", "Just very helpful information about having animals. While he's been versed in everything from basic dog training techniques, canine diet and health, to pet insurance, the takeaways he holds most dear are the inspiration to live every moment to the fullest, and start each day with gusto and a tail wag. Bury chicken wire or chain-link fencing just under the surface of the dirt. Try playing with toys, exercising by going on runs, or letting your dog socialize at a dog park. Try to figure out why the dog is digging. Beverly has over 17 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. If you do gardening, do not let your dog see you till or dig in the earth, as this would simply be positive reinforcement. Dog boots are the perfect idea, because they are very strong and slow the digging process. Fill the hole back in, and add discouragements (see above) as needed. However, it's debatable whether this works or not. Forget the television stars and go for the real trainers whose books have stood the test of time. If your dog is digging random holes throughout the yard, he or she is most likely smelling or hearing something underground and trying to get to it. Dogs are scavengers and wild animals that still retain their instincts. Dog owners may notice that their back or front yard is beginning to look more crater-like in nature, with mounds of dirt next to the formed holes. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. You know the feeling: Someone ‘forgot’ to scoop after his dog left a little present on the lawn, and the next thing you know, you turn around to find your dog sniffing and eating it! Blast your dog with water. Beverly has over 17 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. However, there are many dogs who eat their poop and will gladly see this as you burying their favorite treat. Alternatively, for a hardened digger, provide the dog with a well-demarcated area where he is allowed to dig and train him to use this. Sources: Campbell, W. E. The prevalence of behavioral problems in American dogs. This mucky pup loves to dig holes in his garden, especially when it's rained! Make sure your dog has a filled water bowl that can't be tipped over, leaving your dog without water the entire day. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some dogs hate the smell of their own feces. Digging can also be part of a nesting instinct. Provide your dog with the comfort or protection he seeks by providing your dog with a comfortable doghouse that affords protection from wind and sun. That is exactly how dogs in the wild will cool themselves off during hot weather. Furthermore, canine experts affirm that digging is a natural adaptive behavior seen in the wild. Provide entertainment with toys and play time, especially if the dog is young and doesn't have any other outlets. The moment you see your dog paw at the ground to initiate digging, interrupt him. For many, this is boredom due to lack of exercise, so correcting the problems means increasing mental and physical exercise for the dog. Consider mixing a dog probiotic with the food, as this helps repopulate the gut with bugs that aid digestion. Remember: punishing the dog for digging after the fact will not solve the problem, and it could just worsen any anxiety that is causing the digging in the first place. He used to like digging up stones! Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,396,681 times. If you take a look at the digging habits of your dog, you would realize that … Dogs enjoy digging in freshly tilled earth. First, you can dig a larger hole for him to play in somewhere … Alex holds BS degrees in Management Science from the University of California at San Diego, and Computer Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Putting some of your dog's own feces in the hole will make it less pleasurable. How to stop dogs from digging, in this case, is you could try digging a larger hole for them in an acceptable location in the yard and try and motivate them to dig only thereby burying treats for them to find. As long as your dog has all his shots to protect against rabies, worms, ticks or fleas, no, playing in the grass shouldn't hurt him. Many dogs know by instinct that prey can be underground. Luckily, once you figure out why your dog is digging holes, you can start to work on stopping him. Hound dogs … Last Updated: December 27, 2020 Consider. Let your dog socialize with other dogs. Approved. Buy and read good books on dog training and behavior. Rotate the toys every so often in order to keep the dog excited. Exercise your dog vigorously with walks or runs. However, there are some reliable methods to keep your dog from making your yard look like a pockmarked, trenched-out World War I battlefield. Depending on the reason above, you need to take different approaches to get your dog to stop digging holes in your yard. Make sure any sharp areas are pointed up and in, or at least away from your dog so she doesn't injure herself. This, however, is usually motivated by several factors like hunting for prey or hiding food. Partially bury rocks in areas of frequent digging. This usually works best near the fence (see Tips, below). She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. If your puppy or dog is digging a hole they can lie down in, they may be trying to cool off their bodies from too-high temperatures. Yes, they do; however, if you give a Lab plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it helps prevent excessive digging born out of boredom. Larger, flat rocks work best, as they're the hardest to move aside. Create a Larger Hole for Your Pet. A happy dog won't need to find attention in all the wrong places. If you know digging will be a major problem for you, investigate a dog breed's propensity for digging before selecting a new pet. When you see your dog in the act of digging a hole, utilize negative reinforcement. If you find yourself up late at night googling ‘why is my dog digging holes all of a sudden’ then you’re not alone. If you want the dog to stop digging up your garden, you could give them a sandbox, then bury some bones or toys so they know it's ok to dig there. Watch when, where, and how your dog digs, and you can probably determine why he digs. Research breed characteristics before buying a dog. Even a minor barricade may prove enough of a deterrent. Some dogs have been bred to dig; terriers and dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt badgers. Bury a small inflated balloon in the dog's hole and cover it with a layer of dirt. In areas where your dog is digging put orange peels (or something your dog dislikes) to stop their digging. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Your pup’s ancestors dug holes to bury food, and dug cozy dens to protect their young from harsh weather and predators. In addition to digging holes, our canine friends have many more habits that are somewhat curious and maybe even a little gross to us humans. dog digging holes to cool down is led by natural instincts. It just takes a little digging. Anxiety … Use citrus peels to guard the area. Thank you. If your dog is trying to escape to another yard (with another dog, for instance), you may want to consider putting up new fencing that blocks the line of sight to that apparent doggy oasis. They should have a place to sleep, be kept up-to-date with their veterinary appointments, etc. I don't recommend onions as a method of repelling them. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the will to be ill-intentioned, and in the case of digging holes in your backyard they are following a natural instinct or learned behavior that, while annoying to you, is out of survival or need for them. Bury chicken wire underneath the bottom border of the fence. Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely … Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely stopped. Use garden fencing to close off an area of frequent digging. Prevent escapes by folding 3 feet (0.9 m) wide chicken wire fence and attaching it to the fence along the ground (with two feet of the fencing on the ground). Going back the natural instinct, it is very natural for your dog to dig on hot … Without being seen, create a loud noise (for instance, with a soda can with several coins inside) that will distract the dog. Fill the hole with poop If you’re trying to discourage digging in a specific area, then try filling the holes with your dog’s feces. Dogs dig for many reasons — boredom, hunting, comfort, attention-seeking, and simple instinct, among others. Bury the fence even deeper into the ground. Instead of getting upset at your pup, consider why he or she might be making a minefield out of your backyard. Natural Instinct – Some dogs have been bred for this purpose so it is their natural instinct to dig holes. As far as the other reasons are concerned, in most cases, digging is a natural behavior. Implement the calm, assertive approach used in basic training and your dog should see you as the leader of the pack. They only have to touch it once. But, just because the behavior is normal doesn’t make it okay. At best, punishing your dog for digging holes by yelling, slapping, or hitting him will only keep him from digging that hole while you are around. Many dogs fail to use only the sandbox (in the sandbox method). and bring her over to the designated digging area where she can dig in peace. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst. To an extent, you probably should just accept some amount of digging as part of owning a dog. A tired dog is all you really need to stop the digging. The unpleasant surprise when the dog pops the balloon will take away some of the dog's digging pleasure. Being a dog owner is a huge blessing, but let’s be honest…there are times when your k9 buddy drives you completely insane. Some breeds actually enjoy digging (it has nothing to do with obedience or boredom). Remove sources of stress. Make sure they are getting enough food, but not too much (or they may dig a hole to hide the left-overs ;), and make sure they are kept in an appropriately climate-adjusted environment. Go out and dig up any bones or other things your dog has buried. This article was co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich. The most important thing to confirm is that your dog is well taken care of. This article received 11 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. How do I stop a chocolate Labrador/Staphie cross from digging? ", "It helped me because my dog always ruins my garden and messes it up. Dog Digging Holes is a normal behavior for dogs. After that time, re-introduce bland food such as white meat (chicken, turkey) and boiled white rice. Why Do Dogs Dig Holes? To sustain this free service, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Sign up to Receive our Free Dog Guide E-Book and Monthly Newsletter! If you have a dog, odds are your canine friend has dug his share of holes in your yard. Start by accompanying your dog whenever he goes out into the yard. Shelter and Comfort. Below is a list of the most common reasons your dog may be digging: He simply likes to dig!. For instance, if they're digging on your couch, you might put down a big, fluffy blanket so the dog can burrow. The dog will dig a hole, place the treats or toys in the bottom, and replace the dirt. They may be long and is a reason why your dog is digging up everything you put down. It can get frustrating when they dig holes in the yard you’ve worked so hard to maintain. Our Expert Agrees: If you're having a problem with your dog digging, try giving them a place where it's okay for them to dig. ", "The one w/the balloon in the dirt was the best.". She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. You don’t need to own a dog to know that they love digging. The grass will grow into it and (hopefully) prevent an escape. Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Shelter: in hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. However, when you’ve invested time and money into making your garden a thing of beauty, it isn’t easy to sit back and let the holes … Walk your dog at least twice a day, and consider playing fetch with a tennis ball launcher to really get him tuckered out. Use wooden beams or low fencing to define the sandbox and fill it with freshly tilled earth. He will dig to bury his leftovers only to retrieve it later. Your dog may have a digestive disease or a medical disorder that requires prompt professional treatment. We are not responsible in any way for such products and services, and nothing contained here should be construed as a guarantee of the functionality, utility, safety or reliability of any product or services reviewed or discussed. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Do not let the dog see you do this, or it may be seen as part of a fun, back-and-forth game. If you have tried all of the above and nothing seems to help, see your veterinarian or seek the help of a professional dog trainer. Baths, sprinklers, rain, puddles on the ground – if it … Your dog may just seeking your attention. (Some dogs don't mind.) Yes. This article was co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich. Looking forward to this recommendation. Could I use dog boots on the front paws to stop digging? When everything is done properly, your dog should show deeper respect for you and remember all the commands taught at the training. My dog is a Jack Russell and terriers were originally bred to dig. This article has been viewed 1,396,681 times. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Terrier breeds are natural hunting dogs, and will instinctively dig in the ground for prey or food. Alex's experience as a parent to several dogs since then have given him over 15 years of canine insight and perspective that he brings to Canine Journal. Cement also works well to fill holes near the fence (pour in dry, then add water to cement-filled hole, do not allow dog in yard while it is hardening). It depends on the dog. If she backs away or is anxious, you know it's fair game. picked up other points in how to train him and behave. 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