Is your dog tearing up your yard? Even worse is if they dig under the fence and escape. But getting your dog to stop digging can be hard. Never fear, Natural Cravings is here to help you break this bad habit. So, let’s look at how to stop your dog from digging.

WHY DOGS DIG

Because your dog might be digging for a different reason, your first step should be to understand why your dog is digging.

Instinctual Behavior: Many dog breeds have a natural inclination to dig. It is an instinctual behavior inherited from their wild ancestors. Dogs may dig to create or expand a den-like space, burrow for shelter, or seek refuge.

Seeking Comfort or Relief: Dogs may dig to find a cool spot in hot weather. Or warm up when temperatures drop. They might also dig a hole to lie in to alleviate discomfort, such as when they are feeling anxious or experiencing physical pain.

Boredom or Excess Energy: Dogs that are bored or have pent-up energy may resort to digging as a way to entertain themselves. Especially smart dogs who need mental stimulation.

Hunting and Prey Drive: Some dogs dig in an attempt to capture small animals, such as rodents or insects, that they sense or see underground. This behavior stems from their natural hunting instincts and their desire to chase and capture prey.

Escape or Exploration: The grass is greener on the other side, right? Dogs may dig with the intention of escaping from an enclosed space. Such as a yard or a crate, especially if they don’t get enough exercise. They may also dig to explore their surroundings or investigate interesting scents or objects underground.

Hiding or Burying Items: Dogs with a strong instinct to bury or hide items may dig to create a place to hide their toys from other animals. This behavior is often seen in dogs in multi-dog homes, and those who have come from a rough background.

Breed-Specific Traits: Some breeds have a higher predisposition to dig due to their genetics or historical uses. Terrier breeds, for example, were originally bred for tasks like hunting vermin, which involved digging into burrows. And those high-energy breeds often find digging to be a fun pastime.

HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM DIGGING

Once you learn why your dog is digging, you can treat the root problem. If you think your dog is digging due to stress or anxiety, you should take a trip to the vet. Otherwise, here are some ways you can stop your dog from digging.

Provide Sufficient Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog receives regular physical exercise through daily walks, runs, or training sessions. Additionally, engage them in mentally stimulating activities like puzzle toys, training sessions, or interactive games to help alleviate boredom and reduce the need for destructive digging.

Modify the Environment: While this won’t fix the problem, it can help if your dog only digs in a specific spot. Make the area where your dog tends to dig less appealing. Cover those areas with rocks, chicken wire, or plant dense shrubs or ground covers to discourage digging. You can also use deterrents like citrus peels, cayenne pepper, or commercial pet-safe repellents to make those areas unappealing. A dog’s sense of smell is much stronger than ours and intense scents can often deter them.

Provide Adequate Shelter: Ensure your dog has a comfortable and well-insulated shelter or a designated spot indoors. This will discourage them from digging to seek relief from extreme temperatures or discomfort. Your dog shouldn’t be left outside during extreme temperatures. But every dog is different so look for signs of heat exhaustion and cold.

Supervise and Redirect: Keep a close eye on your dog when they are outdoors and redirect their attention when they start digging inappropriately. Call them over to engage in play or offer an alternative activity or natural chew to distract them from digging.

Address Anxiety or Fear: If your dog’s digging is driven by anxiety or fear, consider consulting with a professional dog behaviorist or trainer. They can provide guidance on counter-conditioning techniques and strategies to help your dog manage their anxiety in a positive way.

Reduce Outside Influences: If your dog likes to run and dig along the fence to get to a neighbor’s dog, you’ll want to try and minimize the interactions. This is similar to redirecting your dog. However, it can be harder if you are not always around. You look away for a moment and your pup is over visiting another yard.

The balloon trick: This tip is great for dogs who dig in the same spot, or are good at escaping when you turn your back. Get some cheap balloons and blow them up. Place them in the hole and cover them a bit with dirt. The idea is that your dog will go to dig, pop the balloon, and scare themselves. While this isn’t the best way to approach this, it can be helpful while you are not able to watch them. Just make sure you pick up the popped balloon so they don’t eat it!

Seek Professional Help: If the digging behavior persists or becomes destructive despite your efforts, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the situation, tailor a training plan to address the specific issue and provide additional support and techniques to modify your dog’s behavior.

CONCLUSION

Remember, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key when training your dog to stop digging. With time and effort, you can redirect their behavior and encourage more appropriate activities while ensuring they lead a happy and fulfilled life.

If your dog is determined to dig, you may just need to restrict their time outside for a bit while they learn not to dig.