Remedies for a Digging Dog

If you want to stop your dog from digging, you need to consider the issue from your dog's perspective then apply a solution that meets the dog's needs. According to the Humane Society of the United States, dogs generally dig for six reasons. The dog is trying to entertain himself, trying to get your attention, seeking comfort of some sort, seeking to escape, trying to catch prey or trying to protect himself. Once you know the reason your dog is digging, try finding a different way to meet her need and stop the unwanted behavior.

  1. Entertainment

    • Provide other forms of entertainment and spend more time with your dog, if you think boredom or attention seeking is behind your dog's digging. Increase the amount of exercise your dog gets, teach your dog to do tricks or play games, and provide toys with which your dog enjoys playing.

    Sandbox

    • For dogs that are engaging in unwanted digging for various reasons, providing a sandbox-sized area in which your dog is allowed to dig may help to solve the problem. Train your dog that it is OK to dig here, but not in other areas of the yard.

    Prey

    • You may need to humanely rid your yard of burrowing wildlife and insects, if they are the reason your dog is digging. In your efforts to make your yard inhospitable to these creatures, ensure that you do not take measures that could be toxic or dangerous to your pet.

    Shelter

    • Ensure your dog has shelter from the wind and sun, if your suspect your dog is digging to seek protection from the elements. You should also ensure your dog has fresh water and that it is in a bowl or bucket that won't spill.

    Fence

    • You may need to use rocks, bury your fence deeper or anchor fencing on the ground around your fence, if you suspect your dog's motive for digging is an escape effort.

    Gardening

    • Don't allow your dog to see you digging in the yard. If your dog is watching your dig as you garden or landscape, the pet may be mimicking your behavior.

    Swimming pool

    • Many times dogs dig because they are hot and they can cool down by lying in a freshly dug hole. If you suspect this might be why your dog is digging, provide your pet with a child's swimming pool where he can cool off in the hottest part of the day.

    Spay/Neuter

    • Many unaltered dogs dig out of fences because they are seeking to escape in order to find a mate. Having your pet spayed/neutered may help to decrease digging behavior.

    Inside

    • A solution that will fit most any of the reasons your dog is digging is to bring her inside. Just ensure she gets plenty of walks and regular potty breaks.