How to Stop a Dog from Digging in the Yard

How to Stop a Dog from Digging in the Yard

Dogs are wonderful companions, but their digging habits can turn a beautiful yard into a chaotic mess. If you’re struggling with how to stop a dog from digging in the yard, you’re not alone.

This behavior can stem from a variety of reasons, and understanding these can help you find effective solutions. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind digging.

In addition, we will also discuss some useful training techniques to help you reclaim your yard.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

Before we jump into the solutions, it’s essential to understand why your dog digs.

1. Instinctual Behaviour

Many breeds, particularly terriers and hounds, have an instinct to dig. Historically, these breeds were used for hunting small animals or rodents that live underground.

Even if your dog is not hunting, their instincts may drive them to dig as part of their natural behavior.

2. Boredom or Lack of Mental Stimulation

Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation.

If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise or attention, they might turn to digging as a way to entertain themselves. Bored dogs are more likely to engage in destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, or digging.

3. Comfort or Cooling Down

On hot days, dogs may dig holes to lie in and cool down, especially if they don’t have access to shaded or cool areas. The ground underneath the surface is cooler, making it a perfect spot for your dog to relax.

4. Attention-Seeking

Sometimes, dogs dig because they’ve learned it gets them attention. If you’ve ever run outside to stop your dog from digging, they may associate the act of digging with getting your attention—even if it’s negative attention.

5. Hunting or Chasing Prey

Dogs with a high prey drive may dig in pursuit of burrowing animals, like moles or gophers. If you’ve got wildlife in your yard, your dog may be digging to chase or catch these critters.

6. Escape Behaviour

Some dogs dig to try to escape from the yard, particularly if they’re feeling confined or anxious. They might dig under fences or near gates in an attempt to get out.

7. Hiding Food or Toys

Dogs may dig to bury their treasures. This instinct is a leftover from their wild ancestors, who would hide food to protect it from scavengers. If your dog is digging to hide items, it may be a sign they need more engaging toys or activities.

How to Prevent Your Dog from Digging
How to Prevent Your Dog from Digging

How to Stop a Dog From Digging: Step-by-Step Solutions

Now that we know why dogs dig, let’s discuss some effective strategies to help curb this behavior.

1. Provide More Exercise and Mental Stimulation

One of the most common reasons dogs dig is out of boredom or excess energy.

If your dog isn’t getting enough physical activity or mental stimulation, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves—often in destructive ways, like digging.

How to Provide More Exercise:

  • Increase daily walks: Make sure your dog is getting at least one or two good walks each day. Active breeds may need even more physical exercise to burn off energy.
  • Play games: Engage your dog in games like fetch, tug-of-war, or frisbee to provide both mental and physical stimulation.
  • Use Puzzle Toys: Toys that challenge your dog to work for treats, like Kongs or puzzle feeders, keep their mind busy and help reduce boredom.
  • Training sessions: Regular obedience training or teaching your dog new tricks is a great way to challenge their brain and give them a sense of purpose.

Tip: A tired dog is less likely to dig. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise to meet their breed’s energy level and needs.

2. Designate a Digging Area

For dogs that dig out of instinct, completely stopping the behavior can be difficult because it’s so natural for them. Instead of fighting this instinct, you can provide a designated digging area where your dog is allowed to dig freely.

How to Create a Digging Zone:

  • Choose a spot: Pick a corner of the yard where it’s okay for your dog to dig. This could be a patch of dirt, sand, or mulch.
  • Encourage digging in that spot: Bury toys or treats in the designated area to encourage your dog to dig there rather than in other parts of the yard.
  • Praise when they use the area: When your dog digs in the designated area, reward them with treats or praise. If they dig elsewhere, redirect them to the correct spot.

Tip: You can make the digging area more attractive by keeping the soil loose and burying some of your dog’s favorite toys to pique their interest.

3. Supervise Outdoor Time

Until your dog learns where it’s okay to dig (or stops digging altogether), it’s important to supervise them when they’re in the yard. This way, you can intervene if they start digging in the wrong spot and redirect them to an appropriate activity.

How to Supervise and Redirect:

  • Keep an eye on your dog: If you notice your dog starting to dig, immediately call their name or use a command like “no” or “leave it.”
  • Redirect their attention: Offer them a toy, start a game, or take them to their designated digging area.
  • Reward good behavior: If your dog stops digging when asked or plays with a toy instead, reward them with praise or a treat.

Tip: Don’t wait until the hole is already dug to intervene. The sooner you catch your dog in the act, the easier it is to redirect their behavior.

4. Provide Shade and Cooling Options

If your dog is digging to cool off on hot days, it’s important to provide them with alternative ways to stay cool.
Dogs will dig to create a cooler spot for themselves, so giving them a comfortable place to relax can reduce their urge to dig.

How to Keep Your Dog Cool:

  • Provide shade: Make sure there’s a shaded area in the yard where your dog can rest comfortably. If there’s no natural shade, consider using a sunshade or umbrella.
  • Offer a cooling mat: Cooling mats are a great way to give your dog a cool place to lie down. These mats can be placed in shaded areas to help regulate their body temperature.
  • Supply fresh water: Ensure your dog has access to fresh, cool water at all times, especially during hot weather.

Tip: If your dog is especially prone to digging to cool down, you can also offer them a shallow kiddie pool where they can splash around and cool off.

5. Remove Wildlife Temptations

If your dog is digging because they’re chasing animals like moles or gophers, you’ll need to address the wildlife problem first.

Your dog will continue to dig if they smell or hear burrowing animals in the yard, so it’s important to make your yard less appealing to these critters.

How to Manage Wildlife:

  • Use humane traps: Consider using humane traps to catch and release burrowing animals. Always check local wildlife regulations before using traps.
  • Block off burrows: If you find burrows in your yard, fill them in and cover the area with a heavy object like a rock or piece of wood to discourage animals from returning.
  • Hire a pest control service: If wildlife is a recurring problem, consider hiring a professional pest control service to help remove the animals humanely.

Tip: Avoid using harmful chemicals or poisons, as these can be dangerous to both your dog and other wildlife.

6. Address Escape Behaviours

Some dogs dig to escape from the yard, especially if they’re left alone for long periods or if they have separation anxiety. If your dog is digging near fences or gates, they may be trying to get out.

How to Prevent Escape Digging:

  • Reinforce the fence: Bury chicken wire or hardware cloth along the base of your fence to make it harder for your dog to dig under it. You can also place large rocks or bricks along the fence line to block digging attempts.
  • Spend more time with your dog: Dogs that dig to escape are often lonely or anxious. Make sure you’re spending enough time with your dog and giving them plenty of exercise and attention.
  • Use a tie-out or long leash: If your dog continues to try to escape, consider using a long leash or tie-out when they’re in the yard to prevent them from digging under the fence.

Tip: If your dog’s escape behavior is due to separation anxiety, you may need to work with a professional trainer to address the underlying anxiety.

7. Use Digging Deterrents

If your dog has a habit of digging in certain areas of the yard, you can use deterrents to make those areas less appealing.

There are several safe and humane ways to deter digging in specific spots.

How to Use Digging Deterrents:

  • Citrus peels: Dogs dislike the smell of citrus, so placing orange or lemon peels in areas where your dog digs can help deter them.
  • Vinegar or citronella spray: Spraying vinegar or citronella around areas where your dog likes to dig can discourage them. Be sure to reapply after it rains.
  • Chicken wire: For persistent diggers, you can place chicken wire just below the surface of the soil in problem areas. Dogs don’t like the feeling of wire under their paws, and it can prevent them from digging.

Tip: Always use non-toxic, dog-safe deterrents to ensure your dog isn’t harmed by the materials you use to prevent digging.

8. Training a “Stop Digging” Command

Training your dog to respond to commands can help manage digging behavior.

  • Teaching Commands: Use a command like “stop digging” or “leave it” when you catch your dog in the act. Pair the command with a hand signal pointing to the ground for added clarity.
  • Using Rewards: Reward your dog with treats when they obey the command. This reinforces the behavior you want to see. Be sure to have high-value treats on hand for training sessions.
  • Practice in Various Situations: Consistently practice the command in different environments to strengthen the behavior. Training in the yard where digging occurs can help generalize the command.

Note: Combining the “stop digging” command with positive reinforcement and redirection to an approved digging area can be an effective way.

9. Dealing with Existing Holes

If your dog has already created holes in your yard, here’s how to manage them:

  • Filling Holes: Fill existing holes with soil, rocks, or gravel to discourage further digging. Tamping down the soil can make it less appealing for digging.
  • Covering Filled Holes: Use chicken wire or boards over filled holes to prevent your dog from re-digging. Securing the barriers with stakes can keep them in place.
  • Redirecting to a Nearby Digging Area: Encourage your dog to dig in the designated area instead. Placing the approved digging spot near the filled holes can make it more appealing.

Placing the designated digging area near the filled holes can make it more appealing for your dog to use as their primary digging spot. Supervising and rewarding your dog when they dig in the approved area can reinforce the behavior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stopping Digging

While it’s tempting to stop your dog’s digging as quickly as possible, there are a few common mistakes that can make the behavior worse.

1. Punishing Your Dog After the Fact

If you come outside and find a hole in your yard, it’s too late to punish your dog. Dogs don’t understand punishment that occurs after the behavior, so scolding them won’t be effective. Instead, focus on redirecting the behavior when it happens.

2. Ignoring the Root Cause

If you don’t address the reason why your dog is digging, the behavior is unlikely to stop. Whether it’s boredom, instinct, or escape behavior, make sure you’re addressing the underlying cause of the digging.

3. Not Providing Enough Stimulation

A bored dog will always find ways to entertain themselves, and digging is a common outlet.

If you’re not giving your dog enough physical and mental stimulation, they’re more likely to engage in destructive behaviors.

FAQs

1. Why does my dog dig even though they have toys and attention?

Dogs may dig for many reasons, including instinct, boredom, or seeking a cool spot to rest. Even with toys and attention, some dogs have a natural urge to dig, especially certain breeds like terriers and hounds.

2. Can digging be completely stopped?

In most cases, digging can be managed and greatly reduced, but for some dogs, especially those with strong instincts, the urge to dig may never completely disappear. Providing a designated digging area can help satisfy this instinct without ruining your yard.

3. How long does it take to stop a dog from digging?

The time it takes to stop digging depends on your dog’s motivation and how consistently you address the behavior. With regular training and redirection, most dogs will stop or significantly reduce digging within a few weeks to a couple of months.

4. Is digging a sign of anxiety?

In some cases, yes. Dogs with separation anxiety or general anxiety may dig as a way to cope with stress, especially if they’re left alone for long periods. If your dog’s digging seems anxiety-related, consider working with a trainer or behaviorist.

Final Thoughts

Digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, but it doesn’t have to ruin your yard.

By understanding why your dog digs and addressing the root cause, you can effectively manage and reduce the behavior.

Share your experiences or any tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it’s going for you!

Spread the love