How to Stop a Dog Digging in Your Garden
If you keep finding holes in your backyard, you're probably wondering how to stop a dog from digging up your garden. It's frustrating, messy, and costs both time and money to fix. Worse, it can even become dangerous if your dog is trying to escape, especially if you live near a busy road.
Some dogs dig under fences or gates in an attempt to get out, so it’s important to keep an eye on those spots. But before you can stop the behaviour, you need to figure out why your dog is doing it. According to Gareth Dickinson, an expert trainer at Forever Home Dog Training, there are several reasons dogs dig, and the key to stopping it lies in addressing the root cause.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
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Exploring Their Surroundings
If you’ve just brought home a new dog, they may be exploring their environment. Digging is a natural way for them to get to know the area better, especially with curious puppies. -
The Sensation Feels Good
For some dogs, digging is all about the sensation. According to Gareth, dogs who have never felt dirt under their paws or noses before may find it thrilling and overwhelming. This is especially common in rescue dogs. -
It’s in Their Genetics
Certain breeds are just born to dig. Working breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, and German Shepherds have digging instincts rooted in their genes. -
Frustration or Overstimulation
A bored or overstimulated dog without enough outlets for their energy might turn to digging as their way of creating fun. Gareth says that when dogs lack mental or physical stimulation, they often find their own activities, which can lead to unwanted behaviours like digging.
How to Stop a Dog from Digging Up Your Garden
Once you know why your dog is digging, it becomes much easier to stop the behaviour. Here are some of Gareth’s top tips for preventing it.
1. Provide More Physical and Mental Stimulation
A dog who’s getting enough exercise and mental engagement is far less likely to dig. Make sure your dog is going on a variety of walks that provide physical and mental stimulation. Switching up the routes, playing games like hide and seek, and arranging playdates with other dogs are all great ways to keep your dog happy and entertained.
If you're looking for more ideas, check out dog toys that are perfect for engaging your pup.
2. Introduce Enrichment Activities
Enrichment toys like lick mats, Kongs, and puzzle games are fantastic for keeping your dog’s brain engaged. These activities can help redirect their focus from digging to something more rewarding. Keeping your dog mentally busy can help curb their desire to dig.
3. Block Off Problem Areas
If your dog keeps digging in a particular spot, try blocking off that area and redirecting them to an alternative activity. For example, introduce a puzzle toy or a game that will keep their attention away from the digging zone. You can explore some interactive puzzle toys to help.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
If you’re frustrated with your dog’s digging, don’t resort to harsh training methods. Gareth explains that using aversive techniques can make the problem worse by increasing your dog’s fixation on the behaviour. Instead, use positive reinforcement. Redirect your dog with a high-value reward, like one of the best durable dog toys, when they start to dig. This teaches them that good things happen when they stop the unwanted behaviour.
Breeds That Are More Likely to Dig
Certain breeds are more prone to digging due to their genetic makeup. If you have one of the following breeds, you might notice digging is more of a challenge:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- Border Collies
- German Shepherds
Understanding that these breeds have a natural instinct to dig can help you manage the behaviour better. Providing them with the proper outlets for their energy is key.
Final Thoughts: How to Stop Dog Digging
To stop your dog from digging up your garden, the solution lies in keeping them physically active and mentally engaged. Whether it's through varied walks, enrichment toys, or playtime with other dogs, giving your dog a healthy outlet for their energy will reduce their urge to dig. If your dog is digging out of boredom or frustration, try redirecting them to a rewarding activity, and always focus on positive reinforcement.
With these tips, you can keep both your dog and your garden happy.
Dogs are wonderful companions, but one of their not-so-great habits can be digging up your beautiful garden. Understanding why dogs dig is the first step to curbing this behavior, followed by implementing practical solutions. In this guide, we'll explore effective ways to stop dog digging and keep your garden safe.
First and foremost, it's essential to understand why your dog might be digging. Dogs dig for a variety of reasons, including seeking entertainment, creating a cool place to lie down, or wanting to bury something. Knowing the root cause of the digging can help you choose the best strategy to stop it. For example, if your dog is digging out of boredom, providing more mental and physical stimulation might be the solution.
One effective way to stop dog digging is to provide an alternative digging area. Designate a spot in your yard where your dog is allowed to dig and make it appealing by burying toys or treats. This way, your dog can satisfy their digging instincts without destroying your garden. Be sure to positively reinforce your dog when they use the designated digging area.
Another approach is to make the garden less appealing for digging. You can achieve this by placing chicken wire or large stones in areas your dog likes to dig. These obstacles discourage digging because they are uncomfortable to dig through. Additionally, some dog owners find success with motion-activated sprinklers that startle the dog when they enter a specific area.
Training and supervision also play crucial roles in stopping dog digging. When you catch your dog in the act of digging, interrupt them with a firm command and redirect their attention to an approved activity, like playing with a toy or practicing obedience commands. Consistent training and supervision can help your dog learn that digging in the garden is not allowed.
Lastly, ensuring your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation can significantly reduce unwanted digging. A well-exercised dog is less likely to dig out of boredom or excessive energy. Engaging your dog in activities like puzzle toys, agility training, or regular walks can be very effective.
In conclusion, stopping your dog from digging in your garden involves understanding the reasons behind the behavior and implementing a combination of strategies that include providing alternative digging areas, making the garden less appealing for digging, proper training, and ensuring sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. By applying these methods, you can enjoy a beautiful garden and a happy, well-behaved dog.
