The two key reasons for a dog digging are that he is too hot or too cold. When your dog digs a hole and lies in it, his temperature can be self-regulated. Different from people, dogs have no way to add or remove layers so they have to get relief from weather conditions in other ways.

Boredom may be another reason for your dog digging. A dog that is apart from his master all day can easily become bored. Dogs will find ways to amuse themselves if they are left alone. Unfortunately, this may be digging!

They will need to be channeled in alternate directions in order to stop the digging behavior. Sometimes all you need to do is provide him with a safe digging area where there will be no repercussions. Particular breeds are given to digging. Extra patience will be needed with these breeds in order to stop dogs from digging.

For more information on how to stop your dog from digging, I recommend that you check out: Stop Dogs from Digging

The following tips should help to stop dogs from digging up your yard:

  1. Put an unpleasant "present" in the hole dug by your dog. Often dogs dig for a while, then leave the hole for a period of time, and return later to continue their digging activity. Once your dog has left the hole, you should place the "surprise" in the hole. One idea is a water spray mixed with bitter apple, which may be purchased from pet stores.

     

  2. Placing garden waste in the holes is one way to stop your dog from digging. Most dogs like to dig in clean dirt. Add dead leaves, sticks, rocks, and mulch to the hole and cover it with a thin layer of soil. It is probable that your dog will stop digging when he discovers the undesirable materials in his hole. If this doesn't work, fill the hole, spraying the contents with bitter apple. Most dogs dislike the odor and will stop digging in that particular hole.

     

  3. Give your dog his own spot where he is free to dig without fear of punishment. Digging is natural for dogs. It may take some time to train your dog to restrict his digging to that spot but it can be done. Stop dogs from digging in your flower garden by giving them an area where they are free to dig a few holes.

    This could be a sandbox or you could cordon off an area that is not landscaped. If you bury a few dog treats that your dog can find, this will teach him that he is free to dig in that spot. If your dog has previously been chastized for his digging activities, he may require extra encouragement. Once he realizes that he is allowed to dig in that area, he will be a happy dog.

     

  4. As soon as your dog as his own digging patch, the excitement will need to be kept up for him. Every so often, you should bury a toy or treat for him to find. Dogs get bored with digging the same patch of land and may find another spot in your garden more exciting.

    Occasionally, you should replace the dirt in your dog's digging area. Fresh dirt rather than hard earth is preferred by most dogs. Also, there will be occasions when your dog finds your flower beds more appealing than his designated digging spot. Spread animal essence, which hunters use to draw out animals, over your flower beds. Dogs may stop digging when they smell other animals.

This information will help you to stop your dog from digging anywhere you don't want him to. Dogs are not being mean when they dig under your fence as this is instinctive behavior for them.

To stop your dog's annoying digging behavior, make sure you check out: Stop Dogs from Digging

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