Harmless Ways to Keep Your Dog From Digging in Your Flower Bed

The key to stopping your dog from digging in your flowerbed--or anywhere else for that matter--is to determine why your dog is digging in the first place. Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, but there are reasons they do it. If you can determine the particular reason your dog is digging, you'll be much more effective in eliminating the behavior.

  1. Boredom

    • One of the primary reasons dogs dig is because they are bored. They are digging as a means of entertaining themselves. If your dog is left alone for long periods of time, if he has no humans or dogs with which to play, if he has no toys, or if he is young--under 3 years of age--and has no other outlet for his energy, he's likely digging in the flowerbed because he's bored. This may be especially true if he's seen you "playing" in the flowerbed and he's seeking to entertain himself. For this type of digger, taking him out for walks at least twice a day, spending time with him in training for commands and tricks each day, and providing him toys with which to play, may help eliminate the behavior.

    Security

    • Some dogs dig because they are seeking protection. This is especially true when dogs dig holes in hot weather. They are likely just trying to find a cool place to lie down, and your flowerbed is likely an attractive place to dig because the soil is loose. If your dog is lying in the holes she digs, you can conclude this is likely why she is digging. Make sure your dog has an insulated doghouse that she can use to get out of the wind and sun. Also ensure that she always has plenty of fresh water in a bowl that she can't tip over. Some dogs prefer to sleep in the holes they've dug even if they have a doghouse. If this is the case with your pet, try making your dog an approved digging area.

    Attention

    • Some dogs will dig just to get your attention, even if that attention comes in the form of scolding. If your dog digs in your presence or when he doesn't get to interact with you, he may be digging because he is seeking attention. Your best option is to protect the flowerbed with chicken wire or rocks until the dog stops the behavior. The most important step is to completely ignore his digging. If he's digging for attention, even scolding him will reinforce the behavior. Make sure you spend plenty of time with the pet each day so that he doesn't feel as if he has to misbehave--dig up your flowerbed--to get your attention.

    Digging Area

    • You may want to provide a dog that is determined to dig with her own digging area. Cover the area with loose soil or sand. Bury some treats or toys in her area to make it more attractive to her. When you catch your dog in the flowerbed, command "no dig" and take her to her area. To make your area, the flowerbed, less appealing until the dog is trained to stay in her own area for digging, consider adding rocks or chicken wire to make it an unappealing place to play.

    Other Tips

    • If your dog is digger, you may want to keep him inside when you're working in your flowerbed. If he sees you digging, he may just mimic your behavior. Burying chicken wire just under the surface of the dirt in your flowerbed may also discourage your dog from digging in that location. When the dog uncovers the wire, he won't like the way it feels beneath his paws and may stop digging or move to a more appropriate location -- such as his approved digging area.