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Many dogs know by instinct that prey can be underground. 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. Start by accompanying your dog whenever he goes out into the yard. Have you ever tried cutting your dogs nails? Furthermore, canine experts affirm that digging is a natural adaptive behavior seen in the wild. Your dog may just seeking your attention. If you cannot tolerate digging in an otherwise happy dog, do not buy that kind of dog. This article was co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. % of people told us that this article helped them. The dog will dig a hole, place the treats or toys in the bottom, and replace the dirt. Let your dog socialize with other dogs. Use citrus peels to guard the area. Here’s a video from the Santa Fe Animal Shelter about why they do it and some tips on how to get dogs to stop, including using deer repellent crystals. Natural Instinct – Some dogs have been bred for this purpose so it is their natural instinct to dig holes. For many, this is boredom due to lack of exercise, so correcting the problems means increasing mental and physical exercise for the dog. Without being seen, create a loud noise (for instance, with a soda can with several coins inside) that will distract the dog. However, it's debatable whether this works or not. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water. Exercise your dog vigorously with walks or runs. Approved. ", "My son's dog digs holes. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Why Do Dogs Dig Holes? 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. Going back the natural instinct, it is very natural for your dog to dig on hot … He is the co-founder of Canine Journal and his first dog was a Dalmatian named Domino. This article has been viewed 1,396,681 times. Bring your dog to the dog park and let him sniff, saunter, and socialize to his heart's content. Boredom or anxiety relief: Digging is often great fun for a dog and provides mental and physical stimulation, so it's a natural outlet for relief of boredom or anxiety such as separation anxiety Burial of possessions: Many dogs feel compelled to bury their toys or chews.If you allow your dog to bring toys or chews outside, it may dig holes in an effort to hide them. You don’t need to own a dog to know that they love digging. In addition to digging holes, dogs may like to eat dirt too. Because if there’s one thing that’s frustrating as hell, it’s a dog that starts randomly digging holes for no apparent reason. Peel an orange or get some orange juice on your hand and bring your hand up to the dog's nose. Sign up to Receive our Free Dog Guide E-Book and Monthly Newsletter! Putting some of your dog's own feces in the hole will make it less pleasurable. "Because I have read your articles, I now know what to do when my puppy starts digging in my garden, and I have, "The tips! Dogs digging holes videos are so super funny! Yes. But as it turns out, the dog may be doing this for an important reason. Dogs learn from each other and they learn from us. Provide your dog with a nice, comfortable dog house in which to escape the heat (and cold) of the day. Try playing with toys, exercising by going on runs, or letting your dog socialize at a dog park. Out ofboredom or lacking adequate exercise In classic “dig your way out of prison” fashion, they are attempting to escape the yard. 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. Terrier breeds are natural hunting dogs, and will instinctively dig in the ground for prey or food. According to a national survey1, more than 83% of American dog owners have dogs that dig holes. In areas where your dog is digging put orange peels (or something your dog dislikes) to stop their digging. ", "The one w/the balloon in the dirt was the best.". By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Remove attractive smells. Depending on the reason above, you need to take different approaches to get your dog to stop digging holes in your yard. 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). This doesn’t affect rankings. Rotate the toys every so often in order to keep the dog excited. Use wooden beams or low fencing to define the sandbox and fill it with freshly tilled earth. If you catch your dog digging, ignore the behavior, and when it's finished digging, block off the area so that it can’t get to the hole. They only have to touch it once. Try to figure out why the dog is digging. 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. Wire electric fence (hooked to an electric fence box, purchased at a farm store) can be added to most kind of dog fence, approximately 7 inches (17.8 cm) from the ground, to prevent dogs from going near the fence to dig. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. They may be long and is a reason why your dog is digging up everything you put down. Beverly has over 17 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,396,681 times. Fill the hole back in, and add discouragements (see above) as needed. Also, most terriers love digging and should be allowed to do so, as long as they cannot escape. Your dog may be digging for protection or comfort if: The holes are near the foundations of large shade trees, buildings, or a water source. How do I get her to stop digging there? 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. Thank you. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. Shelter and Comfort. Alex and Domino quickly became best pals as dog walks, hikes, an uncanny sense of what Alex was going through at any particular time, and other canine adventures enhanced Alex's life and well-being. Your pup’s ancestors dug holes to bury food, and dug cozy dens to protect their young from harsh weather and predators. This mucky pup loves to dig holes in his garden, especially when it's rained! If she backs away or is anxious, you know it's fair game. The best way to discourage digging behavior is to first explore the reasons, listed above, that may induce your dog to dig holes. Every time your puppy has lunch dinner or breakfast take him outside for about 15 minutes Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if: The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source. 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. 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). Walk your dog at least twice a day, and consider playing fetch with a tennis ball launcher to really get him tuckered out. They can also dig to provide themselves with shelter form wind, cold or rain or to find drinkable water. Is your dog the only one making disturbances in the turf? Dogs enjoy digging in freshly tilled earth. Will onion peels prevent my dog from digging in certain spots? If your dog continues to dig, consider enrolling it in a basic training class to learn how to respond to commands, which will make controlling its behavior easier. Dog Digging Holes is a normal behavior for dogs. Some breeds actually enjoy digging (it has nothing to do with obedience or boredom). We use cookies to make wikiHow great. During summer, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. 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. These are all things you need to check off your list as a responsible dog owner before attempting to find fault in your dog’s behavior and to stop dog from digging. picked up other points in how to train him and behave. References Your dog may feel the need to dig holes as he would in the wild. It's best to withhold food for 24 hours, but make sure the dog is still drinking water. Digging can also be part of a nesting instinct. Please follow the directions provided by the manufacturer or service provider when using any product or service reviewed or discussed on this website. If you do gardening, do not let your dog see you till or dig in the earth, as this would simply be positive reinforcement. Your dog lives in your home and must play by your rules. Modern veterinary practice (USA), 1986. Bury chicken wire or chain-link fencing just under the surface of the dirt. I put rocks, grass and dirt in there so she can't but somehow she keeps doing it. Our review process. It depends on the dog. Also, as it says above, you can add a sandbox for your dog to dig in. Make sure your dog has a filled water bowl that can't be tipped over, leaving your dog without water the entire day. Additionally, make sure your dog has plenty of time with you on other occasions. Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely … A happy dog won't need to find attention in all the wrong places. Dogs who bury treats may also be overfed, or they may just be bored. 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. Practice these tricks once a day for 10 minutes. 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 … 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! 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. If you are working in your garden, remove fresh dirt from your dog's reach with a fence or covering. 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. ", "To stop digging, pour 1 cup of ammonia where digging. The unpleasant surprise when the dog pops the balloon will take away some of the dog's digging pleasure. 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 the fence even deeper into the ground. ", "Just very helpful information about having animals. 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. ", "It helped me because my dog always ruins my garden and messes it up. However, there are many dogs who eat their poop and will gladly see this as you burying their favorite treat. Yes, they do; however, if you give a Lab plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it helps prevent excessive digging born out of boredom. (Basically, "If you can do it, why can't I?"). Line the fence with partially-buried rocks that block progress. Restrict entry to the yard. Implement the calm, assertive approach used in basic training and your dog should see you as the leader of the pack. My dog keeps digging in the same area. Hindering dogs from carrying out their natural, predisposed functions is not good for their health and well-being. Learning how to stop a dog from digging in the yard doesn’t come with a quick fix. He will dig to bury his leftovers only to retrieve it later. Sources: Campbell, W. E. The prevalence of behavioral problems in American dogs. First, you should know that digging is a normal and instinctive behavior for dogs, especially Labradors. Female dogs may dig holes as part of their natural mating behavior. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Dogs are almost never bored when there are other dogs around. Looking forward to this recommendation. If this is the only circumstance in which your dog is digging, there are a few ways in which you can stop him. Can you use cayenne pepper to stop a dog from digging? Bury a small inflated balloon in the dog's hole and cover it with a layer of dirt. This article has been viewed 1,396,681 times. Disclaimer: This website contains reviews, opinions and information regarding products and services manufactured or provided by third parties. If your hound dog is digging because of boredom, try either giving them a new toy or more exercise. Thanks. How can I stop my puppy from lifting his leg in the house to pee? There's little to lose by giving it a go, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work. Some dogs may attempt to eat it, and onions are poisonous to dogs when ingested. This, however, is usually motivated by several factors like hunting for prey or hiding food. They will dig holes in the yard because it gives them something to do to pass the time. Bury chicken wire underneath the bottom border of the fence. Punishing dogs directly is usually considered ineffective. Some dogs have been bred to dig; terriers and dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt badgers. He used to like digging up stones! They may beescaping something they fear— neighborhood dogs or natural events such as thunderstorms. Do not let the dog see you do this, or it may be seen as part of a fun, back-and-forth game. Dogs sometimes dig holes in order to hide bones, toys and other items in the ground and keep other animals from taking them. When everything is done properly, your dog should show deeper respect for you and remember all the commands taught at the training. Research breed characteristics before buying a dog. 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. To learn more from our Veterinarian co-author, like how to make a safe area for your dog to dig with a sandbox, keep reading the article! She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. Go out and dig up any bones or other things your dog has buried. Watch when, where, and how your dog digs, and you can probably determine why he digs. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst. To learn more from our Veterinarian co-author, like how to make a safe area for your dog to dig with a sandbox, keep reading the article! Consider enrolling yourself and your dog in a basic training class. 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. As noted above, deal with any rodent or other small mammal problem. 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