How To Stop A Dog From Digging

Digging is one of the most common and destructive behaviors in dogs, but it is also an instinctive behavior that can be hard to break. Here we will outline the steps one can take to stop their dog from digging. This includes providing an alternative to digging, supervising their behavior, using deterrents, and providing toys and activities to keep them occupied. Additionally, one can use training to help their dog learn that digging is an unacceptable behavior. With consistency, patience, and the right tools, one can successfully stop their dog from digging.

How To Stop A Dog From Digging

1. Guide the Dog’s Natural Instincts: One way to keep your dog from digging is to give them a designated area outside where it is alright for them to dig. If they have access to an area of soil specifically designated for them to use, it can help retain the natural instinct to dig in check.
2. Keep Soil Moisture Under Control: Dogs dig when their soil is too dry or too wet. So making sure you keep an eye on the moisture in the soil can help reduce your pup’s urge to dig.
3. Providing Entertainment and Distraction: Boredom can also lead to digging and other undesirable behaviors. Make sure your pup has plenty of toys to play with and companion animals to interact with. Taking them out for walks and rewarded activities like fetch can also help keep their mind busy and off of digging.
4. Deterrents: If these methods don’t work, there are a few more deterrents to stop your pup from digging in your yard. Aversive deterring agents, such as pepper spray deterrents or ultrasonic deterrents, can help keep your pup away from a particular area they are used to digging in.
5. Strike A Balance: Lastly, it’s important to remember that not all digging is bad. If your pup wants to bury his bone in the dirt, you don’t necessarily want to take that away from him. Striking a balance between allowing your pup a designated area to dig and discouraging him from digging in other areas can help keep your pup content.

SEE ALSO: Can Dogs Get Headaches?

Why Does My Dog Keep Digging At Nothing?

There can be several reasons why a dog may be digging at nothing. Dogs can dig for many reasons, such as looking for prey, trying to escape, looking for attention, playing, marking their territory, searching for rolling toys or bones, digging out a cool spot to lie in on hot days, or just plain boredom. If you have noticed your dog digging at nothing, it’s important to figure out the reason why, as this behavior can be destructive if not addressed.

Why Does My Dog Keep Digging The Same Hole?

Dogs can dig for a variety of reasons, from searching for prey, marking their territory, burying bones and food, or trying to escape. Your dog may dig the same hole out of boredom, and out of a desire to dig, some breeds, like terriers, are bred to dig. It’s also possible that your dog is searching for something in particular, such as another animal or a source of food. In either case, it’s important that you address the digging behavior as soon as possible. Ensure your dog is getting proper exercise and stimulation, and consider creating a “digging area” in your yard for your dog to use, this may be a good way to manage the behavior.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

Dogs dig for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are to bury toys or bones, escape a confined area, make a den, or find a cool spot to lie down and explore the surrounding environment. Additionally, some breeds have been bred selectively to dig, such as terriers and Dachshunds.

What Breeds Are More Inclined to Dig?

Digging is a common behavior among many dog breeds, but some breeds are more inclined to engage in it than others. The following breeds are particularly well-known for their strong propensity to dig:

• Terriers: Many terrier breeds were originally bred for their digging skills in order to hunt or flush out burrowing animals, such as foxes and badgers. Breeds such as the Jack Russell Terrier, Airedale Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier have all become known for their propensity to dig.
• Hounds: Breeds such as the Beagle and the Bloodhound have been bred for scenting and tracking prey, and as a result, are also excellent diggers. These breeds are often used for vermin or rabbit control because of their ability to smell and track potential food sources in their dens.
• Dachshunds: Another group of dogs that are known for being good diggers is the Dachshund. This breed was bred long ago for the purpose of badger hunting, and as a result, is quite good at using its long, powerful front legs and sharp claws to dig and root out prey.
• Other Breeds: In addition to these three primary groups, other breeds may be more likely to dig based on their own unique characteristics. For instance, Spaniel breeds such as English Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels were bred for flushing out game and birds from dense underbrush, which typically requires digging.

Digging is a natural behavior for many breeds and is actually a very useful skill for certain activities, such as hunting, tracking, and searching for prey. However, if your dog is digging in your yard for no apparent reason, it may be time to work with them to find an alternative outlet for their energy.

When Is Digging a Sign of a Health Problem?

Digging can be a sign of a health problem when it is excessive and accompanied by other symptoms such as aggression, changes in behavior, or changes in appetite. It could be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as an infection, neurological disorder, or something more serious like cancer. Additionally, digging can sometimes be a symptom of a mental health issue like anxiety or stress. If the behavior is accompanied by any other symptoms, it is important to speak with your veterinarian in order to identify any underlying issues.

How To Stop a Dog From Digging

1. Provide an Alternative: Give your dog something else to do. Make sure they have some enrichment or at least a toy, so they have something to focus their energies on.
2. Increase Exercise: Increase their physical activity. The more your dog gets to run around and burn off energy, the less likely they are to dig.
3. Block Access: Block their access to the area you don’t want them to dig in. This could be done through physical barriers, such as a fence, or through more subtle measures like smells or sound deterrents.
4. Use Deterrents: If you can catch them in the act of digging, use a deterrent to stop them from digging. Popular options include anything from voice commands to water sprays.
5. Expert Help: If all else fails, seek professional assistance. Professional dog trainers and behaviorists can help identify and address the issue.

Stop Dog From Digging Home Remedy

• Keep Your Dog Away From Areas You Don’t Want It To Dig In: Dogs love to explore and dig, so try to keep them away from spots you don’t want them to dig in. Keep the area clear, block it off, supervise your dog, and use deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or objects like rocks and out-of-reach toys that can capture their attention elsewhere.
• Include Digging Areas: If you have a yard, create a designated digging area where your dog is allowed to dig freely. Fill the area with sand and bury some of your dog’s favorite toys so they have something fun to look for.
• Exercise Your Dog: If your dog is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it’ll be less likely to be bored and dig. If you live in an area with cold winters, make sure to get your pup out for a walk or a play session at least once a day.
• Spend Time With Your Dog: Digging can be a sign of loneliness and boredom. Spend more quality time with your dog to help curb boredom-induced digging.
• Train Your Dog: Teach your pup to “stop” or “leave it” when you spot them digging in an off-limits area. Reward them with positive reinforcement when they do something good.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Digging In The Garbage Bin

To stop your dog from digging in the garbage bin, remove the lid from the bin or attach a bungee cord or hook and loop to the lid. This will make it harder for your dog to access the contents inside the bin and discourage them from trying. You can also spray the bin with a dog-specific repellent to deter them further. Consider training your dog to stay away from the bin using positive reinforcement when they obey. Time-outs in another room may work too. Lastly, if the garbage bin has a secure lid, make sure to always keep it latched tightly.

How Can I Stop My Dog From Digging Up Drip Lines

There are a few ways to discourage your dog from digging up your drip lines.

• Make sure the ground is covered with some sort of mulch or gravel so that the ground is uncomfortable to dig in.
• Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the area around the drip line.
• Distract your dog with toys or other activities when outside.
• Use a motion-sensing sprinkler to deter your pet from digging.
• Place an unpleasant material (i.e. sharp rocks) around the drip line.
• Set up a physical barrier such as a fence around the drip line.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Digging Up Plants In The Garden

• Create a distraction. Take your dog for a walk or provide him/her with a toy to keep them occupied when you are away from the garden.
• Create a physical barrier. Place wire mesh or chicken wire around your plants to help deter your dog from digging.
• Cover your plants. Cover up bare soil with rocks, wood chips, or mulch. This makes it harder for your dog to dig in this area and can also protect the roots of your plants.
• Reinforce the garden area. Let your dog know that digging up the plants is not acceptable. When you catch your dog in the act, firmly say “no” and reward your dog for other more positive behaviors.
• Focus on exercise. Make sure that your dog is getting ample exercise throughout the day. This can help reduce their need to dig up your plants.

How To Stop Dog From Digging In Kennel

• Fully cover the area: If your dog is digging in the kennel, try to fully cover the area, and all the sides, with a panel or fencing. This will make it more difficult for your dog to reach the ground and make it easier to clean the kennel.
• Make the area uncomfortable: Put an uncomfortable layer of mulch, pebbles, or rocks on the areas of the kennel that your dog is digging in. The uneasy feeling under their paws may discourage your dog from returning to its digging habits.
• Provide digging alternatives: Find out what kind of digging your pet enjoys and invest in an alternative to kennel digging. Fill a large plastic storage box with sand and bury treats or toys in the sand. Provide your pet with a sand area where they can dig and receive positive reinforcement.
• Give appropriate exercise: Make sure that your pet is getting sufficient exercise each day. If they are not, this can be a contributing factor to their excessive digging. If your pet is getting plenty of exercise, this should help reduce their digging behavior.

Should You Scold a Dog for Digging?

It is not recommended to scold a dog for digging, because the dog may not understand the consequences of its actions. Instead, it is best to provide the dog with alternative activities such as providing a Kong or puzzle toy or taking the dog for a walk or play session. It is also important to identify and address the underlying cause of the digging such as boredom, anxiety, or an instinctive need to search for prey.

Best Dog Digging Repellent

1. Grannick’s Bitter Apple Spray: This spray helps to discourage dogs from destructive digging and chewing.
2. Safe-Guard Dog Digging Repellent: This product works by using an unpleasant smell and taste that dogs significantly dislike.
3. Natural Innoculant Dog Digging Repellent: This natural repellent is made up of essential oils, such as peppermint and cinnamon oils, which contain bitter ingredients that your dog won’t like.
4. Repellent Sprinkler System: This system senses movement and emits a burst of water to create an area of discouragement that will encourage your pup to find a better place to dig.
5. Stinksters Dog Digging Repellent: This product combines powerful scents that most dogs find obnoxious, and are heated by a small solar-powered device emitting noxious odors.

Chicken Wire To Stop Dog Digging

If your dog is digging in your yard, then using chicken wire is an effective way to stop them from breaking ground. Chicken wire can be set about 6 inches below the ground and the area on top should be covered with a layer of heavy mulch and then planted with grass seed. This will help deter your dog from trying to dig underneath the chicken wire.

Spices To Keep Dogs From Digging

• Cayenne Pepper
• Ground Black Pepper
• Tabasco Sauce
• Chili Powder
• Mustard
• Garlic Salt
• Onion Powder
• Ground Allspice
• Oregano
• Rosemary

FAQ

Q. How do I stop dogs from digging up grass?

A. To stop dogs from digging up grass, you can try several methods. Some possible solutions include making the area unattractive to the dog by covering it with rocks or chicken wire, redirecting the dog’s focus by providing them with an alternate activity or space to dig, providing more exercise and enrichment activities to tire the dog out, and using a repellent odor or taste deterrent around the area of the yard.

Q. Does vinegar stop dogs from digging?

A. No, vinegar will not stop dogs from digging. Vinegar has a strong smell that can deter dogs from entering an area or returning to an area they have dug in, but it will not stop them from doing it in the first place. The best way to stop a dog from digging is to provide them with a fun and engaging alternate activity, such as taking them on walks or providing them with toys. Additionally, providing positive reinforcement whenever the digging behavior is stopped can also be helpful in helping to redirect the behavior.

SEE ALSO: Why Do Dogs Like Being Pet

Conclusion

The best way to stop a dog from digging is to provide them with a proper and acceptable outlet for their natural activities, such as providing them with suitable toys to play with, a sandbox to dig in, and plenty of opportunities for physical and mental stimulation. Additionally, you can discourage inappropriate digging behaviors by providing punishment or correction when they do dig, as well as by using deterrents such as fences, motion detectors, or benches. Finally, give your dog plenty of attention and affection. Dogs often dig when they are feeling bored or anxious, so providing your dog with interesting activities can help keep them entertained and happy, and reduce their likelihood of digging.