How to stop your dog from digging in the backyard can be a perplexing challenge for many pet owners. Fortunately, with the right approach and tools, you can turn your yard back into a beautiful, hole-free oasis. Here’s a quick summary of what to do:
- Increase exercise and playtime: Walk your dog twice daily and include active toys.
- Provide comfort and protection: Ensure your dog has shade, water, and a comfortable shelter.
- Create a designated digging zone: Set up a sandbox and hide toys to encourage digging in a specific area.
- Use deterrents: Consider natural options like cayenne pepper, citrus peels, or fences.
I’m Jason Levine, NREMT. I’ve spent years helping dog owners with the best ways to keep their pets safe and happy. Trust me, the right fencing solution can prevent digging while being safe and humane.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
Understanding why dogs dig is the first step to addressing the issue. Here are the main reasons:
Entertainment
Dogs often dig simply for fun. They might be bored or looking for something to do. If your yard lacks stimulation, your dog might turn to digging to keep themselves entertained. This is particularly common if:
- They’re left alone outside for long periods.
- The yard is barren, with no toys or playmates.
- They’re a high-energy breed or a breed known for digging, like terriers.
- They’ve seen you gardening and are mimicking your behavior.
To combat this, ensure your dog has plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Walk them at least twice daily and play with active toys like balls or flying disks.
Hunting Prey
Some dogs dig to catch burrowing animals or insects. If your dog is focusing on a specific area, the roots of trees, or digging in a path layout, they might be hunting.
Check for signs of burrowing animals and use safe, humane methods to exclude them from your yard. Avoid using toxic products that could harm your pet.
Comfort and Protection
In hot weather, dogs might dig to find a cool spot to lie down. They may also dig to create shelter from the wind, rain, or cold, or to find water. You’ll notice this if:
- The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees, or water sources.
- Your dog lies in the holes they dig.
- Their shelter is too hot or cold.
Provide your dog with a comfortable outdoor shelter, plenty of shade, and access to water in an un-tippable bowl. If they continue to dig, designate a specific digging zone.
Attention
If your dog digs when you’re around, they might be seeking attention. Even negative attention, like scolding, can reinforce the behavior.
To address this, ignore the digging and praise your dog for good behavior. Increase their interaction time with you, including walks and playtime.
Escape
Dogs might dig to escape the yard, either to get to something or to get away from something. This often happens if they dig along or under a fence.
Figure out why your dog is trying to escape and remove those incentives. Make the yard a safe and appealing place. Consider using physical barriers like our non-electric dog fences, which are humane, affordable, and unobtrusive. These fences are more effective than alternatives like chicken wire or concrete barriers.
Understanding why your dog digs helps you address the root cause and implement effective solutions.
In the next section, we will explore practical ways to increase exercise and playtime to keep your dog engaged and reduce their digging habit.
How to Stop Your Dog from Digging in the Backyard
Increase Exercise and Playtime
One of the main reasons dogs dig is boredom. Increasing your dog’s exercise and playtime can significantly reduce their urge to dig. Here’s how you can keep your pup busy:
- Walks and Runs: Take your dog for multiple walks or runs daily. This helps expend their energy.
- Active Toys: Use balls, flying discs, and other interactive toys to keep your dog engaged.
- Commands and Tricks: Teach your dog new commands and tricks. This not only provides mental stimulation but also strengthens your bond.
- Training Classes: Enroll your dog in training classes. This offers both physical and mental exercise.
Provide Comfort and Protection
Dogs sometimes dig to find comfort, especially when they are too hot or cold. Here’s how you can make your yard more comfortable:
- Shade and Water: Ensure there are shaded areas and plenty of fresh water available. Consider installing sunshades or using an liftd dog cot with a cover.
- Shelter: Provide a doghouse or a cool, shaded spot where your dog can relax.
- Cooling Options: During hot weather, a kiddie pool can be a great way for your dog to cool down.
Use Digging Deterrents
If your dog has favorite digging spots, using deterrents can help. Here are some options:
- Natural Deterrents: Sprinkle cayenne pepper, citrus peels, or vinegar in the digging spots. Dogs dislike these smells and will avoid the area.
- Thorny Plants: Planting thorny or spiky bushes around the yard can deter digging.
- Covering Dig Spots: Use large, flat stones or metal netting to cover areas where your dog likes to dig.
Create a Designated Digging Zone
Instead of trying to stop your dog from digging altogether, provide them with a designated digging zone:
- Sandbox: Create a sandbox filled with soft sand where your dog is allowed to dig.
- Buried Toys: Bury toys or treats in the sandbox to encourage your dog to dig there.
- Praise and Rewards: Praise your dog and give them treats when they dig in the designated area. This positive reinforcement helps them understand where it’s okay to dig.
Address Attention-Seeking Behavior
If your dog digs to get your attention, change how you respond:
- Ignore Bad Behavior: Don’t give your dog attention when they dig inappropriately. Even negative attention can reinforce the behavior.
- Praise Good Behavior: Reward your dog with praise and treats when they engage in appropriate behavior.
- Increase Interaction: Spend more time playing, walking, and interacting with your dog to reduce their need for attention-seeking behaviors.
By following these steps, you can effectively stop your dog from digging in the backyard. In the next section, we will discuss physical barriers and alternatives to keep your yard safe and hole-free.
Physical Barriers and Alternatives
When it comes to how to stop your dog from digging in the backyard, physical barriers can be very effective. Let’s explore various options and why non-electric dog fences from Pet Playgrounds are the best choice.
Chicken Wire, Rocks, and Chain Link Fencing
Chicken Wire: Many people bury chicken wire at the base of their fence to prevent digging. While this can be effective, it’s not always the safest option. The sharp edges can harm your dog, and it doesn’t blend well with your yard’s aesthetics.
Rocks: Placing large rocks along the fence line is another common method. However, this can be labor-intensive and might not stop a determined digger. Plus, it can make lawn maintenance difficult.
Chain Link Fencing: Laying chain link fencing on the ground can deter digging by making it uncomfortable for your dog. But, it’s not the most visually appealing solution and can be a tripping hazard.
Burying the Fence: Burying the bottom of your fence 1-2 feet below the surface is a more permanent solution. However, this is labor-intensive and may not be practical for all yards.
Why Non-Electric Dog Fences are the Best Option
Pet Playgrounds offers a superior solution with their non-electric dog fences. Here’s why they are the best option:
- Anti-Climb and Anti-Dig: Our fences are designed to be both anti-climb and anti-dig. They feature a dig guard protection layer made of safe poly mesh that is installed on the ground and staked in place. Over time, this mesh will integrate with the earth, providing a robust barrier against digging.
- Humane: Unlike electric fences, our non-electric fences do not use shocks. This makes them a humane choice, eliminating the risk of anxiety or aggression associated with electric impulses.
- Affordable: Pet Playgrounds’ fences are cost-effective. They offer a long-term solution without the recurring costs associated with electric fences.
- Unobtrusive: Our fences blend seamlessly into your yard, maintaining its natural beauty. This is a significant advantage over traditional fences, which can be an eyesore.
Case Study: One of our customers reported that after installing a Pet Playgrounds fence, their dog’s digging behavior reduced by 90%. The dog was no longer able to dig under the fence, and the owners were thrilled with the unobtrusive look of their yard.
In summary, while alternatives like chicken wire, rocks, and chain link fencing can be effective, they come with drawbacks. Pet Playgrounds’ non-electric dog fences offer a superior, humane, and aesthetically pleasing solution to keep your yard safe and hole-free.
Next, we will answer some frequently asked questions about how to stop your dog from digging in the backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Stop Your Dog from Digging in the Backyard
What are some natural deterrents to stop my dog from digging?
Natural deterrents can be very effective in discouraging your dog from digging. Here are some options:
- Cayenne Pepper: Sprinkle cayenne pepper in areas where your dog likes to dig. Dogs dislike the smell and taste, which can deter them from returning to the spot.
- Citrus Peels: Dogs generally dislike the smell of citrus. Scatter orange or lemon peels around digging areas to keep your dog away.
- Vinegar: Pouring vinegar in digging spots can also work as a deterrent. The strong smell is unpleasant for dogs.
These natural methods are safe and can be a good first step in addressing the issue.
How can I make my yard less attractive for digging?
Making your yard less appealing for digging can prevent your dog from even starting. Here are some tips:
- Provide Shade and Water: Dogs may dig to find cool earth. Ensure they have plenty of shade and water to stay comfortable.
- Offer Toys: Keep your dog entertained with a variety of toys. Chew toys, bones, and treat puzzles can keep them busy and away from digging.
- Use Deterrents: As mentioned above, natural deterrents like cayenne pepper, citrus peels, and vinegar can discourage digging.
- Designated Digging Zone: Create a designated area where your dog is allowed to dig. Fill it with loose soil or sand and bury toys or treats for them to find.
By addressing their needs and providing alternatives, you can reduce your dog’s desire to dig.
What should I do if my dog is digging to escape?
If your dog is digging to escape, it’s crucial to address this behavior promptly. Here are some strategies:
- Bury the Fence: Burying the bottom of your fence 1-2 feet below the surface can prevent your dog from digging underneath it. This is a more permanent solution but can be labor-intensive.
- Chicken Wire: You can bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. However, be cautious of sharp edges which can harm your dog.
- Rocks: Placing large rocks along the fence line can deter digging, but it may not stop a determined dog and can make lawn maintenance difficult.
- Behavior Modification: Work on training your dog to stop digging. Reward them for staying away from the fence and redirect their energy to more appropriate activities.
Pet Playgrounds’ non-electric dog fences offer a superior solution for escape artists. Our fences feature a dig guard protection layer made of safe poly mesh, which integrates with the earth over time. This creates a robust barrier that prevents digging without the need for harsh or labor-intensive methods.
By addressing the root cause of the behavior and implementing effective barriers, you can keep your dog safe and your yard intact.
Next, we will discuss some additional tips and strategies for how to stop your dog from digging in the backyard.
Conclusion
When it comes to stopping your dog from digging in the backyard, Pet Playgrounds offers the best solution with our non-electric dog fences. These fences are designed to be effective, humane, affordable, and unobtrusive.
Why Choose Pet Playgrounds Non-Electric Dog Fences?
Effective: Our fences feature a dig guard protection layer made of safe poly mesh. This layer integrates with the earth over time, creating a robust barrier that prevents digging. Unlike chicken wire or rocks, our solution is proven to be significantly more effective.
Humane: Our non-electric fences ensure your dog’s safety without using harmful methods. Unlike electric fences that can cause distress and injury, our fences provide a humane way to keep your dog secure.
Affordable: Building a traditional fence or using other methods like burying the fence can be labor-intensive and costly. Our non-electric fences offer a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality or effectiveness.
Unobtrusive: Our fences are designed to blend seamlessly into your yard. They don’t hurt your view, unlike bulky traditional fences. You can maintain the aesthetic of your outdoor space while keeping your dog safe.
Additional Benefits
- Anti-Climb: Our fences are also designed to prevent climbing, making them a comprehensive solution for all escape artists.
- Easy Installation: The installation process is straightforward, and our fences come with detailed instructions to guide you.
By choosing Pet Playgrounds, you get a reliable solution that addresses the root cause of your dog’s digging behavior. Say goodbye to holes and enjoy a beautifully maintained yard with our non-electric dog fences.
Ready to stop your dog from digging and keep them safe? Get your Pet Playgrounds dog fence kit today!
By addressing your dog’s needs and providing effective barriers, you can maintain a safe and enjoyable outdoor space for both you and your furry friend.
