How to Train Your Dog Not to Dig Holes

Dogs dig holes for a variety of reasons: entertainment comfort, attention, and to seek escape. Dog digging is often seen as a nuisance because holes are unsightly and damaging to landscape. Owners can train their dogs to stop digging by discouraging digging behavior and by providing alternatives to digging for their dog. Owners should avoid punishing their dog after she has already dug a hole because it will not address the cause of the digging behavior (See reference 1).

Things You'll Need

  • Tennis ball or stick
  • Balloons
  • Chicken wire
  • Dog toys
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Instructions

  1. Discouraging Digging Behavior

    • 1

      Firmly say, "No!" if you catch your dog in the act of digging. Take your dog away from the area, but refrain from scolding him after the fact as your dog will not understand what she is in trouble for.

    • 2

      Blow up a few balloons and lightly bury them where your dog likes to dig. Your dog will be startled when she inevitably pops the balloon; the popping will create a negative association with digging for the dog and may help prevent the behavior.

    • 3

      Bury some chicken wire just under the surface where your dog likes to dig. Your dog will not enjoy the feeling of its paws digging against the wire; will create another negative digging association for your dog.

    Digging Prevention

    • 4

      Walk your dog or play fetch with him using a stick or tennis ball twice daily. This exercise will tire out your dog and entertain her, thus preventing her from digging if she does so out of boredom.

    • 5

      Enroll your dog in a training class or a daycare for dogs. This is especially useful if your dog has separation anxiety while you are away at work. Dogs sometimes use digging as an attention-seeking behavior if they have limited opportunities for interaction with you (See reference 1).

    • 6

      Provide your dog with a kennel or doghouse that affords protection from the weather. Some dogs dig in response to uncomfortable weather such as rain, wind and hot temperatures.

    • 7

      Leave dog toys in your yard for your dog to play with. "Kong" brand toys are especially good at keeping dogs entertained (See reference 1 and resource 1).