How To Stop My Dog Digging The Garden

If you have a dog, odds are your canine friend has dug his share of holes in your yard. Dogs dig for many reasons — boredom, hunting, comfort, attention-seeking, and simple instinct, among others. To an extent, you probably should just accept some amount of digging as part of owning a dog. However, there are some reliable methods to keep your dog from making your yard look like a pockmarked, trenched-out World War I battlefield.

1
Diagnose the problem. If you can figure out why your dog is digging holes, your odds of changing the behavior will dramatically improve. Some digging is random and unable to be diagnosed, but usually there are discernible reasons for the behavior.
- Dogs often dig holes for one (or more) of these five reasons: entertainment, physical comfort, attention-seeking, escape, or prey-seeking. Watch when, where, and how your dog digs, and you can probably determine why he digs.^[1]
- Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely stopped. Some dogs have been bred to dig; terriers and dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt badgers. If you know digging will be a major problem for you, investigate a dog breed's propensity for digging before selecting a new pet.^[2]
2
Give your dog more attention. As many a dog-lover can attest, canines are not all that different from children in many ways, including a desire to get attention by whatever means necessary. Your dog may have learned that digging a hole in your nice garden gets attention from you, even if that attention is of the negative variety.^[3]
- If you think this might be the case, ignore the dog after the digging and lavish your dog with attention for other, good behavior.
- Additionally, make sure your dog has plenty of time with you on other occasions. A happy dog won't need to find attention in all the wrong places. Punishing your dog for digging by banishing her from your presence is likely to only exacerbate the behavior.
3
Reduce your dog's boredom. Dogs often dig for no other reason than simply because they are bored. Your dog may be bored if he stares at fences for a long time, whines, or engages in playful or "hyperactive" behavior, including digging holes. To stop your dog from being bored:^[4]
- Provide entertainment with toys and play time, especially if the dog is young and doesn't have any other outlets. Rotate the toys every so often in order to keep the dog excited.
- Exercise your dog vigorously with walks or runs. Walk your dog at least twice a day, and consider playing fetch with a tennis ball launcher to really get him tuckered out. A tired dog is all you really need to stop the digging.
- Let your dog socialize with other dogs. Bring your dog to the dog park and let him sniff, saunter, and socialize to his heart's content. Dogs are almost never bored when there are other dogs around.
4
Create safe discouragements. You have to catch the dog in the act of digging a hole if you want to effectively associate your disapproval with the activity. Since most of the digging is likely to happen while you're not watching, you need to find ways to make the act of digging while you are not around a little bit less pleasurable for the dog.^[5]
- Remember: punishing the dog for digging after the fact will not solve the problem, and it could just worsen any anxiety that is causing the digging in the first place.
- Use garden fencing to close off an area of frequent digging. Even a minor barricade may prove enough of a deterrent.
- Partially bury rocks in areas of frequent digging. They will make digging more difficult and less enjoyable. Larger, flat rocks work best, as they're the hardest to move aside.
- Bury chicken wire or chain-link fencing just under the surface of the dirt. The wire on the dog's feet will feel uncomfortable. This usually works best near the fence (see Tips, below).
5
Try more unpleasant (but not harmful) discouragements if your dog continues to dig. If you've unsuccessfully tried to discourage your dog from digging the polite way, it may be time to step up your tactics. Here are some less pleasant ways of discouraging your dog from digging.^[6]
- Some dogs hate the smell of their own feces. Putting some of your dog's own feces in the hole will make it less pleasurable. However, there are many dogs who eat their poop and will gladly see this as you burying their favorite treat. It depends on the dog.
- Bury a small inflated balloon in the dog's hole and cover it with a layer of dirt. The unpleasant surprise when the dog pops the balloon will take away some of the dog's digging pleasure.
- If you're more creative, you can set up a motion sensor that unleashes a sprinkler or loud noise whenever the dog enters a "no-digging" area.
- Use citrus peels to guard the area. Many dogs really dislike the smell of orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels. (Some dogs don't mind.) Peel an orange or get some orange juice on your hand and bring your hand up to the dog's nose. If she backs away or is anxious, you know it's fair game.
6
Seek professional assistance as needed. If you are having trouble diagnosing why your dog digs, or in stopping the digging even if you know why it happens, it may be time to call in the pros. Certified dog trainers and animal behaviorists can offer you personalized tips and techniques for addressing the causes and conditions of your dog's digging.^[7]
- Consider enrolling yourself and your dog in a basic training class. Implement the calm, assertive approach used in basic training and your dog should see you as the leader of the pack. When everything is done properly, your dog should show deeper respect for you and remember all the commands taught at the training.
- Teach your dog basic commands such as "Stop," "Sit," "Heel," etc. Practice these tricks once a day for 10 minutes. Ignore failures and immediately reward success.
- When you see your dog in the act of digging a hole, utilize negative reinforcement. Without being seen, create a loud noise (for instance, with a soda can with several coins inside) that will distract the dog. This unpleasant noise will become associated with digging.^[8]

1
Construct a doggy-digging "sandbox." This is a designated, defined area of your yard where it is okay for the dog to dig. Encourage your dog to play in this area instead of the restricted area.^[9]
- Use wooden beams or low fencing to define the sandbox and fill it with freshly tilled earth.
- Bury treats and smelly things in the sandbox to encourage your dog's use and attention.
- If you catch your dog digging in an non-designated area, firmly say "No digging!" and bring her over to the designated digging area where she can dig in peace. Immediately reward digging within the sandbox.
2
Create a shaded area for your dog outside. If you don't have an outside shelter to keep your dog cool in hot weather, he might be digging to find a respite from the heat. This is especially likely if the digging is near the foundations of buildings, trees, or water sources.^[10]
- Provide your dog with a nice, comfortable dog house in which to escape the heat (and cold) of the day.
- Don't let your dog outside without adequate protection in cases of extreme heat or cold. Keep your dog inside more often if necessary.
- Make sure your dog has a filled water bowl that can't be tipped over, leaving your dog without water the entire day.
3
Eliminate any prey that your dog may be chasing. Some dogs are natural hunters and love the thrill of the chase. If the dog digs at the roots of trees or plants, or there's a raised path leading to the digging site, it's possible that your pet has spotted a rodent or other type of animal to hunt.^[11]
- Find a safe way to trap and relocate, fence out, or otherwise make your yard unattractive to the unwanted animal(s). (Call an expert if you're unsure of what animal you may be dealing with.)
- Do not use any poison to exterminate the prey animal from your yard. Any poison that could harm a rodent could potentially harm your dog, too.
4
Keep your dog from escaping. Your dog may be trying to escape the premises to get to something, to get somewhere, or to simply to get away. This is the case especially if the digging happens near fencing. If you think this may be the case, try to figure out what your dog is running to or from, and provide incentives to stay put in the yard.^[12]
- Bury chicken wire underneath the bottom border of the fence. Make sure any sharp areas are pointed up and in, or at least away from your dog so she doesn't injure herself.
- Line the fence with partially-buried rocks that block progress.
- Bury the fence even deeper into the ground. Fences that are buried 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) deep have little chance of being breached.
- If your dog is trying to escape to another yard (with another dog, for instance), you may want to consider putting up new fencing that blocks the line of sight to that apparent doggy oasis.
5
Remove temptations. The more temptations the dog has, the harder it is to resist digging. If you create a yard that is less tempting to dig holes in, the behavior will be much easier to keep under (relative) control.^[13]
- Dogs enjoy digging in freshly tilled earth. If you are working in your garden, remove fresh dirt from your dog's reach with a fence or covering.
- Go out and dig up any bones or other things your dog has buried. Do not let the dog see you do this, or it may be seen as part of a fun, back-and-forth game. Fill the hole back in, and add discouragements (see above) as needed.
- If you do gardening, do not let your dog see you till or dig in the earth, as this would simply be positive reinforcement. (Basically, "If you can do it, why can't I?")
- Keep your garden clean. Remove attractive smells. As noted above, deal with any rodent or other small mammal problem.

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Question

What can I do to stop my dog from digging on the couch?

Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.

Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Answer

Try placing a big, fluffy blanket on top of the couch so he can burrow in that instead.
Question

How do I stop my dog from digging holes in my garden?

Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.

Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Expert Answer

I suggest you give them a place where it's okay to dig so they can get their energy out without destroying your garden. For example, you might get a small sandbox and bury some bones or toys in the sand so they know it's okay to dig there.
Question

Can you use cayenne pepper to stop a dog from digging?

Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The idea behind cayenne pepper is that the smell is repellent or else it makes the dog sneeze when he sniffs around prior to digging. However, it's debatable whether this works or not. There's little to lose by giving it a go, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work.
Question

What can you give a dog for diarrhea?

Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's best to withhold food for 24 hours, but make sure the dog is still drinking water. After that time, re-introduce bland food such as white meat (chicken, turkey) and boiled white rice. Consider mixing a dog probiotic with the food, as this helps repopulate the gut with bugs that aid digestion.
Question

How do you get a dog to stop digging?

Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Try to figure out why the dog is digging. For many, this is boredom due to lack of exercise, so correcting the problems means increasing mental and physical exercise for the dog. Alternatively, for a hardened digger, provide the dog with a well-demarcated area where he is allowed to dig and train him to use this.
Question

Do Labs dig holes?

Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, they do; however, if you give a Lab plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it helps prevent excessive digging born out of boredom.
Question

Will onion peels prevent my dog from digging in certain spots?

I don't recommend onions as a method of repelling them. Some dogs may attempt to eat it, and onions are poisonous to dogs when ingested. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst.
Question

How do I stop a chocolate Labrador/Staphie cross from digging?

In areas where your dog is digging put orange peels (or something your dog dislikes) to stop their digging. Also, as it says above, you can add a sandbox for your dog to dig in.
Question

Could I use dog boots on the front paws to stop digging?

Yes. Dog boots are the perfect idea, because they are very strong and slow the digging process.
Question

Will playing in the grass hurt a puppy?

As long as your dog has all his shots to protect against rabies, worms, ticks or fleas, no, playing in the grass shouldn't hurt him.

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Prevent escapes by folding 3 feet (0.9 m) wide chicken wire fence and attaching it to the fence along the ground (with two feet of the fencing on the ground). The grass will grow into it and (hopefully) prevent an escape.
If you use the dog feces method, use your dog's own feces; the waste from another dog will not work.
Punishing dogs directly is usually considered ineffective. At best, punishing your dog for digging holes by yelling, slapping, or hitting him will only keep him from digging that hole while you are around.
Wire electric fence (hooked to an electric fence box, purchased at a farm store) can be added to most kind of dog fence, approximately 7 inches (17.8 cm) from the ground, to prevent dogs from going near the fence to dig. They only have to touch it once.
Buy and read good books on dog training and behavior. Forget the television stars and go for the real trainers whose books have stood the test of time. Consider The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete ISBN 0316578398
Cement also works well to fill holes near the fence (pour in dry, then add water to cement-filled hole, do not allow dog in yard while it is hardening).

Many dogs fail to use only the sandbox (in the sandbox method).
Some breeds actually enjoy digging (it has nothing to do with obedience or boredom). Research breed characteristics before buying a dog. If you cannot tolerate digging in an otherwise happy dog, do not buy that kind of dog. Some primitive-type breeds who love to dig for the joy of digging include Australian Cattle Dogs and the Portuguese Podengo Medio (new to America). Also, most terriers love digging and should be allowed to do so, as long as they cannot escape.

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Article Summary X

One way to stop a dog from digging is by giving it more attention because a dog will dig to entertain itself, release physical energy, or get attention from its owner. Try playing with toys, exercising by going on runs, or letting your dog socialize at a dog park. If you catch your dog digging, ignore the behavior, and when it's finished digging, block off the area so that it can't get to the hole. If your dog continues to dig, consider enrolling it in a basic training class to learn how to respond to commands, which will make controlling its behavior easier. To learn more from our Veterinarian co-author, like how to make a safe area for your dog to dig with a sandbox, keep reading the article!

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