How to Fix Dog Holes in the Grass

Digging comes naturally to curious canines because their ancestors in the wild dug holes in the earth to catch underground prey, to provide shelter and to protect themselves from predators. Dogs are more likely to dig holes in the lawn if the soil is fresh and soft, or if they aren̵7;t getting enough exercise and stimulation. Making the lawn less attractive and giving your pet more attention help to combat the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Bricks
  • Soil
  • Chicken wire
  • Sod
  • Decorative gravel
  • Pavement stones
  • Decorative planters
  • Sand
  • Dog toys
  • Balloons
  • Garden hose
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the dog holes with bricks and soil. The dog will be discouraged in digging deeper when it scrapes its nails on the bricks.

    • 2

      Bury chicken wire in the sections of lawn in which your dog typically digs. Cover the holes with sturdy sod after laying the chicken wire. The wire will feel unpleasant to the touch and discourage the dog from digging.

    • 3

      Place a bag of decorative gravel with sharp edges in the crater. The dog should find the gravel̵7;s texture unpleasant enough to deter further exploration.

    • 4

      Cover the newly filled hole with pavement stones or brick squares and top with decorative planters. This is useful if the dog repeatedly digs in the same spot because it may be attracted to something decaying underground.

    • 5

      Create a designated digging area. Fill a hole with soft sand and bury some of the dog̵7;s favorite toys in it. If the dog starts digging in another area, clap your hands loudly and lead him to the area set aside for digging. Offer the dog plenty of praise and encouragement when it digs in the designated area.

    • 6

      Remove the dog from the immediate vicinity when you are carrying out routine gardening tasks. The dog is more likely to dig holes in the lawn if it sees you digging because it wants to imitate your behavior.

    • 7

      Walk your dog at least once a day. The dog may be digging holes if it is bored and isn̵7;t getting enough exercise.

    • 8

      Spray the dog lightly with a garden hose and reprimand it each time it starts to dig a hole. This creates a negative association in the dog̵7;s mind, but you must be consistent and spray the dog at a time when you can monitor it continuously.

    • 9

      Play with your dog and give it plenty of mental challenges, which will address the possibility that your dog is digging because it is lonely. Obedience training exercises, or just a simple game of catch, will stimulate and challenge the dog.