Source checked November 12, 2026. Editorial team. Not professionally reviewed.
The source account
RSPCA Australia says scents such as compost or some fertilizers may attract digging and discusses limiting access to treated areas. Dogs Trust describes dogs trying to reach things they can smell or hear. Those points do not identify what a particular dog detected, whether something is present underground or whether it is safe to reach.
RSPCA Australia: My dog is digging up the garden · Dogs Trust: Destructive behaviour
No substance or soil checker
Groundwork accepts no ingredient, plant, chemical, soil sample or photograph. It does not certify a fertilizer, buried object, digging material or animal encounter as safe. No source card grants permission to eat, touch or pursue something. Do not create a scent test or bury a substance to confirm the explanation.
RSPCA Australia: My dog is digging up the garden · Dogs Trust: Destructive behaviour
A hole cannot supply every missing fact
A damaged patch may be noticed without its reason being known. The motive map keeps this distinction visible. It neither estimates depth nor decides whether a concern is behavioral, environmental or medical. Actual exposure, illness, injury or safety concerns need appropriate help directly rather than an online reading result.
RSPCA Australia: My dog is digging up the garden · Dogs Trust: Destructive behaviour