How Do I Keep My Dog From Digging?

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When the weather gets warm it’s tempting to let your dog spend more time in your backyard. But what if they have a nasty digging habit? What can you do to make it stop? “Just how do I keep my dog from digging?!” Here’s our guide to getting your pup to kick this bad behavior.

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?

Dogs dig holes for several reasons including:

• They want to cool down.
• They’re bored.
• They’re genetically inclined to dig (some breeds are more likely to dig than others, like hounds and terriers).
• They want to escape your backyard.
• They’re chasing prey such as rabbits, moles and chipmunks.

How Can I Stop My Dog From Digging?

First thing you can try to get your dog to stop digging is to exercise them more. Start with taking them on a daily walk or playing games. Even if you’re not home, still be sure to keep your dog busy. The HyperFetch Ultimate Throwing Toy plays fetch with your pup for you or try the Tether Tug which plays tug-of-war with your dog.

The simplest way to keep your dog from digging is to just bring them indoors. Only leave your dog outdoors when you’re able to watch them and discourage any digging. Your pup is safer inside anyway and less likely to get in the habit of digging whenever you aren’t home. Even if you have a fenced-in yard, your dog might dig under the fence and escape.

If leaving your dog indoors isn’t an option, try using a smaller kennel in your yard that is dig-proof, with either concrete or buried fencing underneath it. You can also put the kennel somewhere you don’t mind getting dug up as much. Place bushes and trees around the kennel so your pup feels secure and cannot see or be seen by people passing by. When you leave your dog in there, make sure you give them plenty of toys to keep them busy and to discourage digging.

It’s also quite possible that your dog is hunting moles. This is especially true in warm weather as spring is the time of year when moles are most likely to set up shop in your lawn, looking for food and digging dens. You can help rid yourself of moles by treating your lawn for grubs, which are mighty tasty to moles. Make sure you carefully follow any treatment directions so as not to compromise the safety and health of your dog.

You can also try using products that are specially made to stop dogs from digging. Its effectiveness will depend on your dog and you’ll likely have to reapply it everytime it rains. We also recommend trying a behavior correction spray.

Lastly, you might want to choose a designated digging area. This can be anywhere in your yard that you don’t mind your dog digging holes. You can encourage your dog to dig in this area and nowhere else by burying treats and toys for them there. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not muddy, or use a kid’s sandbox.