How to Stop a Dog Digging
Digging is a natural behavior for most dogs although some breeds are more inclined to dig that others. So if you are considering getting a dog and you’re concerned about digging, choose a breed less inclined to dig rather than trying to stop a dog digging.
As digging is instinctual it’s unlikely and unfair to expect that you will be able to prevent a dog digging . It would better for both of you to work towards controlling the problem rather than trying to stop a dog digging.
Some dogs dig because they don’t have any other outlet for their natural energy. If your dog has a digging problem make sure that he or she is getting at least 45 min of lively exercise.
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Other dogs dig because they’re bored. If you dog is confined to the yard alone for long periods without anything to entertain him, his digging could be due boredom.
One answer is to exercise your dog before you leave and when you return. Also provide some toys or chews for entertainment while you are gone. Rotating the toys you leave accessible helps to keep them interesting.
Some dogs are just born escape artists, if this is your dog no amount of exercise will solve the problem. In this case a barrier is the best option. Extend the fence a foot or two under the soil or install a perimeter of chicken wire. Burying the wire just under the soil or turf at the base of the fence will usually stop a dog digging.
If you notice that your dog to lie in the holes they have dug, your dog is probably looking for comfort or protection from the elements. In hot weather dogs lie in cool earth for relief from the heat. To stop a dog digging in this instance make sure your dog as some where to get out of the harsher elements.
Separation anxiety can make your dog to dig in order to find you. Separation anxiety is complex psychological issue and will be addressed in a separate article.
If you dog buries bones, don’t give him bones but a rawhide chew instead.
Some dogs just love to dig, you can discourage the digging by only allowing supervised access to the yard. When not supervised, confine your dog to a crate, kennel or run until you have stopped the dog digging.
Put a sprinkler in the area where your dog usually digs as soon as the dog begins to dig, turn on the sprinkler.
Bury balloons in your areas you dog is inclined to excavate, the popping will startle him and stop a dog digging.
Another popular way to discourage digging is to bury your dogs dropping in the holes they have dug. This will discourage most dogs from digging in the same spot.
Another alternative is to provide you dog with an area where he is allowed to dig. A child’s sand box is ideal, fill it with a mixture of sand and light soil they bury toys and interesting smelling objects to provide added interest.
Encourage you dog to dig in the sandbox by digging in it in front of the dog and praising him and rewarding him when he digs in the right place while verbally reprimanding him for digging outside the box.
Training you dog to dig only in his area works best if, there is a visual boundary to where he is allowed to dig and you only allow supervised access to your yard during the learning period.
While it may not be possible to stop a dog digging altogether, you can train your dog to dig less or only in the allowed area.