How To Stop a Dog From Digging holes – 10 Steps!

How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes In The Yard

Most small dogs like terriers are prone to digging huge holes. For many decades they have been used for hunting, badgers, rabbits, foxes, etc, where the prey has gone to ground. These tough little dogs have been put down the holes in an effort to flush out their prey and will even fight their prey often sustaining injuries. Hence where they can’t reach they will try and dig their way further down the hole.

While still a boy I went on many of these hunting expeditions and these dogs just love it. So you can see why many types and breeds of dogs love digging, it has been part of their nature for many decades.

So how do you control these garden destroyers from creating even more carnage?

• Provide a fenced area (Like a sand-box) in your garden or backyard where your dog can do what he likes. Bury interesting things (they can be special treats and toys) that your dog likes to get them to dig in that area.
• Concrete or pave your dogs exercise space. This is a bit drastic, but it certainly works.
• Release your dog from its boredom by giving it things to occupy its mind like special toys they can chew on without damaging their mouths, or provide other distractive pastimes you know your dog likes.
• Find out why your dog is digging by noting, in relation to the fence, where it digs. Maybe its trying to escape under the fence. This is not boredom, but wanderlust. There is another reason that some dogs try to escape they can smell a bitch on heat, or maybe the bitch is trying to escape to find a mate.
• Some dogs often dig to find a cool place to rest, so always provide plenty of shade and clean drinking water for them. You can even provide a children paddling pool filled with water so they can keep cool.
• Bury wire netting under the soil or deep down beside a fence to stop them escaping, but never punish your dog for doing something he views as being natural. Distraction is better than punishment.

What ever you think about your dog always wanting to dig holes, or take on the major task of creating a hole big enough to bury your car in, you have to recognise the fact that virtually all dogs are natural born diggers.

When most people buy a dog their common sense goes out of the window and they fall instantly in love with the adorable puppy in front of them. They do not check if the breed is prone to digging, or any other trait that will make a difference later on.

How To Stop A Dog From Digging Holes In The  yard? Now, if your dog likes digging, let him, but control where he digs and you will have a very happy dog.