How to Stop Dogs from Digging
The two key reasons for a dog digging are that he is too hot or too cold. Your dog is able to adjust his body temperature by digging and lying in a hole. As dogs are unable to remove or add layers, they have to find other methods to give them relief from the weather conditions.
Dogs also dig because they are bored. Dogs can become very bored and restless when their owner is away for an extended period of time. A dog that is left alone will find ways to entertain himself. Sadly, this might be digging!
To stop dogs from digging, their behavior needs to be redirected towards other activities. Sometimes all you need to do is provide him with a safe digging area where there will be no repercussions. Some dog breeds have an instinctive tendency to dig. Extra patience will be needed with these breeds in order to stop dogs from digging.
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The following tips should help to stop dogs from digging up your yard:
- Put an unpleasant “present” in the hole dug by your dog. Frequently, a dog will begin digging, take a break from the hole, and come back later to carry on digging. While your dog is taking his break from digging, you should put the surprise in the hole. One suggestion is water sprayed with bitter apple, which is available in pet stores.
- Placing garden waste in the holes is one way to stop your dog from digging. Clean dirt is preferred by most dogs. Place rocks, sticks, mulch, and dead leaves in the hole and cover it with a light layer of soil. When your dog resumes his digging and discovers these undesirables in his hole, it is likely that he will stop digging. If this doesn’t work, fill the hole, spraying the contents with bitter apple. Most dogs dislike the odor and will stop digging in that particular hole.
- Your dog should be provided with a designated area where he can dig to his heart’s delight. Digging is part of a dog’s nature. It will probably take a while for you to teach your dog to confine his digging to that area but it is certaivly possible. Stop dogs from digging in your flower garden by giving them an area where they are free to dig a few holes.
A sandbox is one option or an area of your garden that has not been landscaped could be cordoned off. Burying some treats that your dog is able to discover will help him to understand that he is able to dig in that area. If your dog has previously been chastized for his digging activities, he may require extra encouragement. As soon as he understands that digging in that area is permitted, he will be an overjoyed dog.
- As soon as your dog as his own digging patch, the excitement will need to be kept up for him. Every so often, you should bury a toy or treat for him to find. Dogs get bored with digging the same patch of land and may find another spot in your garden more exciting.
Every so often, the sand or dirt in your dog’s digging patch should be changed. Dogs like fresh soil better than hard earth. There will also be times when your dog will prefer your flowerbed to his own digging area. Sprinkle your flowerbeds with animal essence, which is used by hunters to attract animals. The smell of other animals may stop dogs from digging.
This will stop your dog from digging anywhere other than his own digging patch. Dogs are not being mean when they dig under your fence as this is instinctive behavior for them.
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