Stop Dogs from Digging
23 May 2009
The two main reasons for dog digging are that your dog may be too hot or too cold. Your dog is able to adjust his body temperature by digging and lying in a hole. Different from people, dogs have no way to add or remove layers so they have to get relief from weather conditions in other ways.
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. Alas, this is likely to 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. Particular breeds are given to digging. These breeds will require extra patience from you in order to stop their digging behavior.
For more information on how to stop your dog from digging, I recommend that you check out: Stop Dogs from Digging
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. Once your dog has left the hole, you should place the “surprise” in the hole. Water sprayed with bitter apple is one suggestion (this is available at pet stores).
- Placing garden waste in the holes is one way to stop your dog from digging. Clean dirt is preferred by most dogs. You should put mulch, sticks, dead vegetation, and rocks in the hole and lightly cover it with soil. It is probable that your dog will stop digging when he discovers the undesirable materials in his hole. If this doesn’t work, fill the hole, spraying the contents with bitter apple. Most dogs will cease to dig in that spot as they dislike the smell.
- Your dog should be provided with a designated area where he can dig to his heart’s delight. Digging is instinctive for dogs. It may take some time to train your dog to restrict his digging to that spot but it can be done. One way to stop dogs from digging up your flowers is to provide them with an area in the garden where they can dig as much as they like.
You could use a sandbox or fence off a portion of your garden that has not been landscaped. 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 you have previously scolded him for digging, you may need to give him extra encouragement. Once he realizes that he is allowed to dig in that area, he will be a happy dog.
- As soon as your dog as his own digging patch, the excitement will need to be kept up for him. Occasionally, hide a treat or toy in the ground for him to discover. Once a dog becomes bored with digging up the same spot, he may feel that a different part of your garden seems more enticing.
Every so often, the sand or dirt in your dog’s digging patch should be changed. Dogs like fresh soil better than hard earth. As well, your dog will sometimes like to dig under the fence rather than in his own digging patch. Spray your flower borders with animal essence, which hunters use to tempt animals. The odor from other animals may discourage your dog’s digging.
This information will help you to stop your dog from digging anywhere you don’t want him to. Dogs are not being mean when they dig under your fence as this is instinctive behavior for them.
To stop your dog’s annoying digging behavior, make sure you check out: Stop Dogs from Digging
