Behavior · Bloodhound
How to Stop a Bloodhound From Digging
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Short answer
Stop your Bloodhound from digging by redirecting their strong scent-tracking instincts toward positive outlets like a designated digging zone and scent games. Patiently interrupt unwanted digging with a 'leave it' command and reward them with high-value treats for using approved areas.
Bloodhounds are determined, scent-driven dogs with a gentle temperament that masks their stubborn nature. Their tendency to dig often stems from their instinctive need to burrow after scents or create comfortable resting spots, making it a challenging behavior to address. With a trainability score of just 2/5 and moderate energy levels (3/5), Bloodhounds require patient, consistent training and meaningful outlets rather than punishment. Unlike more obedient breeds, Bloodhounds respond best to positive reinforcement tied to their natural instincts. This guide focuses on redirecting their digging urge into acceptable alternatives while providing the mental and physical stimulation they need. By understanding their scent obsession and stubborn nature, you can transform digging from a problem into an opportunity for enrichment that satisfies their deepest drives.
How to do it
Step-by-step
Tick off each step as you practice it — your progress is saved on this device.
Step 1: Identify the digging triggers
Observe when and where your Bloodhound digs most—often near garden edges, under fences, or around shade sources. Is it driven by scent tracking, heat relief, or boredom? Bloodhounds' scent obsession is their primary motivation, so note if digging increases after detecting outdoor smells. Understanding the trigger helps you provide targeted alternatives rather than generic solutions.
Step 2: Create a designated digging zone
Establish a sandbox or shallow pit (2-3 feet wide) filled with loose soil or sand in a visible, accessible area of your yard. Bury toys, treats, and scented items (like old socks with your scent) to engage your Bloodhound's natural digging and scent-tracking instincts. Reward heavily when they dig in this approved spot, making it the most rewarding place to dig in the entire yard.
Step 3: Redirect to scent-based enrichment
Since Bloodhounds are scent-obsessed, provide alternatives like sniff mats, puzzle feeders with hidden treats, and scent games indoors and outdoors. Hide treats or toys around your yard and encourage your dog to 'find it,' channeling their digging urge into tracking work instead. This satisfies their natural drives while keeping them mentally engaged during their 75 minutes of daily exercise.
Step 4: Interrupt and redirect with consistency
When you catch your Bloodhound digging in forbidden areas, calmly interrupt with a 'leave it' command and immediately redirect to the designated digging zone or a scent game. Avoid punishment or raising your voice—their stubborn nature means they'll resist coercion. Use high-value treats as positive reinforcement when they comply, building a habit rather than battling their instincts.
Step 5: Manage the environment strategically
Block access to problem areas using garden fencing, raised beds, or landscaping barriers while the behavior is being redirected. This prevents your stubborn Bloodhound from reinforcing the habit while you establish better outlets. As training progresses and digging in the approved zone becomes consistent, gradually increase supervised access to previously restricted areas.
Step 6: Maintain physical and mental exercise daily
Ensure your Bloodhound receives their full 75 minutes of daily exercise, mixing walks that allow scent tracking with structured play. A tired, mentally stimulated Bloodhound is less likely to dig out of boredom or frustration. Combine outdoor time with scent work games to channel their natural drives productively and tire them appropriately for their moderate energy level.
For the Bloodhound
Pro tips
- Bloodhounds are scent-obsessed, not disobedient—bury interesting smells (treats, toys, old clothing) in the designated digging zone to make it irresistible and match their natural drives.
- Their stubborn nature means they'll resist commands, so frame digging redirection as a game with high-value rewards rather than a rule; make the approved zone more rewarding than any forbidden area.
- Incorporate their daily 75 minutes of exercise into scent work like nose tracking games, hide-and-seek with treats, and controlled sniffing walks—this addresses the root drive while preventing boredom digging.
Owners ask
Frequently asked questions
My Bloodhound ignores my 'leave it' command and keeps digging. What should I do?
Bloodhounds have a trainability score of just 2/5 and are naturally stubborn, so ignoring commands during scent-driven behavior is typical. Don't escalate—instead, physically redirect them to the approved digging zone and reward heavily when they engage there. Building a strong habit in the designated area is more effective than fighting their instincts.
How long before my Bloodhound stops digging in the flower beds?
Most Bloodhounds show improvement in 4-6 weeks of consistent redirection, though some may take 8-12 weeks due to their stubborn nature. The key is providing the designated digging zone and scent games simultaneously—don't just remove the behavior; replace it with something equally rewarding to their driven temperament.
Can I just exercise my Bloodhound more to stop the digging?
Physical exercise alone isn't enough for Bloodhounds; they need mental stimulation tied to their scent-tracking instincts. While their 75-minute daily exercise requirement is important, adding scent work, sniff mats, and tracking games is what truly satisfies the drive behind digging behavior.
Is it safe to use punishment or scolding to stop this behavior?
No. Bloodhounds are gentle and sensitive despite their stubbornness, and punishment creates confusion rather than learning. Positive reinforcement tied to their scent obsession is the only effective method for this breed. Reward the behaviors you want, and they'll gradually abandon digging in unwanted areas.
Spotted a mistake or something out of date? Email us — we review every report, fix the guide and update its date. Our guides are general education, not a substitute for a certified trainer or veterinary behaviorist.
