Your heart falls as you observe dirt flying in all directions outside the window. Your dog is enjoying himself immensely as he digs yet another hole in the backyard. Most dogs love digging, and it’s their natural instinct. Although it may take some time and persistence, most dogs can be taught to control their digging instincts. So, how to stop a dog from digging?
Every dog is unique, so you may need to test a few various approaches before settling on one that works best for your dog. Overall, all you need to do is to give them a distraction from digging. You can break this harmful habit and replace it with better ones if you use the appropriate dog training ideas.
So this article is all about various methods & things you can do to stop dogs from digging. Let’s get started!
How to stop a dog from digging?
You can prevent your dog from digging up your yard by removing any temptations they may find there and giving them lots of things to do and eat. Here are the various steps you can take to prevent your dog from digging the garden.
1) Get Them To Exercise
If you have an active dog breed or little time for physical activity, it is time to prioritize mobility. Breeds like retrievers and most doodle breeds fare well with frequent exercise and involvement. Likewise, dogs who have a fulfilling day and the opportunity to expend excess energy are less prone to dig.
While trips to the dog park or walks around the neighborhood are both enjoyable, keeping your pet active at home is also good. Your dog will start to associate the area with fun family times rather than digging for buried treats.
2) Use Toys To Keep Them Busy
Dogs are intelligent creatures that require mental stimulation because occupied brains do not dig. So, in addition to dog puzzle toys, you can also purchase a dog snuffle carpet for your beloved friend.
These foraging mats are the greatest toys for dogs that enjoy digging since they can be used to conceal goodies while entertaining your companion.
3) Provide Them Space To Cool Down
When it’s hot outside, dogs may dig because the soil just below the surface is a comfortable temperature. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of cold water and shade if it likes to dig in the yard. You may install a parasol, build a doghouse, or purchase a raised, covered dog bed.
4) Provide Them With A Sandbox
Some dog breeds were clearly meant to dig. The canine instinct to dig dates back to their wolf and wolf dog ancestors. Terriers, beagles, and dachshunds are just some of the hunting dogs specifically bred for the task of retrieving game from underground burrows.
Get him interested in his new play area by burying a bone there. Then, say, “No digging!” and lead him back to the sandbox if you see him doing so.
5) Keep Them Away From Digging Area
Dogs sometimes escape by digging under fences. This could be because the dog is bored, on the prowl for wildlife, or in pursuit of a friendly neighborhood pet. Attach chicken wire to the fence’s foundation to prevent escape tunneling. To completely avoid this issue, never let your dog alone in the yard for extended periods.
6) Add Digging Deterrents
Covering up the area where your dog digs holes in your yard can discourage him from doing so. Natural deterrents like cayenne pepper, lemon peels, or vinegar can also be used to cover the dig sites.
Natural remedies like Nature’s Mace have proven effective for certain users. To prevent digging up other plants and trees, you might also surround them with thorny or spiky bushes and plants.
7) Give Them Enough Time
Although we wish we could spend the entire day with our pets, many of us must work hard to provide them with the life they deserve. Consequently, we are often absent for the majority of the day and spend little quality time with our cherished pets, resulting in destructive behavior.
Make time daily to lavish your dog with affection. However, if you combine your efforts with active play or exercise, your dog may get too fatigued to continue digging.
8) Use Positive Reinforcement
When training your dog, always reward appropriate actions. However, an emphatic “No,” followed by a redirection to another topic about which you are enthusiastically positive, can have a profound influence.
How to stop a dog from digging under a fence?
Attach chicken wire to the fence’s base to prevent escape tunneling. To avoid this issue entirely, never leave your dog alone in the yard for extended periods. It’s also crucial to provide your dog with cerebral stimulation by walking at least twice daily.
Also, you can deter your dog from digging by providing plenty of bones, chewy toys, and even reward puzzle toys like these. A Kong with peanut butter or frozen yogurt inside for a summer treat is one of our favorite ways to spend time.
How to stop a dog from digging holes?
When it’s hot outside, dogs may dig because the soil just below the surface is a comfortable temperature, which results in the formation of holes. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of cold water and shade if it likes to dig in the yard. You may install a parasol, build a doghouse, or purchase a raised, covered dog bed.
Bottom Line
These were some of the most effective strategies on how to stop a dog from digging. Of course, your dog may not immediately quit digging, but if you continue to work with him and present a good alternative, he will learn healthier behaviors.
We hope this article was helpful & informative. Please leave your valuable thoughts & suggestions in the comments below!
Thank you for reading!