How to Stop a Brittany From Digging
Brittanys are bright, energetic spaniels bred to hunt in fields—and their instinct to dig runs deep. Combined with their exceptional 5/5 energy level and sensitivity to boredom, digging often becomes a destructive outlet when they're under-stimulated or anxious. Unlike less trainable breeds, your Brittany's intelligence and eagerness make them excellent candidates for redirecting this natural behavior into acceptable channels. With their high drive for activity and 90-minute daily exercise requirement, the key is channeling that energy strategically while building positive associations with alternative outlets. This guide uses positive-reinforcement techniques to transform digging from a problem into a controlled, constructive behavior.
Step-by-step
- 1
Assess the root cause and increase exercise
Digging in Brittanys is often a symptom of insufficient mental and physical stimulation. Ensure your dog receives the full 90 minutes of daily exercise—combine fetch, agility games, or bird-scent work to tap into their natural hunting drive. A tired Brittany is far less likely to dig out of restlessness or anxiety.
- 2
Create a designated dig zone
Set up a specific sandbox, low-walled raised bed, or loose soil area where digging is explicitly allowed and encouraged. Bury toys, treats, and chew items in this zone to make it rewarding. This redirects your Brittany's digging instinct into an approved location rather than suppressing it entirely.
- 3
Use positive reinforcement to mark the dig zone
When your Brittany digs in the designated area, immediately praise, reward with high-value treats, and use an enthusiastic marker word like 'Yes!' to reinforce the behavior. Repeat this consistently so your dog learns that this specific spot earns approval and rewards—aligning with their eager, food-motivated temperament.
- 4
Redirect mid-dig with engagement games
If you catch your dog digging in forbidden areas, calmly redirect to the approved zone or start an engaging game (fetch, tug, hide-and-seek) that captures their attention. Brittanys respond well to active redirection rather than punishment; their sensitivity makes scolding counterproductive and stress-inducing.
- 5
Manage the environment and prevent unsupervised digging
Block access to high-risk digging zones when you're not actively training or supervising. Use baby gates, x-pens, or adjust yard layout to limit temptation. This prevents your Brittany from reinforcing the unwanted behavior on their own and maintains consistency in training.
- 6
Provide enrichment toys and rotate activities
Brittanys need constant mental stimulation to stay engaged. Rotate puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and Kong toys filled with treats or freeze-dried recalls. Introduce scent-work games or bird-feather toys to satisfy their hunting heritage and keep them mentally occupied between exercise sessions.
Pro tips
- Brittanys thrive on structure and positive praise—use enthusiastic verbal rewards ('Yes!' or 'Good dig!') when redirecting to approved zones, as their eager temperament responds powerfully to your approval and excitement.
- Rotate and refresh dig-zone toys weekly; your Brittany's high intelligence means novelty sustains engagement far longer than static enrichment, preventing them from reverting to forbidden digging zones out of boredom.
- Pair the 90-minute daily exercise with scent-work games (hiding treats or bird feathers) that tap into their hunting drive—satisfying this instinct mentally often reduces the compulsion to dig more than fetch alone.
Frequently asked questions
My Brittany only digs when I'm not home—how do I train that?+
Separation-related digging often stems from anxiety or excess energy. Gradually extend alone time while ensuring your dog gets a full exercise session before you leave. Use enrichment toys (frozen Kongs, puzzle feeders) to occupy them, and consider crate training or a confined safe space. If anxiety persists, consult a trainer about desensitization protocols.
How long does it take to redirect a Brittany's digging behavior?+
With consistent positive reinforcement and adequate daily exercise (90 minutes), most Brittanys show improvement within 2–4 weeks. However, since digging is instinctual, the goal is management and channeling rather than complete elimination. Ongoing enrichment and the designated dig zone should remain permanent fixtures.
Is it okay to let my Brittany dig at all?+
Yes—and it's actually recommended. Digging is a natural behavior for Brittanys, especially given their hunting heritage. A controlled dig zone lets them express this instinct safely while protecting your garden and yard. Suppressing it entirely often increases anxiety and frustration.
My Brittany seems to dig more after I leave—is this anxiety?+
Possibly. Brittanys are sensitive and bond closely with their owners, so separation anxiety can trigger digging. Watch for panting, whining, or destructive behavior in other areas too. Pair exercise before departures, calming toys, and gradual alone-time conditioning. A certified trainer can help distinguish anxiety-driven digging from simple boredom-driven activity.