How to stop a French Bulldog from digging in the yard
Listen—French Bulldogs weren’t bred to dig, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try. I’ve seen enough flower beds destroyed and fences undermined to know this: If your Frenchie’s tearing up your yard, they’re not being cute. They’re being bored, anxious, or flat-out under-stimulated.
You don’t need to scream. You don’t need to scold till you’re red in the face. But you do need to step in—firm, calm, and in control. Let’s talk about it.
First, Know Why They’re Digging
No dog digs just to spite you. French Bulldogs dig for a few clear reasons—and you better figure out which one applies.
- Boredom: They’ve got energy and no job? They’ll make one.
- Heat: Dogs sometimes dig to cool off. They’re not dumb.
- Attention-seeking: You react every time? Bingo—they’ve got you trained.
- Instinct: Yep, even the lazy Frenchie has some leftover instincts to bury or explore.
- Escape: If they’re digging near fences, they’re not gardening—they’re planning a jailbreak.
Find the “why” before you even try to fix it.
Rule Out the Medical Stuff First
As a vet, I gotta say it—if your Frenchie suddenly starts digging obsessively, we need to check for:
- Parasites (like fleas, which drive ‘em nuts)
- Skin allergies or dermatitis
- Compulsive behavior issues (yes, dogs get those too)
Once I rule out health problems in the clinic, then it’s time for you to step in at home.
Supervise or Confine—No Middle Ground
You can’t let a dig-happy dog out in the yard alone and hope for the best. That’s like leaving a toddler alone with markers and white walls.
- Use a leash or long line when outside.
- Install fencing below ground level near escape zones.
- Supervise outdoor time until the digging stops.
If you can’t watch them, don’t give them the opportunity. Period.
Tire Them Out—Mentally and Physically
A bored Frenchie is a destructive Frenchie. Don’t underestimate this breed—they need stimulation.
- 30–45 minutes of structured activity a day—walks, indoor fetch, tug-of-war
- Puzzle toys or snuffle mats to keep their brains busy
- Training sessions (yes, obedience counts as mental work)
If your Frenchie’s too tired to dig, congratulations—you just won.
Create a “Legal” Digging Spot (Optional)
If you’ve got the space and you’re not precious about it, you can redirect the digging instead of eliminating it.
- Build a sandbox or designate a digging corner
- Bury toys or treats there
- Praise them only when they dig in the right place
This gives your dog an outlet you control.
Use Deterrents—No Harm, Just Smart Strategy
You don’t need to scare or hurt your dog to get them to stop. Just make the digging less rewarding.
- Fill holes with their own poop (dogs hate it—trust me)
- Chicken wire or landscape rocks under the dirt work wonders
- Citrus spray or vinegar on favorite spots (test small areas first)
Make the wrong spot unappealing. Simple, effective, humane.
Catch ‘Em in the Act—Then Redirect
Don’t wait till you see a crater in the lawn. You have a 3-second window to correct behavior.
- Interrupt digging with a sharp “No” or a clap
- Immediately redirect to a toy or play
- Praise like a lunatic when they stop and follow your lead
Correct, redirect, reward. That’s the sequence. Every time.
Be Consistent—No Slipping
Here’s the Jersey truth: dogs don’t listen to words. They listen to patterns. So if you let it slide “just once,” you’ve told them digging’s fine. You gotta show up every time.
Set the rules. Stick to ‘em. No exceptions. That’s how dogs learn.
Final Thoughts from the Yard
French Bulldogs aren’t notorious diggers—but when they do pick up the habit, it’s because something’s off. Your job isn’t to yell or get frustrated. Your job is to lead. Calmly. Clearly. And without backing down.
Give them purpose. Supervise their freedom. Stop the digging before they hit the flowerbeds.
You’re not raising a landscaper. You’re raising a well-mannered bulldog. So treat it like it matters—because it does.
