How to Stop a Dog from Digging, Chewing, and Licking
Curb unwanted habits like digging, chewing, and licking
Dogs dig, chew, and lick for all kinds of reasons—from boredom to anxiety to pure fun.
These habits are normal, but that doesn’t mean you need to put up with holes in your garden or chewed-up cushions.
You can redirect these behaviours with a few simple changes to your routine and environment.
Why do dogs dig, chew, or lick?
Digging
Dogs dig to cool down, hide toys, burn off energy, or just for the pure joy of it—especially if they’re a breed with strong working or hunting instincts.
Chewing
Chewing relieves stress, boredom, and teething pain (especially in puppies). It can also be a self-soothing behaviour, much like thumb-sucking in toddlers.
Licking
Excessive licking may mean your dog is anxious, under-stimulated, or learned it gets attention. It might signal an allergy or pain if focused on one spot.
How to stop a dog from digging, chewing, and licking
1. Add enrichment to their day
Dogs need daily mental and physical exercise to stay balanced. Try:
🐾 Dig boxes for safe digging
🦴 Frozen treat toys or chew-safe bones
⏲️ Short, frequent training sessions
🧩 Nose work games like scatter feeding or scent trails
2. Supervise and manage
Catch it before it becomes a habit. Limit unsupervised access where possible.
🚧 Use baby gates, crates, or secure outdoor areas
⛔ Remove access to chewable or diggable zones
⚠️ Redirect the moment you see the behaviour start
3. Offer better alternatives
Give them something better to do.
🦴 Replace chewing with approved chews
🧩 Redirect licking with puzzle toys
🐾 Create a digging area that they’re allowed to use
4. Look for underlying causes
If licking or chewing is persistent, rule out medical issues like:
🦠 Allergies or skin irritation
🦷 Dental pain
⁉️ Anxiety or stress
Ask your vet if you’re unsure.
5. Reward calm behaviour
🗣️ Reinforce when they’re not digging, chewing, or licking. Calm gets attention. Wild behaviour doesn’t. It’s that simple.
Be consistent, not harsh
Punishing your dog after the fact won’t work—they won’t connect the dots. Instead, give them clear boundaries and consistent redirection.
🎁 Then reward the behaviour you do want to see.
A real example
Molly, the Golden Retriever, loved chewing furniture legs and licking her paws nonstop. Her owner realised Molly wasn’t getting enough stimulation during the day.
By adding:
🦮 morning walks,
🧩 puzzle toys, and
👅 a frozen Kong at lunchtime,
Molly’s habits started to fade.
She now spends her afternoons calmly snoozing instead of searching for trouble.
FAQs about stopping digging, chewing, and licking
Why is my dog suddenly chewing everything?
It could be stress, boredom, or even teething. Make sure they have plenty of safe chew items and supervision while the behaviour is redirected.
How can I get my dog to stop licking themselves or me?
Rule out medical issues first. Then redirect with enrichment and only give attention when they’re calm and not licking.
Should I punish my dog for digging holes?
No—punishment can increase anxiety and make it worse. Redirect the behaviour with better outlets like a dig pit or more outdoor stimulation.
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