How to Stop Dogs from Digging

May 26, 2009 by Daniel · Leave a Comment 

The two main reasons for dog digging are that your dog may be too hot or too cold. Your dog is able to adjust his body temperature by digging and lying in a hole. Different from people, dogs have no way to add or remove layers so they have to get relief from weather conditions in other ways.

Dogs also dig because they are bored. Dogs can become very bored and restless when their owner is away for an extended period of time. Dogs that are left alone will create their own amusement. Sadly, this might 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. These breeds will require extra patience from you in order to stop their digging behavior.

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. 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. Water sprayed with bitter apple is one suggestion (this is available at pet stores).

     

  2. Another way to discourage your dog from digging is by putting garden waste in the holes. Clean dirt is preferred by most dogs. You should put mulch, sticks, dead vegetation, and rocks in the hole and lightly cover it with soil. When your dog resumes his digging and discovers these undesirables in his hole, it is likely that he will stop digging. If this isn’t successful, fill the hole and spray with bitter apple. Most dogs will cease to dig in that spot as they dislike the smell.

     

  3. Your dog should be provided with a designated area where he can dig to his heart’s delight. Digging is part of a dog’s nature. It will probably take a while for you to teach your dog to confine his digging to that area but it is certaivly possible. 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. Burying some treats that your dog is able to discover will help him to understand that he is able to dig in that area. Your dog may need to be given additional encouragement if you have already reprimanded him for digging. He will be a delighted pooch as soon as he discovers that he is permitted to dig in that spot.

     

  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. Once a dog becomes bored with digging up the same spot, he may feel that a different part of your garden seems more enticing.

    Every so often, the sand or dirt in your dog’s digging patch should be changed. Dogs like fresh soil better than hard earth. As well, your dog will sometimes like to dig under the fence rather than in his own digging patch. Spread animal essence, which hunters use to draw out animals, over your flower beds. The odor from other animals may discourage your dog’s digging.

This information will help you to stop your dog from digging anywhere you don’t want him to. Remember that digging is natural for them and they are not being spiteful when they do so.

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

Stop Your Dog from Digging up Your Backyard

April 20, 2009 by Daniel · Leave a Comment 

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. As dogs are unable to remove or add layers, they have to find other methods to give them relief from the weather conditions.

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. Sadly, this might be digging!

They will need to be channeled in alternate directions in order to stop the digging behavior. Usually all you will need to so is provide your dog with a digging patch where he will not be punished. Some dog breeds have an instinctive tendency to dig. These breeds will require extra patience from you in order to stop their digging behavior.

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. Frequently, a dog will begin digging, take a break from the hole, and come back later to carry on digging. Place the surprise in the hole while your dog is away. One idea is a water spray mixed with bitter apple, which may be purchased from pet stores.

     

  2. Another way to stop dogs from digging is by filling the holes with waste found in your garden. Dogs prefer to dig in “clean” dirt. Add dead leaves, sticks, rocks, and mulch to the hole and cover it with a thin layer of soil. When your dog returns to his digging activities and finds these unwanted items in his hole, he will probably stop digging. If you find that this doesn’t work, try filling the hole and spraying it 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 your dog from digging in your back yard by giving him his own spot where he is free to dig holes.

    You could use a sandbox or fence off a portion of your garden that has not been landscaped. Burying some treats that your dog is able to discover will help him to understand that he is able to dig in that area. Your dog may need to be given additional encouragement if you have already reprimanded him for digging. Once he realizes that he is allowed to dig in that area, he will be a happy 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. Once in a while, a toy or snack should be buried as a surprise for him. Once a dog becomes bored with digging up the same spot, he may feel that a different part of your garden seems more enticing.

    Periodically, the dirt or sand in your dog’s designated digging spot should be replaced. Dogs prefer fresh dirt to hard earth. As well, your dog will sometimes like to dig under the fence rather than in his own digging patch. Spray your flower borders with animal essence, which hunters use to tempt animals. Dogs may stop digging when they smell other animals.

These tips will help to stop dogs from digging in areas other than the designated spots you have assigned to them. Don’t forget that digging is an instinct for dogs so they are not been mean when they dig up your flowers.

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