Stop Your Dog Digging Holes
Have you wondered how you can stop your dog digging holes? Even well-trained dogs can resort to digging holes in your garden or around your yard under the right circumstances.
Digging is a normal behavior in dogs, but it is possible to teach them not to dig up your prized roses or vegetable garden. It’s also very possible to stop your dog digging holes in any area you deem to be unacceptable.
The key to getting your dog to stop digging holes is to understand why he’s doing it in the first place and then work on those reasons to resolve the problem.
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Bored Digging
Some dogs simply don’t receive enough mental stimulation. They’re bored and they’re looking for something to do. When barking gets boring, they’ll dig around and look for something interesting to uncover.
Energetic Digging
Some dogs are notoriously energetic. They require plenty of exercise to let out some of that pent up energy. Unfortunately, if these dogs aren’t exercised regularly, they need to let out that energy somewhere and this usually results in digging.
Anxiety Digging
Anxious dogs are prone to digging holes in your yard as a form of fretting or fear. This is especially true of dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. In your dog’s mind, if he does something that usually makes you come out and yell at him, then all he sees is that he’ll get some attention. He’ll try digging, pulling laundry off the line, barking or any other behavior that you would usually come out to reprimand him for in an effort to get your attention.
Stop Your Dog Digging Holes
There are several suggestions for teaching your dog to stop digging holes around your yard. Remember, each dog is different, so you may have to try some different techniques to see what works for your dog.
Regardless of which technique you choose to use, it’s important to remember never to show any attention to your dog for digging. Don’t yell, hit or scold your dog for digging holes, as this could cause other behavior problems. Simply fill in the hole and turn your back on your dog. In dog language, this is a severe reprimand.
Stop Dog Digging With Exercise
If you have an energetic dog, you need to increase the amount of exercise and stimulation your dog receives throughout the day. This can help to release some of that pent-up energy and reduce the chance of digging holes.
If you can’t find time to walk your dog, hire a dog-walking service or throw a ball around for your dog in the yard. Leave treats and toys hidden around the yard for your dog to hunt and discover. This can take his mind off digging.
Stop Dog Digging Holes With A Sand Pit
If your dog is naturally exuberant and is still likely to dig even after plenty of exercise, give him somewhere of his own to dig. Create a sandpit in one corner of your yard and encourage him to dig there. When you catch him digging anywhere else in your yard, give a short ‘ah ah’ and fill in the hole silently. However, when you catch him digging in his sandpit, praise him and encourage him with treats and pats. He’ll soon catch on.
Poop Filling
There is some debate whether filling the freshly dug holes with your dog’s own poop actually works or not, but some dogs get the message quickly that the only thing in the hole they dig is likely to be their own poop and they may give up trying.
Stop Dog Digging Holes When He Is Anxiety Digging
Dealing with an anxious dog requires patience and persistence, but in order to stop your dog digging holes as a display of anxiety, you need to work on ways to take your dog’s mind off you not being there. Leave a radio switched on so he thinks someone is still at home. Leave food treats or toys hidden around the yard to distract him while you leave. Work on ways to reduce his anxiety and you may find the digging stops.
