How To Stop Dogs Digging

This is an article on how to stop dogs digging. Do you know how to stop dogs from digging? You soon will as we uncover the secrets on how to stop dogs digging.

Lots of dogs love to dig.  It’s what they do.  It is normal dog behavior.  They dig to bury things, find things, to make burrows and cooling holes, and sometimes for the pure joy of just digging. But we don’t want our yard to be full of holes so it is good to discover how to stop dogs digging.

When any dog is left in the yard for any length of time he can resort to the natural dog behaviors of barking, chasing, chewing and digging.  So in order to stop dogs from digging in general, they need to be supervised for prevention of these annoying habits and here’s what to do about digging…

Holey Yard? Holey Garden? Click Here

To STOP Your Dog’s Digging Problems

If your dog already has a digging problem and you want to learn how to stop dogs digging, intervention and training are needed.  Read on for some ideas.

Prevention:
The best way is to prevent your dog from even starting to dig once he comes to live with you is to:

Supervise him closely – simply – never let him do it (easier said than done!)

Leaving him unsupervised in the yard is asking for trouble. Instead…

Stop dog digging by limiting him to roomy ‘dog proofed’ areas in the house if you absolutely have to leave him (especially at the beginning).

Ideas to help dogs to stop digging:

Some people whose dogs are already digging have given their dogs one special place to dig in their yard. This is in order to stop dog digging in no-dig-areas like the garden or the front lawn. Try this:  choose a location and dig with your dog there.  Every day go back to this area and show him it is ok to dig there.  Dig with him some more.  Make it interesting by burying his treasures there.  If you see him digging elsewhere, say a firm and controlled ‘no’ (please no shouting or hitting), and then take him immediately to his special digging area. He will eventually learn where his own ‘special’ digging spot is.

Here is a wild but effective trick on how to stop dogs digging: If your dog is already digging and there is a problem area, you can put your dog’s feces in the hole. If he starts another hole, put his feces there too. If you don’t want to use his ‘business’ to deter the digging, you can also use rocks and stones in the problem area. This will also discourage his digging behaviour. Eventually he’ll decide not to dig there anymore, as dogs don’t like to dig in rocky stoney areas (especially not in their poop)!

If your dog’s digging sites are along the fence, lay some wire mesh down and then lay the sod back over it.  When he digs and meets up with the wire, he will stop and likely not return to that area.  This is very effective on how to stop dogs digging along fenced areas.

Here is a surprising idea.  If you come across a hole, you can blow up a balloon and put it in the hole.  Cover well with dirt and wait.  When your dog goes to dig, the balloon pops – instantly correcting your dog.

For Success – A few things to keep in mind…

Never tie your dog in the yard and leave him, as this can seriously damage your dog mentally, emotionally and physically (same goes for your yard).  And it really will compromise your relationship with him.

Here’s a game changer: Make sure your dog is well exercised to prevent boredom; as boredom often leads to destructive behavior. Sufficient physical play will stop dog digging in its tracks! Work and play with him outdoors. Enjoy yourself – playing with your dog is a great way to have some fun and even lose a little tummy if you have extra!

It is also important to make sure your dog is well-socialized to give him confidence and a sense of security and place in his ‘pack’; the best way -  play, play, play.

Whatever idea you use on how to stop dogs digging, remember that exercise, discipline and affection are the best tools.  You know that yelling and hitting do not work in the long run.  Kindness and understanding will go a long way in successfully training your dog – you will both be greatly rewarded! Oh ya, this may take a pinch of patience!

Enjoy your play and training!

Best Regards,

‘GoodDogAdvice.com’ Crew.

Holey Yard? Holey Garden? Click Here

To STOP Your Dog’s Digging Problems