2. 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?
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. He's Hunting For Prey
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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.