is an option that is particularly viable for people that live in apartments, or beagles that like to get into trouble around the house.
It is recommended by not only dog trainers, but veterinarians as well.
It is quite efficient at keeping your dog comfortable, safe, and happy.

Since a beagle that is crate trained is inherently more protected from extreme swings in temperature, they are prone to less temperature-related health issues.
Not only that — it nearly removes the element of them becoming a carrier of ticks, fleas, or other pests.

Introduced early enough, crate training they will view their crate as their own private sanctuary.

Conclusion: A Simple Ground Rule: Dig it?

Physically accosting your beagle or shouting at them may seem like an effective technique, but I can assure you it is not. All that will do is create anxiety, which will likely bring on additional digging episodes. A better more constructive route is to be patient and create distractions.

Beagles dig holes due to boredom, instinct, anxiety or even the weather.
The key is to identify the cause and take active steps to create it — before they dig themselves into any more trouble.

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