Can anything be done to stop dogs from digging?
Dogs love to dig. I don't think anyone would dispute that.
Digging is part of being a dog, and dogs have no comprehension of garden beds, flowers and lawns.
So what can you do?
Do you allow your dog to express himself and all his dogginess? Or do you lock him up so you can enjoy the soothing splendor of your garden and lawn?
Is there a middle ground (no pun intended)?
I’m sure there is. However, sometimes digging is out of control, sometimes it is part of breed and sometimes it is a symptom of a larger problem.
So lets look at digging in more depth (Ha! Yes, I did mean that one).
Some breeds are more disposed to digging than others.
- Terriers
- Huskies
- Malamutes
- Spitz family
All dogs have their individual personalities so you may find this isn’t true of your dog, but just remember Terriers in particular were bred to dig out rabbits, etc and to ‘go to ground’.
It’s in their blood and it's not realistic to think you can stop dogs from digging when the breed is designed for it.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
Lack of exercise. Digging is a good way for a hyped-up, under-exercised dog to burn off some of that nervous energy.
- Boredom. Bored dogs need a “job” to do, something rewarding and interesting, to help the time pass by.
- The need to explore. Some dogs are driven to get out and look around. It doesn’t seem to matter how much exercise and attention they get, they want to get out and have a look around at what is happening in their neighborhood. For these dogs it isn’t so much the digging as the escaping under the fence that is the attraction.
- Separation anxiety. To a dog that’s seriously pining for your company, digging under those confining walls represents the most direct path to you. Separation anxiety is an unpleasant psychological issue relatively common among dogs.
How to Stop Dogs From Digging
Some of the solutions to stop dogs from digging are easy to see based on the reasons they did as listed above.
- Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise.
- Make sure your dog is entertained with toys and (safe) objects to chew.
If your dog just wants to be free, then you will need to block off the fence line with heavy wire netting, immoveable objects and heavy-duty shrubbery. And step up the activities to keep your little Houdini well occupied and worn out.
Some dogs are easily distracted from digging with just a little more activity and attention in their lives. For the rest, try this:
- Restrict your dog’s access. This is the most effective thing you can do: if he’s never in the yard without active supervision, there’s no opportunity for digging.
- Use natural deterrent. 99.9% of dogs will shy back, horrified, from the prospect of digging anywhere that there’s dog poop. Even the ones who like to eat poop (a condition known as coprophagia) generally won’t dig anywhere near it – it offends their basic, fastidious dislike of soiling their coat and paws.
- Use nature’s own wiles. If the digging is bothering you because it’s upsetting the more delicate blooms in your garden, plant hardier blossoms: preferably, those with deep roots and thorny defenses. Roses are ideal, as are thick strappy leafed plants and ornamental grasses.
- If your lawn has been trashed, try laying down a barrier before re-sowing or re-turfing. Remove all the patchy lawn remaining, cover the area with chicken-wire, spread a one or two inch layer of topsoil and sow your grass seeds, or just roll the turf out over the top of the wire. You’ll need to keep the whole area fenced off until it is established. Your dog will try to dig and find it uncomfortable once he strikes the wire. Most dogs will give up after a few tries.
When Nothing Works
Sometimes it's just not possible to stop dogs from digging.
You may have to accept your dog's need for an outlet and just give him a place to dig
You do this by allocating him an area where he’s allowed to dig as much as he pleases.
This could be just a corner of the yard out of the way of everything else, or it could be a sandpit in a container.
Once this digging area has been set up you can make it clear to your dog that there is to be no digging anywhere else.
You’ll have to spend some time establishing the rules with your dog and supervising him to make sure he gets the idea.
- When he starts to dig in the box (you can encourage this by shallowly burying a few choice marrowbones in there), praise him energetically.
- If he starts digging anywhere else, correct him straight away with an “Ah-ah-aaaah!” or “No!”
- Then, redirect him immediately to the sandbox, and dole out vociferous praise when digging recommences.
- To really clarify the lesson, give him a treat when digging gets underway in the sandbox – the close proximity between the correction (for digging out of the sandbox) and praise/reward (for digging in the sandbox) will ensure that your point strikes home.
For more information on recognizing and dealing with problematic behaviors like digging, chewing, barking, and aggression, check out Secrets to Dog Training.
It’s a detailed how-to manual for the responsible owner, and is packed with all the information you’ll need for raising a healthy, happy, well-adjusted pooch: from problem behaviors to dog psychology to obedience work, Secrets to Dog Training has it covered.
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