15/02/2026
Digging a hunting dog is mainly a manifestation of a strong hunting instinct, allowing you to track down and extract small rodents (moles, voles) hidden underground. It is also a way to discharge excess energy, cool down on hot days, bury "treasures" (toys, food) and reduce stress or boredom.
Here are the main reasons and benefits of digging for a hunting dog:
Hunting instinct (norisation): Dogs such as terriers or dachshunds dig to get into the game that lives under the surface of the earth.
Energy discharge: Intensive digging is a form of physical labour that allows the dog to discharge energy and maintain fitness.
Thermoregulation: Digging a hole allows the dog to reach cooler, moist soil, which helps cool the body.
Hiding resources: Instinctively hiding food or toys in the ground gives the dog a sense of security.
Mental stimulation and fun: For a bored dog, kicking is a form of activity that takes time and satisfies the natural need for exploration.
It is worth remembering that if the kicking results from the hunting instinct, it can be difficult to eliminate, so it is often a better method to redirect this energy to olvoring or training.
