How to Stop Your Dog From Digging Holes Outside

Dogs dig holes because it is a natural behavior for them. It's tough to discourage an animal from doing something that nature and instinct has ingrained in him. Not all dogs dig, but if your dog is a digger, you may have to step in and interrupt the behavior. Or you can just plant a few trees in the holes your dog has dug and call it a day.

Things You'll Need

  • All optional:
  • Shovel
  • Helium-filled balloons
  • Hose w/sprayer
  • Marine horn
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Exercise your dog. Some dogs dig because they are bored. A well exercised dog is much less likely to dig because he's already using up all that energy. Do whatever exercise he enjoys doing, and you'll notice a decrease in digging. A bored dog finds ways to get into trouble; a tired but happy dog is much less apt to dig.

    • 2

      Stay with your dog in the garden. One of the most important training tips is that to stop a behavior you must catch your dog in the act. You cannot try to punish your dog later for something he did hours before. If you catch your dog at the start of digging, you can blow a marine horn or squirt him with a hose. Both of these are negative associations.

    • 3

      Build a fence. A fence can do a good job of keeping your dog from sensitive areas in your garden or yard. Just make sure the fence is tall enough so your dog can't easily scale it in pursuit of a good dig. Chicken wire on strong support posts is inexpensive and can be effective.

    • 4

      Call a wildlife officer if you suspect your dog is digging because there are underground critters in the area. Small animals such as moles leave a scent that your dog may be following. Call your local wildlife rehabilitation officer if you suspect there is such an animal in your yard.

    • 5

      Bury some helium balloons for him to find. If he is digging in a particular area, bury helium-filled balloons in the area where he is likely to find them. The idea is similar to that of a remote correction. You do not have to be around for him to find the balloons, which will make a loud pop and startle him. He won't go back to that area after that.

    • 6

      Give him is own spot to dig. There are some dogs that love digging so much that they just won't quit. In these cases, it's good to provide an outlet for the digging. Give your dog his own digging pit - a comfortable, shaded area about 3 feet wide, 6 feet long, and 2 feet deep. You can even add sand if the dirt is too hard. Bury a few of his toys a couple inches down, and encourage him to dig. Some dogs dig to avoid the heat. If this is your dog's reason for digging, move your dog to a shaded area where he can escape the sun and cool down.