A dog digs holes and tears through outdoor plants for a variety of reasons, such as boredom, the need for shelter from hot or cold temperatures or an inherent drive to bury items and hunt small animals. The Humane Society notes that understanding these reasons will help you find the solution to stopping dogs from digging in the yard, and the solution to stopping destructive dog behaviors is generally a combination of physical activity and mental stimulation.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Doghouse
- Tarp (optional)
- Kids' pool (optional)
- Sandbox (optional)
- Dog toys
Instructions
Supply fresh water, a shady area and an insulated doghouse to provide relief from hot and cold weather. Hang a tarp from posts if no trees or structures provide shade, and consider a shallow kids' pool for dogs that enjoy playing in water. This may stop a dog from digging if he does so for comfort from the elements.
Walk or run the dogs for 30 to 45 minutes each day, and aim for more exercise when time allows. This reduces anxiety, releases pent-up energy and provides you with more opportunity to work on obedience commands, such as "heel."
Place a sandbox in the yard, or allow digging in one area of the yard. Clap your hands and say "no" when you see the dogs digging outside of those areas and then re-direct them to the area they are allowed to dig.
Change your fencing setup if the dogs dig to escape the yard, though adequate play and exercise may stop this behavior. Place chicken wire in openings between the fence and ground or bury large rocks halfway beneath the dirt along the fence border, as suggested by the Humane Society.
Practice obedience commands in short intervals throughout the day, and play games, such as hide-and-seek with toys. Mental stimulation curbs the dogs' boredom and can improve behaviors.
Keep dog toys in the yard, and praise the dogs for chewing or playing with their toys.