5 Ways To Stop Your Dog from Digging

For dogs, the act of digging is normal. In the wild, dogs will dig to construct dens to protect and provide shelter. Certain domestic dog breeds are meant to dig. Terriers, in particular, are known for their burrowing skills when on the hunt for rats and rodents. In hot weather, all dogs will tend to dig to lie on cooler earth.

So why do dogs dig?

Dogs require loads of mental and physical stimulation and are very social creatures, if left alone; boredom can set in and result in nuisance behaviour and destruction. Another reason could be that your dog might simply love the act of digging. A good dog is always looking to please its owner and what better way to do this is by imitating your behaviour and creating a few more “garden beds” for you while you are out. 

If your dog’s digging is putting a strain on your relationship or infuriating the other half who adores their garden just as much as your adore your dog, here a five tips to help stop your dog from digging,

1. Improve your dog’s sleeping area

Ensure that there is an area in your yard that provides a quality sleeping place for your dog. Make sure that the kennel is clean and has good bedding. Position the kennel in a part of the yard that is cool and well ventilated. This well provide the dog with a den like environment which can negate the inherited need to construct is own sleeping area.

2. Avoid outside distractions

If you have a dog that likes to dig near the fence and think that its trying to escape it is more than likely that it is really ttrying to get to something that is just outside of its vision. It could be the neighbours pet, a smelly garbage bin, or an open part underneath the fence that require some exploration. An easy way take away the temptation to dig is to block off the area completely , however if this is not possible fill in some of the fence gaps with either some timber boards or attach heavy duty wire under the fence and curve the wire into the ground. If its a gate area that is above ground level, lay a line of pavers so that the dog is not tempted to dig underneath.

If your dog is attracted to all those delicious smells around the garden beds and can't help digging around all the plants, try laying some larger pebbles around the roots of the plants to stop any digging that will weaken the plant. If the bed is full of smaller fragile plants it may be wise to fence around the area. These days you can find a more attractive fencing material as an alternative to chicken wire to block of a dogs access to certain parts of the garden and still retain the look of a nice area.

3. Stimulation

Boredom plays a big factor when it comes to dogs digging. Most often, dogs that are left on their own for long periods of time will pass the time digging holes. If you do have to leave your dog alone, take them for a good long walk beforehand to get rid of all that energy. Before you leave the house, strategically place a couple of toys around the area. Treat balls or Kongs are ideal toys for leaving behind, or if its hot weather fill an ice cream container with water and place a large treat in there. Put the container in freezer the night before so that you have one giant ice block for your dog to keep occupied and cool at the same time

4.Set up a trap

Dogs normally like to dig repeatedly in the same area of backyard. Playing a few harmless tricks on your dog may alter its behaviour to continue digging.  One method could be  hiding from your dog and squirting with the hose when the dog is caught in the act of digging. Another way is to bust a balloon to startle the dog while it's digging. These tyoes of actions will have to be repeated a few times so that the animal gets a negative response to digging the hole and let your dog know that you are causing the disruption. 

Another option is to make the holes that have been previously dug holes less appealing for the dog to return the area to re-dig. Shaking some red cayenne pepper or laying some chicken wire near the surface before refilling the hole will deter the dog from trying to dig around in that area. I have personally  found the method of adding a couple of fresh dog droppings before refilling the holes stops my lab from going back to it again.

5. Build a sandpit

If your just loves to dig, the best thing to do is to allow a specific part of the yard for digging. A much nicer look for your yard would be to build a sandpit. This way all digging is done in the one controlled area. You can entice your dog to dig in this area by hiding treats every now and then and making sure that the sand is loose and clean for the dog to enjoy digging in. Also, show your dog it’s ok to dig there by getting down and having a dig with your dog. Turn it into a game and reward the dog for digging in its special place. Again, working with your dog on a regular basis will mean it’s more likely to dig where it gives you satisfaction and not where it makes you cross.

Does your dog like to dig? If you know of any more tips, please share with us in the comments area below.