One of the most frequently asked questions from dog owners is,
"How do you stop dogs from digging?" It may sound surprising, but it's
something that affects just about every dog owner.
If your yard is kempt, or has a garden, the thought of your beloved four legged friend destroying it with his seemingly unnecessary holes, is enough to make anyone crazy.
Not to mention, digging under fences can lead to a daring escape. The last thing anyone wants to do is spend their Saturday afternoon searching for Fido. So, how do you stop this problem?
First things first, you need to determine why your dog is digging in the first place. Dogs dig for many reasons, but not one of them is for spite.
Let's take a look at why your pup is turning your yard into crater city and how you can stop the behavior.
Your Dog is Terribly Bored
Boredom seems to be the culprit with most bad doggy behaviors, doesn't it. If you've left your dog in the yard for a long period of time alone, expect that he will do some digging - especially if he has no toys. Dogs are active, social animals that don't take well to loneliness.
When you were a child, you probably dug through dirt a few times. Why? Because it's fun! This activity keeps your dog busy and releases some of his pent up energy.
Solution: Get rid of all that energy! The saying is true, "a tired dog is a good dog."
Dogs will dig if there are burrowing animals, or insects around. If your dog is digging in specific areas that are not along the boundaries of your yard, this is probably why.
Solution:
Check for any signs of burrowing animals, like groundhogs. If you wish to keep them away, please use humane methods to fence them in, or exclude them. Remember, using any toxic or poisonous materials could potentially harm your dog as well.
He's Looking For Protection
Dogs may use digging as a means of protecting themselves from the elements.
A big hole in the dirt provides relief from the heat. It may also provide protection from the cold weather, wind or rain. Some dogs also dig to find water. If your dog is lying in the holes he digs, it's a good indicator that he is digging for protection.
Solution:
Provide your pup with everything he needs if he's going to be left outdoors. If the weather is extremely hot or cold, please bring him indoors.
A dog house will provide shelter from the wind and rain. Don't forget to leave him with a nice, big bowl of water.
He's Just Trying to Escape
If your dog is digging along the perimeter of the yard, there's a good chance he's trying to escape. This could be because something outside of the yard has caught his attention, he really wants to try and get somewhere outside of the yard (the park maybe?), or he may be trying to get away from something inside the yard.
Either way, the plan is to get out of dodge.
Solution:
Provide a safe, interesting environment for your dog while he's in the yard. If he has more incentive to stay in the area, he will.
If your dog is a persistent digger, consider setting up a "zone" in your yard that is dedicated to his digging. Let him go to town there! This will keep him out of your garden, and still allow him to act out on his instincts.
If your yard is kempt, or has a garden, the thought of your beloved four legged friend destroying it with his seemingly unnecessary holes, is enough to make anyone crazy.
Not to mention, digging under fences can lead to a daring escape. The last thing anyone wants to do is spend their Saturday afternoon searching for Fido. So, how do you stop this problem?
First things first, you need to determine why your dog is digging in the first place. Dogs dig for many reasons, but not one of them is for spite.
Let's take a look at why your pup is turning your yard into crater city and how you can stop the behavior.
Your Dog is Terribly Bored
Boredom seems to be the culprit with most bad doggy behaviors, doesn't it. If you've left your dog in the yard for a long period of time alone, expect that he will do some digging - especially if he has no toys. Dogs are active, social animals that don't take well to loneliness.
When you were a child, you probably dug through dirt a few times. Why? Because it's fun! This activity keeps your dog busy and releases some of his pent up energy.
Solution: Get rid of all that energy! The saying is true, "a tired dog is a good dog."
- Take your pup for a walk at least two times a day.
- Try spending more time with your dog. Play fetch with a ball or Frisbee.
- Teach your dog some new commands, and practice them everyday.
- Give him interesting toys to play with.
Dogs will dig if there are burrowing animals, or insects around. If your dog is digging in specific areas that are not along the boundaries of your yard, this is probably why.
Solution:
Check for any signs of burrowing animals, like groundhogs. If you wish to keep them away, please use humane methods to fence them in, or exclude them. Remember, using any toxic or poisonous materials could potentially harm your dog as well.
He's Looking For Protection
Dogs may use digging as a means of protecting themselves from the elements.
A big hole in the dirt provides relief from the heat. It may also provide protection from the cold weather, wind or rain. Some dogs also dig to find water. If your dog is lying in the holes he digs, it's a good indicator that he is digging for protection.
Solution:
Provide your pup with everything he needs if he's going to be left outdoors. If the weather is extremely hot or cold, please bring him indoors.
A dog house will provide shelter from the wind and rain. Don't forget to leave him with a nice, big bowl of water.
He's Just Trying to Escape
If your dog is digging along the perimeter of the yard, there's a good chance he's trying to escape. This could be because something outside of the yard has caught his attention, he really wants to try and get somewhere outside of the yard (the park maybe?), or he may be trying to get away from something inside the yard.
Either way, the plan is to get out of dodge.
Solution:
Provide a safe, interesting environment for your dog while he's in the yard. If he has more incentive to stay in the area, he will.
- Try burying chicken wire along the fence. Make sure all of the sharp edges are facing away from the yard, so that your dog does not get hurt.
- Place heavy stone along the perimeter of the fence and partially bury them. The greater the distance your dog has to dig, the less interested he will become.
If your dog is a persistent digger, consider setting up a "zone" in your yard that is dedicated to his digging. Let him go to town there! This will keep him out of your garden, and still allow him to act out on his instincts.
Digging is just one of the problems that a dog owner might face.
However, there are a lot of dog training guides that are available to help a new dog owner teach their animals how to stop their bad habits.
There are even dog training tips that will help you get on the right track to training your pooch.
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