Game #20 · Behavioral & Enrichment
Dig Box Search
Satisfies natural digging desires safely without destroying your yard.
- What you need:
- A plastic kiddie pool filled with play sand, soil, or crumpled paper.
How to play
- Let your dog watch you bury a favorite plastic or rubber toy just under the surface.
- Encourage them to find it by saying "dig, dig!"
- Celebrate when they unearth the toy.
- Gradually bury items deeper or use multiple toys to keep them hunting.
Coach's notes
- Use only clean, play-grade sand — never construction sand or garden soil with fertilizer.
- Site the box in shade; hot sand burns paws.
- Refill 'buried treasure' with kibble for a daily calming ritual.
- Wipe paws after each session to prevent tracked-in irritation.
If your dog loses interest
Quick fixes when engagement drops mid-session.
- Not digging? Bury only one high-value treat near the surface for the first 3 rounds.
- If they lose interest, refresh the material — old shredded paper loses scent fast.
- Some dogs never dig with paws — reward nose-pushing and let them find their own strategy.
Why it works
Species-appropriate outlets for evolved behaviors — Bekoff's 'behavioral needs' framework — reduce redirected destruction like garden digging or carpet scratching.
References
- [10] Bekoff, M. (2019). Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible. New World Library.
Which cognitive muscle is your dog's strongest?
Run the same science-based tasks from Duke in your living room and get your dog's full cognitive profile.