Denning is a natural instinct for dogs. Dogs may find themselves a den somewhere around the house, under the dining room table for instance, or they may dig one for themselves in their yard. The Denning Principle is a technique which is often recommended for clients looking to reduce their dog's anxiety and stop destructive and annoying behaviors such as barking, hole digging, chewing and more.

Dogs have a natural instinct to dwell in protected areas. If such a shelter is not provided, the dog will dig to create it. Some dogs may dig dens to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Warm bedding in the winter and cool shade in the summer may eliminate this need to dig. Other dogs, such as terriers, are relentless diggers. Certain dogs have been bred to use digging as part of their hunting game. Some dogs have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and they will dig underground to get to bugs, buried trash, or live game such as moles and groundhogs. Avoid leaving areas you have upturned, which may encourage the dog to dig more. Using mole extermination may help to solve the problem.

Digging can also be an instinctive expression of sustenance, searching for buried bones or surplus food. Provide your dog with enough food, but avoid giving him enough to "hide" later. Giving a dog bone may also encourage him to bury it for safekeeping later.

Read more about dogs and denning instincts.