Why Does My Lagotto Dig Holes—and How Do I Manage It? Exploring the Root Causes and Effective Solutions

Lagottodig for Truffles in WA state

If you’ve got a Lagotto Romagnolo turning your backyard into a lunar landscape, you’re not alone. Those enthusiastic paws aren’t just making a mess—they’re tapping into a deep-seated instinct tied to the breed’s truffle-hunting heritage. Lagottos were bred in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region to sniff out and unearth truffles, those prized underground fungi. Digging isn’t mischief; it’s in their DNA. At Northwest Lagotto, we’ve spent years observing this behavior in our dogs, and while it’s charmingly natural, it can test your patience. Here’s why they dig—and three practical strategies we’ve tested to redirect that energy.

The Lagotto’s digging obsession starts with its truffle-hunting roots. In the wild, truffles hide beneath soil, often near tree roots, and a Lagotto’s job was to locate and excavate them. Their powerful noses paired with a drive to paw through dirt made them naturals at the task. Even in a suburban yard with no truffles in sight, that instinct doesn’t fade. A scent, a sound, or just plain curiosity can trigger a digging spree. It’s not about disobedience—it’s about purpose. Understanding this has helped us see our Lagottos not as backyard bandits, but as dogs eager to work.

So, how do you manage it? We’ve honed three redirection strategies with our own dogs that balance their instincts with your sanity. First, try scent games. Lagottos live for their noses, so we hide treats or a truffle-oil-scented toy (safe and easy to find online) in shallow soil or under a blanket. They get to “hunt” without turning your lawn into swiss cheese. Start simple—hide it in plain sight—then bury it an inch or two deep. Our dogs go wild for this, and it tires them out, too.

Second, create a designated dig zone. We set up a corner of the yard with loose soil or a sandbox, then buried toys or treats to lure them there. It’s like giving them a truffle patch of their own. We reinforce it with praise when they dig in the right spot, and over time, most of ours learned the boundary. It’s not foolproof—especially with younger pups—but it cuts down on random craters. Plus, it’s a nod to their heritage that feels fair to them.

Third, lean into physical and mental exercise. A bored Lagotto digs more, so we’ve found that a brisk walk followed by a training session—like practicing “find it” with a scented target—keeps their energy in check. Our lines, bred from Italian truffle hunters, thrive on this stimulation. Tired dogs are less likely to redecorate your yard. Mix it up with fetch or a puzzle toy to keep their clever minds busy.

Digging is part of what makes a Lagotto a Lagotto. With their lineage tied to truffle fields, our Northwest Lagotto dogs show this trait in spades. These strategies won’t stop the behavior entirely—nor should they—but they channel it productively. Your yard might still take a hit now and then, but you’ll have a happier dog and a smarter way to manage the chaos. Embrace the digger in them—it’s what makes them special.