Instructions
Determine why your dog is digging. He may just like it, or he might be bored and looking for attention. He could also be trying to dig his way out of the yard. Dogs can be attracted to digging in fresh dirt, mulched dirt or fertilized dirt. He could be trying to dig a den a hole for shelter, especially in hot weather. He could also be hunting or using the hole he digs as food storage.
Be consistent in your training and encourage everyone in your family to do the same. Use positive reinforcement for good behavior, rather than punishment, which is not a useful training technique for dogs.
Get your dog neutered or spayed. If your dog is trying to dig under the fence, he may be looking for a mate. Getting him neutered or her spayed will fix this problem.
Avoid giving your dog bones if he's trying to bury them in the yard. Give him chew toys instead.
Spray your dog with the hose when he starts to dig and praise him when he's outside but not digging. He may associate the negative stimuli of being sprayed with digging and your positive attention with not digging.
Bury chicken wire in your dog's favorite digging spots. He won't like the way it feels on his paws. Make sure the chicken wire is free of sharp edges before burying.
Keep your dog inside while you work in the garden if he tends to dig near where you're digging. Sometimes dogs copy what their owners do.
Give your dog an area where he's allowed to dig. This will most likely be your dog's favorite option. Add soft sand to the designated area. Bury toys and treats in the sand and encourage your dog to dig there. Praise him when he digs in the right spot.
How to Stop Dogs From Digging Holes in the Yard
Dogs don't view digging as a negative behavior. In fact, most dogs enjoy digging holes in the yard. Unless you take the necessary steps to teach your dog he's doing something wrong, this behavior will likely continue. If you try to stop the behavior yourself with no success, you may need to get professional help from an animal behaviorist.