Your dog may be digging because he is too hot or too cold. When your dog digs a hole and lies in it, his temperature can be self-regulated. Unlike humans, dogs can’t remove their clothing or add layers, so they have to come up with other ways to get relief from the weather conditions.

In addition, dogs dig due to boredom. When a dog owner is away from the home all day, dogs can become extremely bored. A dog that is left alone will find ways to entertain himself. Unfortunately, this may be digging!

They will need to be channeled in alternate directions in order to stop the digging behavior. Often all that is required is that they be given a safe spot for digging without any possibility of consequences. Certain breeds are predisposed to digging. These breeds will require extra patience from you in order to stop their digging behavior.

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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. Frequently, a dog will begin digging, take a break from the hole, and come back later to carry on digging. While your dog is taking his break from digging, you should put the surprise in the hole. One suggestion is water sprayed with bitter apple, which is available in pet stores.

    

2. Placing garden waste in the holes is one way to stop your dog from digging. Dogs prefer to dig in “clean” dirt. You should put mulch, sticks, dead vegetation, and rocks in the hole and lightly cover it with soil. When your dog returns to his digging activities and finds these unwanted items in his hole, he will probably stop digging. If this isn’t successful, fill the hole and spray with bitter apple. As the majority of dogs do not like the odor, they will stop digging in the hole.

    

3. Your dog should be provided with a designated area where he can dig to his heart’s delight. Digging is instinctive for dogs. Training your dog to dig just in that spot may take time but it is possible. Stop dogs from digging in your flower garden by giving them an area where they are free to dig a few holes.

   A sandbox is one option or an area of your garden that has not been landscaped could be cordoned off. In order to teach your dog that he can dig in a particular spot, you should bury some treats where he can easily find them. If your dog has previously been chastized for his digging activities, he may require extra encouragement. As soon as he understands that digging in that area is permitted, he will be an overjoyed dog.

    

4. When your dog has been provided with his own designated spot for digging, you will still need to keep things interesting for him. Occasionally, hide a treat or toy in the ground for him to discover. As dogs get bored with digging in the same area, he may decide that another part of your backyard looks more interesting.

   Every so often, the sand or dirt in your dog’s digging patch should be changed. 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. Sprinkle your flowerbeds with animal essence, which is used by hunters to attract animals. The odor from other animals may discourage your dog’s digging.

These tips will help to stop dogs from digging in areas other than the designated spots you have assigned to them. 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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