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How to stop dogs from digging
You're not alone if your dog happens to be a digger. Many dog owners have returned home only to find their puppy's head deep in a hole, bum in the air and dirt spraying behind them. The earlier you address digging habits, the better, or it worsens over time.
Simply pulling them away from the hole won't do the trick. Neither is bribing them with treats (which might reinforce the wrong idea). This guide provides the best ways to stop dogs from digging and turning your backyard into a mess. Some tips may work better than others depending on your dog, so ensure you experiment to learn what works best for them.
WHY DO DOGS DIG?
When your dog goes on a digging spree, there's often a good reason. Typically, it's to exert energy because they haven't exercised or had their daily walk for the day. Other times, it's because your dog has an adventurous side and dislikes being cooped up at home. This is sometimes why you'll find them digging a hole under a fence. There are a few other reasons to consider too.
DIGGING IS IN THEIR DNA
It's important to note that digging is a dog's DNA. Certain breeds like Mini Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds are more genetically inclined to dig. Throughout evolution, dogs hunted animals for food and were used for pest control. Hunting breeds like hounds may also dig because they search for smaller animals like mice in your yard. Meanwhile, larger species like Huskies dig for self-preservation, seeking cooler spaces below the surface.
Another common scenario is seeing your dog dig on their dog mattress just before sleep. Why do dogs dig at their bed? Again, it's due to their DNA – dogs have scent glands at the bottom of their feet which secretes specific pheromones. Digging at their bed can be a way for your dog to mark its territory.
DIGGING TO ALLEVIATE BOREDOM
Without daily exercise, your dog's energy can accumulate, making them agitated or anxious. Hence, the digging. In other words, they're bored and are looking for a way to pass the time. Puppies are incredibly full of energy, and without any attention or entertainment, digging can quickly become a favourite pastime activity.
Early Training for puppies prevents them from digging
The earlier you address digging, the better. The key is training your dog and implementing activities that keep them entertained.
Daily exercise
Puppies are full of boundless energy, so daily exercise and walks are one of the most efficient ways to put their energy to good use. Most dogs will fall asleep after their walks. Aim to do your exercises and walks in the morning so they've calmed down by the afternoon and early evening. Large active breeds like Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds may require a second walk in the late afternoon to exert extra energy.
USE TOYS TO PROVIDE DIVERSION
Toys like chew toys and tug toys are all excellent tools that keep dogs and puppies occupied for the day. Giving them something else to concentrate on will prevent them from resorting to digging to pass the time.
PROVIDE DESIGNATED DIGGING AREA
This may be counterintuitive, but it's a helpful solution if you've exhausted other options. Build a sandbox and bury their favourite today in the spot. Bring them to the area using treats and as soon as they start digging, enforce the behaviour by giving lots of praise. Eventually, they will understand that the sandbox is a digging area.
STOP DOGS FROM DIGGING USING A HOME REMEDY DOG DIG REPELLENT
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so liquids like vinegar may help them avoid the area. Create a mixture of 1:1 vinegar and water, then spray it on the areas your dog digs. While this might help prevent digging, it may only work for some dogs as the scent eventually fades.
INDOOR ACTIVITIES TO STOP THEM FROM DIGGING
If you don't have a backyard, plenty of indoor activities still exist to stop a dog from digging. Try out these suggestions below. It may not work for every dog, so we suggest trialling a few to find the right fit for your puppy.
USE A PLAYPEN FILLED WITH DIFFERENT TOYS
Set up a designated playpen and fill it with their favourite toys like tug toys, balls, chew toys and more. Ensure you rotate the toys to keep them entertained throughout the day.
USE A SNUFFLE MAT
The snuffle mat stimulates your dog's prize possession: its nose. Hide tasty treats in the nooks and crannies of the snuffle mat to get their sense of smell going. 20 minutes of sniffing is equivalent to an hour's walk for enrichment for your dog.
USE A LICK BOWL
Dog lick bowls are silicone, non-toxic, food-grade bowls that keep your dog stimulated for hours. If your dog loves to inhale and chow down on food quickly, lick bowls encourage slower eating, allowing them to pass the time longer.
By providing adequate mental and physical stimulation, creating designated digging areas, reinforincing positive behaviours, and addressing ay underlying anxiety issues, you can create an environment where digging becomes less appealing to your dog.
Understanding the underlying reasons to why your dog loves to dig will help you find a solution. Remember each dog is unique and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, consistent and adapt these tips to suit your dog’s needs.
Why not give these tips a try? With some time, effort and understanding, work with your dog to see what works towards a positive change in your dog’s behaviour.