Does your dog dig every chance he gets? Digging is a frustrating behavior for many dog owners, but this behavior is completely natural for dogs. To change your dog’s behavior and train it to stop digging, you need to make sure your dog’s nutritional needs are met. You’ll also want to teach your dog new habits and behaviors while they’re in the yard.
Why is my dog digging holes?
Some dog owners may become surprised when suddenly, their dog starts digging. Dogs dig for many reasons. The most common reason is boredom. Especially in warm weather, dogs may dig to find a cool sand or dirt to make them more comfortable. Many dogs also engage in digging behavior as part of a natural hunting instinct. Dogs with strong predators will often dig as a means of chasing/hunting rodents or even bugs. Your dog may also dig to reach something more interesting on the other side of the fence like another dog.
How to train a dog to stop digging
Teaching dogs to stop digging requires patience and consistency. Digging is fun for dogs so it can quickly become a self-rewarding habit. The best way to prevent dogs from digging is to reduce the number of opportunities your dog can practice digging in undesirable areas.
There are five main ways to teach your dog to stop digging:
- Monitoring The most effective way to train your dog to stop digging in your yard is to provide supervision even if you have a fully fenced yard. Instead of just opening the back door and letting the dog out to play or sit on the potty, go outside with the dog. Bored or excited dogs will often seek out activities for recreation, which for many dogs will enjoy digging.
- Navigation Dogs will be curious about their surroundings, which can lead to digging behavior. If you see your dog begin to pounce on the ground, use positive reinforcement approaches to redirect your dog and encourage him to do something else. To do this, get the dog’s attention with a treat or toy, then engage the dog in another activity such as playing tug of war or chasing with the toy.
- Enrich – Provide enrichment opportunities for your dog in your yard. Many dogs dig for lack of anything else to do; it alleviates boredom. When your dog is in the yard, encourage him to participate in other activities, such as playing with toys, practicing tricks, or other skills. You can also use food or ball distribution puzzles to help your dog play independently in the yard. Another option is to provide your dog with a dog-safe chew if you’re going to be spending time together outside, but won’t be able to engage your dog in active play because you’re grilling. meat, gardening or visiting friends and family.
- Deterrence to dig Even if your dog just shows signs that he likes to dig in your yard, you should establish physical deterrents to digging. Place barriers in your yard, such as an exercise crate, to prevent dogs from accessing their dig. You can also use environmental deterrents like adding rocks to your fence and other common digging areas. This, along with extra supervision and reinforcement can help your dog make choices that don’t include digging.
- Create a safe digging space One of the best ways to train your dog to stop digging in certain areas is to provide a suitable place to dig in your yard, such as building a sandbox or designating a corner of your yard. to dig. If your dog starts digging in an area other than where it’s allowed to dig, gently get their attention and lead them to the digging area. Encourage proper digging by hiding toys. Also, bring dog-friendly beaches to your dog and encourage digging in the sand.
How to prevent dogs from digging fences
Dog owners often realize their dog has a digging problem when it begins to dig under the fence and escape. Fence digging can be of particular concern as it is an easy way for dogs to get out of their yard, which can lead to getting lost, stolen, injured or even killed.
One way to prevent your dog from digging is to pile large rocks along the fence or use a fender to line the inside of your fence. This fence alone prevents some dogs from wanting to dig.
Another option is to bury a chain link fence or chicken wire at the base of your fence. This adds an extra layer of security to your yard and prevents dogs from trying to dig. However, some dogs will continue to dig deeper until they reach the end of the chain fence. Supervision is the easiest way to prevent dogs from digging in fences. Never leave your dog in your yard, especially if you know that your dog has a hobby of digging. If you see your dog prowling the fence or starting to dig, get the dog’s attention with treats or toys and redirect your dog to other activities. Do not punish your dog for digging. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement approaches and punishing them for digging can cause dogs to try to hide their behavior from you, making it harder for them to redirect.
