DigDrum awarded TDTS Recommended: an enrichment outlet for dogs who love to dig
DigDrum awarded TDTS Recommended: an enrichment outlet for dogs who love to dig
Digging is a completely natural behaviour for dogs. But when that digging is directed towards the lawn, carpets, bedding or furniture, finding somewhere more appropriate for them to express that behaviour can be useful.
The DigDrum has been designed to give dogs an alternative place to dig, providing an enrichment opportunity for dogs who naturally enjoy the behaviour.
We asked professional dog trainers and dog professionals from The Dog Trainer School community to put it to the test.
Putting the DigDrum to the test
Our testers used the DigDrum in real-world environments with their own dogs and, where appropriate, client dogs.
One thing became apparent throughout the trial: dogs are individuals, and not every dog particularly wants to dig.
Some dogs took to the DigDrum readily, some needed encouragement or training when first introduced to it, and others simply weren't particularly interested.
This was especially relevant because not all of the dogs involved in the trial had a strong existing motivation to dig. For those dogs, introducing the DigDrum could become more about teaching a new behaviour than providing an outlet for something they already wanted to do.
For dogs who did have an existing motivation to dig, however, we saw some really encouraging results.
An alternative place to dig
Several testers reported being able to use the DigDrum as an alternative outlet for existing digging behaviour.
This included examples of dogs who had previously directed digging towards furniture, carpets and gardens being successfully redirected onto the DigDrum. Some dogs also chose to return to it independently.
That doesn't mean we would describe the DigDrum as something that will stop or “fix” unwanted digging.
There are many reasons why dogs dig, and behaviour is rarely that simple.
Instead, TDTS recommends the DigDrum as an enrichment product and alternative outlet for dogs with an existing motivation to dig.
For the right dog, it provides somewhere appropriate to express a behaviour they already find enjoyable.
Exceptionally durable
One of the strongest findings from the trial was the quality and durability of the product.
The DigDrum achieved an average durability score of 9.5/10, with testers consistently describing it as sturdy, robust and well made. Very little wear or damage was reported during testing.
That's particularly important for a product specifically designed to withstand repeated scratching and digging.
Some dogs did find alternative uses for it – including attempting to lift, flip or carry it – which again highlighted just how differently individual dogs can interact with enrichment products.
What about the price?
Value for money was one of the more mixed areas of tester feedback.
At £74.99, the DigDrum represents a significant purchase, particularly when owners cannot know for certain whether their individual dog will engage with it.
Testers did, however, consistently recognise the quality and durability of the product. This is a robust piece of enrichment equipment designed for long-term use rather than something we would expect owners to replace regularly.
Importantly, DigDrum offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving owners time to introduce the product properly and see whether their dog takes to it. If it simply isn't right for their dog, they have the option to return it for a refund.
For TDTS, this was an important part of our final recommendation. Enrichment is individual, and even a dog who regularly digs may decide that the DigDrum isn't for them.
Who would we recommend it for?
Our recommendation is deliberately specific.
We would consider the DigDrum particularly suitable for dogs with an existing motivation to dig and owners looking to provide an appropriate alternative outlet for that behaviour.
We wouldn't necessarily recommend buying one simply because you own a dog and would like another enrichment activity.
If your dog has never shown much interest in digging, there's no particular reason they need to learn to use a DigDrum. Some dogs may also need encouragement when first introduced to it, while others may take to it immediately.
The individual dog matters.
Our verdict
Real-world product testing isn't always about discovering that every dog loves something – and in this trial, they didn't.
What we found instead was a very well-made, exceptionally durable enrichment product with a specific audience.
For some dogs with an existing desire to dig, the DigDrum provided an appropriate outlet for that behaviour. We also saw examples where owners and trainers were able to redirect digging away from places where it wasn't wanted.
For other dogs, particularly those without much natural interest in digging, engagement was considerably lower.
The Dog Trainer School is happy to award the DigDrum TDTS Recommended Product status.
We recommend it as a durable enrichment product and alternative outlet for dogs with an existing motivation to dig. Individual engagement will vary, and it should be viewed as an enrichment opportunity rather than a product that will necessarily prevent or “fix” unwanted digging behaviour.
For dogs who genuinely love to dig, we think the DigDrum offers a well-made and durable way of giving them somewhere appropriate to do it – with the reassurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee if it simply isn't right for them.
