Stop My Dog From Digging
There are 2 extreme schools of thought when it comes to a dog digging holes in your garden: one, that a dog is a dog and he’s going to dig, and he should be allowed to express his true doggy nature whenever and wherever he wants; and two, that a flowerbed is reserved for flowers, and if that dog even sets foot in it he’s in big trouble.
My feeling is really both. While it is a dog’s nature to dig and you want to let them be a dog as much as possible, I think you can have both a beautiful yard and a happy dog. This involves you being ready to train him so that this can happen.
If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably already got a dog digging problem and it’s too late for you to find out that certain dogs like Huskies, Malamutes, and Terriers are notorious diggers. If by chance you’re just doing some research and are about to head off to the shelter to see who’s available, you may want to keep these breeds in the back of your mind as possible candidates for dog digging problems.
Let’s start with why dogs dig.
1. Not enough exercise. Digging gives them a way to burn off all their energy.
2. Bored. Dogs like to have a job to do and if they don’t, digging is one job they will find to do.
3. I gotta get outta here! Some dogs just want to see the world, and the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. These guys are nearly impossible to confine, no matter how much exercise and attention they get.
Then how do we make them stop?
Obviously, you can get busy with dogs, getting them out and about. Or give him something constructive to do if he’s bored, like a toy to play with. Better still combine the two, and play fetch.
Use a natural deterrent. Dogs hate to dig where there is their own poop - even if they occasionally eat it! (For more information on dog poop-eating, visit the website below) If it can be arranged for there to be dog poop where he likes to dig, that might help.
You’ve tried everything and he just won’t stop digging - now what? It probably makes sense that he needs to dig. Your job is to find a spot that you can live with and start training him to use that place only. The size of your place doesn’t limit this from working.