How to Stop Dog Digging

If your dog has even begun to dig unsightly holes in your lawn and garden, you must learn how to stop a dog from digging before this problem gets out of hand. The firstDog Training step in putting an end to your dog’s digging is to first understand why your dog has begun doing it in the first place.

Your dog could be digging for any number of reasons. There are certain breeds of dogs, such as terriers, that are more prone to digging than others. More often then not, your dog digs to uncover new smells, or small animals, or who knows what! Digging stimulates your dog’s sense and is also a way for them to get exercise and keep their claws trim. Your dog is, however, more likely to dig if it is bored or lonely or just has nothing else to do.

Dogs are social and need companionship, either from humans or other dogs. Your dogs digging behavior could be a sign that your dog is lonely or it could mean your dog is looking for a mate.

Digging is instinctive for dogs. Before humans domesticated them, dogs lived in the wild. When they were cold, they dig a pit for warmth and when they were hot, they would dig a hole so they could lie in the dirt where it was cool and moist. Even though they no longer need to dig for survival, digging is still a natural instinct for them. Dogs dig holes to bury things like bones to have later because it is what their ancestors did.

Once you identify the reason they are digging, you can make the necessary changes to stop it. For instance, you can give your dog more attention or improve your dog’s means of shelter depending on the reason for your dog’s digging.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise, taking it on longer walks may get rid of that extra energy that is causing the digging in the first place. Also, remember that your dog’s claws need to be properly trimmed.

If your dog still has not stopped digging, you can always barricade off areas to keep your dog out and set up a specific area where it is okay to dig. If it is your garden you want to protect, build a fence around it with mesh wire or block it off with bricks or small rocks. You can also sprinkle ground red pepper on your garden, the smell and taste will be so unpleasant your dog will likely learn not to dig there.

Turning on the sprinklers when you see your dog digging in the yard or making a loud noise, like banging pots and pans can also put an end to your dog’s digging habits. Only do this the moment your dog starts digging, if you punish a dog for past behavior you will only scare and confuse it. Be consistent so that your dog understands which areas are off limits. To teach your dog it is okay to dig in only a designated area like a corner of the yard or in the sandbox, bury dog treats in those areas and give positive feedback for digging there.

There are commercial products available in most pet stores that are designed to stop dogs from digging. A more extreme tactic is to fill the holes your dog has dug with its own dog do mixed in with the dirt. Disgusting, yes, but it will quickly stop a dog from digging.


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