How to Stop Dog from Digging Holes
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Birds like to fly, cats like to scratch, and dogs like to dig. So what can you do if your dog’s digging is destroying your backyard or garden? Digging is one of a dog’s natural instincts, so how to stop dog from digging holes? The first step is to understand why a dog wants to dig.
Some types of dogs were bred for digging. For example, dachshunds and terriers were bred for digging into vermin holes and killing them. Retrievers and hounds also infamous for digging, as are the more intelligent breeds like Border Collies. But all dogs are trainable – so don’t feel that you have to give up your dog just because he’s a digger.
One solution for a dog that digs is to give him a certain corner of the yard that is his to dig up. This could be a deep sandbox filled with soil or even just a boxed in area of grass and dirt. If your dog begins to dig in another area of the yard, correct him, move him to his digging zone, and praise him when he begins to dig there. He’ll soon realize that if he wants to dig, there’s only one place where he should do it. You can also bury toys in this area so your dog will feel rewarded for digging in this location.
Remember that if you find holes long after your dog has finished digging, you should not discipline your dog for them. Dogs do not understand time like people do, so he’ll be very confused about why you are yelling. The only time you can reprimand a dog for digging is if you catch him as he is digging.
When the weather is warm, dogs will dig to expose cooler dirt. If you notice your dog digs more in the summer months, it’s definitely because he’s trying to find some comfort and relief from the heat. You may be able to stop his urge to dig by providing him with a cooler place to get out of the sun, such as a doghouse or a shaded area under a tree or porch. If your dog enjoys swimming, a kiddy pool full of water will make for a great diversion and place to get cool.
Preventing your dog from digging can be a tough project, especially if he only digs when you’re not around to catch him. You can prevent your dog from digging by mixing the dirt in the areas he digs with small stones. These are very uncomfortable on a dog’s paws. You can sprinkle the ground with ground pepper, which smells horrible and makes your dog sneeze. You can also protect your plants with chicken wire so your dog will not dig around them. Another effective method of deterring your dog from digging in a particular area is putting pieces of your dog’s waste in the holes your dog has dug. Dogs hate digging near their own excrement.
These are just a few of the ways that you can keep your dog from digging up your backyard. Not all methods will work with all dogs, but if you keep trying and are patient, you can find a way to stop your dog from digging.
