Stop Your Dog From Digging

Does your backyard resemble the moon’s landscape riddled with craters and holes? Well, I have some tips for keeping your dog from digging to the center of the Earth — I promise!

Why Do Dogs Dig?

• Dogs were bred to dig:  While many folks believe this is a Terrier thing, I beg to differ. Pretty much all dogs like to dig, some more than others (hence Terriers). I would lump Dachshunds and many scent hounds in this digging group too.

• Dogs smell vermin under the ground: This scent is mesmerizing to just about all dogs even that darling little Maltese with bows in her hair!

• Dogs left outdoors, especially in the heat, will dig a hole to cool themselves off. To prevent this from happening, bring them indoors.

• Bored dogs dig: If a dog is alone and bored in the backyard (and sometimes dig indoors too), he will entertain himself this way. And it’s usually digging up your petunias. 🙂 Instead, provide him with plenty of puzzle toys, or better yet, hire a pet sitter to bring him on a long walk.

• Trying to escape or get to something: Prevent by never leaving a dog outside unattended. Cover a hole with dirt and secure fence lines, if needed. The more your dog practices digging out the yard, the better he will get at it so prevent. 🙂

• Bury something: Sometimes dogs want to bury a bone or chew.

• It’s fun! Who doesn’t love cool dirt running through your paws?

Pre-Dug Holes — Don’t Fill Them Yet!

Before filling holes dug by your dog, do one extra step and add poop in the hole first! Poop is a powerful deterrent for most dogs. Go ahead and try it. Add fecal chunks in the hole and let your dog out in the yard. You’ll notice his disgust once he notices what’s in the hole and he’ll meander away — bingo! Leaving poop in the hole, even if filling with dirt, will continue to deter your dog from digging in that spot again.

Now, if your dog enjoys eating stool, you just made him a buffet! Instead, add several large rocks in the hole, then cover with dirt.

Digging Pit

Actually, this idea works really really well! Dogs will dig so it’s best to teach them where they are allowed to dig and to their heart’s content!

Fill a plastic swimming pool

Place in a shady spot and fill with dirt. When choosing dirt, choose regular dirt or sand. Stay away from potting soil, which can contain chemicals. Bury toys, treats and bits of kibble within the layers of dirt and turn your dog loose. Cheer him on while he’s digging. This is very rewarding (who doesn’t love his own cheering section?).

Section off a small part of yard

Choose a shady area (who wants to dig in the heat?). 🙂 Till or shovel the digging pit area, which exposes and loosens the dirt, making digging easier and fun. While your dog watches, hide treats, chews or kibble within the loose dirt. Several times a week, hide treats in your dog’s new digging pit and cheer him on while he’s digging in his new spot.

Indoor Digging Area

Find a large box, then cut a side hole so your dog can easily enter and exit the box. Now fill the box with old towels and newspaper, then scatter treats within the layers. Turn your dog loose, show him the hole and now he has a digging pit! If he’s not sure about entering the hole, scatter a few treats next to the outside and inside entrance.

Does your dog love to dig? Mine sure does!