How to Stop a Dog from Digging

How to Stop a Dog from Digging – 4 Helpful Tips

One of the biggest annoyances that can come with owning a dog is when digging problems arise. First off, it’s important to know that the act of digging is completely normal, in fact, certain breeds are meant to dig! It comes from their instinct to construct dens to protect themselves and provide shelter. However, if your dog is constantly tearing up your yard, there could be an underlying behavioral reason for it, and you’re probably looking at why and how to stop your dog from digging. He might simply love digging, but could also be experiencing anxiety resulting from boredom, separation anxiety or some other factor. There are several ways that you can curb your dog’s digging habits. Begin today by following the 5 steps below!

1)    Comfort is key!
If your dog spends a great deal of time outside, including the nighttime hours, and doesn’t have a comfortable place to sleep, he could start digging due to this. Ensure that he has a clean kennel with good bedding or an area of the yard that provides him with a den like environment.   Once your dog is comfortable in his environment, he won’t feel the need to construct his own!

2)    Avoid outside distractions.
Often times, dogs dig under fences because they are trying to get something outside of their reach. If you find that this is the problem, it may benefit to block off the area completely and not allow your dog to go in that part of the yard. You can also try to control the outside distractions. For example, if it’s a smelly garbage can, take out the trash or move it to an area that cannot be seen or smelled by the dog. If your fence is right on a sidewalk and the distraction is people and other animals walking by, possibly having him in a different part of the yard would be the solution.

3)    Prevent boredom.
Believe it or not, dogs get bored; if you’re wondering how to stop dog digging… eliminate too much time for boredom. Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time may develop the digging habit out the sheer desire to have something to do. To avoid this problem, take your dog on a long walk before leaving the house for an extended period of time. Provide him with plenty of toys to play with outside. If he’s tired out and occupied, he will be less likely to dig!

4)    Set up a harmless trap.
Playing a few harmless tricks on your dog may keep him from digging. You can be creative with this. One method is to hide from him and squirt him with the hose when he is caught digging. You will have to try the methods more than once in order to create a negative response in the animal.

Teaching your dog that digging up the yard is not OK can be a difficult process, but if you would prefer your yard to not be full of holes. Help stop a dog from digging with the above tips, and the work you put into it now will be worth it in the long run.