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How to stop my dog from digging holes?
Is your dog digging holes all over your yard?
At first you may think that you've got to do whatever you can to prevent your dog from digging more. But as it turns out, the dog may be doing this for an important reason. Instead of getting upset at your pup, consider why he or she might be making a mine field out of your back yard. Here are some common reasons your dog might dig holes in your yard.
Reasons dogs dig holes in your yard
- In classic "dig your way out of prison" fashion, they are attempting to escape the yard.
- They may be escaping something they fear - neighborhood dogs or natural events such as thunderstorms.
- Anxiety and separation issues that arouse from their general lifestyle, not necessarily from the condition of the back yard.
- They might hear the sounds of underground creatures and bugs, or smell something buried in the ground, and dig holes to attempt find them. This will often cause random placement of holes around your yard.
- To escape the summer heat - if you live in a hot area, your dog may try to dig himself a cool hole to rest in.
- They could be lacking certain minerals in their diet, and dig holes in the hope of finding them in the soil in your yard.
- Terrier breeds are natural hunting dogs, and will instinctively dig in the ground for prey or food. There's no point trying to deny their instincts.
- Your dog may be digging a hole to stash away food or items of shelter. This is a natural preservation instinct.
- Female dogs may dig holes as part of their natural mating behavior.
How do I find out why my dog is digging holes in our yard?
The best way to discourage digging behavior is to first explore the reasons, listed above, that may induce your dog to dig holes. But most importantly, you should realize that digging is a normal doggie trait. According to a national survey, more than 83% of American dog owners have dogs that dig holes. Furthermore, canine experts affirm that digging is a natural adaptive behavior seen in the wild as well. In other words, dogs are going to dig holes, for one reason or another, and you shouldn't put too much effort into stopping them. Hindering dogs from carrying out their natural, predisposed functions is not good for their health and well-being.
How do I stop my dog from digging holes?
Depending on the reason above, you need to take different approaches to get your dog to stop digging holes in your yard. If your dog is digging random holes throughout the yard, he or she is most likely smelling or hearing something underground and trying to get to it. In this case, you could try digging a larger hole for them in an acceptable location in the yard, and try and motivate them to dig only there by burying treats for them to find.
As far as the other reasons are concerned, in most cases digging is a natural behavior. The most important thing to confirm is that your dog is well taken care of. Make sure they are getting enough food, but not too much (or they may dig a hole to hide the left-overs ;), and make sure they are kept in an appropriately climate-adjusted environment. They should have a place to sleep, be kept up to date with their veterinary appointments, etc. etc. These are all things you need to check off your list as a responsible dog owner before attempting to find fault in your dog's behavior. Even then, a dog's behavior often has a natural source. Unlike humans, dogs don't have the will to be ill-intentioned, and in the case of digging holes in your back yard they are following a natural instinct or learned behavior that, while annoying to you, is out of survival or need for them.
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Taking care of dog in summer
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on April 8, 2010 - 12:14am.
Thanks for posting this article. I have been trying to get my dog to stop digging holes for a while now. Can you suggest some guidelines about how to take care of your pet dogs in the summer?
My Boxer Bailey
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on April 1, 2010 - 9:58am.
Bailey digs and digs in the same spot and when she does the holes are deep. Now I'm clumsy as it is and I always step in the dang holes. I breed Boxers so maybe it is the mating reason listed since she is going into heat, but she's never done this before. I tried rubbing her nose in it a little and she went right back and did it again. I need some help here. Why won't she stop?
Bailey in heat
Submitted by domino on April 14, 2010 - 8:26am.
It could very well be because Bailey is in heat. You may have to just wait it out. You might also want to check to see if there's anything in the hole she might by trying to dig out. If it's an annoying place in the yard, try digging a hole somewhere else, and using treats to lure Bailey into digging there instead. Finally, if she continues this after giving birth to her puppies, you may want to look into her diet, etc. as mentioned in our article.
My pit bull digs and chews all the time. 6 month old puppy
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on March 21, 2010 - 9:52pm.
I can't stop jack from digging and chewing. Now I have him chained up good and tight. Is this the best way to handle this situation? Help me please.
Thomas
Don't chain Jack up
Submitted by domino on March 25, 2010 - 9:48am.
Puppies are going to play, chew, dig and explore the new world they're in. Inhibiting this behavior via negative reinforcement (ie. chaining him up) isn't doing Jack any good, nor is it going to solve the problem.
The key to dog training is positive reinforcement. Give them a reward or "good word" when they do something good. See the article above for suggestions as far as digging and chewing go.
As a pet owner, you need to realize that dogs are going to dig and chew every now and then - it's in their nature. You can buy Jack a chew toy and reward him when he uses that instead of chewing on things you'd rather he not chew on. The same goes for digging - give him alternative activity.
As Jack grows older he may change his behavior. As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to treat Jack with respect, especially if you adopt a puppy, even if you're not entirely happy with the behavior pattern.
The digging
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on January 11, 2010 - 7:04am.
Thanks to whomever wrote this article. It has helped me understand why my dog likes to dig!
I'm on the opposite side
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on January 10, 2010 - 9:51pm.
I'm on the opposite side. I wish my dog could dig holes around the yard, bite some shoes or something like that. She only lays on the bed all the day, and only gets outside to make piss and eat.
Dogs like to dig
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on December 15, 2009 - 7:12am.
There are many reasons why dog they may do so. It is in their nature and for the most part does not mean they need to stop. However, we know the value of yard, furniture, etc. Therefore, you should consider having your pet undergo puppy training at a young age.
Dogs can learn quite a lot through social interaction and learning to be obedient. With a little help from the experts, they can also restrict her access to the garden. Unless you plan on actively supervising them. To compensate for the dog's new, restricted life, take your pup outside and play with her lots of times during the day.
stop digging
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on August 24, 2009 - 10:10pm.
Use dog poop! Place some of his own poop in the hole. For some reason, dogs will not dig where they have pooped. Be sure to use fresh poop.
Lay chicken wire over the hole.
Blow up balloons, put them in the holes then cover them back up with dirt. When the dog digs one up, POP! Hopefully this stops the digging once and for all
Sprinkle Cayenne pepper or chili powder in the spots where your dogs likes to dig. Then when he/she tries to dig/sniff it gets a big nose full of it, very discouraging!
If you catch your dog in the act of digging reprimand him!
Some people suggest using mothballs in the holes but I wouldn't recommend this as mothballs are poisonous. Naphthalene is the active ingredient found in mothballs. The most common signs of mothball ingestion include vomiting, anaemia, lethargy and seizures.
Dogs like to dig
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on July 24, 2009 - 3:15pm.
The fact that dogs like to dig is no surprise, and there are many reasons why they may do so. It is in their nature and for the most part does not mean they need to stop. However, if you do value your yard, furniture, etc, then you should consider having your pet undergo puppy training at a young age. Dogs can learn quite a lot through the social interaction and learn to be obedient, with a little help from the experts.
good point
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on July 16, 2009 - 5:44pm.
who ever wrote this has a good point.
prevent access to yard
Submitted by a hound with a fashionable sense on March 2, 2009 - 6:45pm.
If your dog can't access the yard, he can't dig. Simple as that. If all else fails, and you REALLY don't want your dog to dig, you can restrict his access to the garden unless he's actively being supervised. To compensate for his new, restricted life, you'll need to take him outside and play with him lots of times during the day.
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