Digging problems are common amongst thousands of dogs worldwide. If you have a dog that digs you are definitely not alone. Digging can be one of the most frustrating behaviour problems of all.
Stopping a dog digging is one of the toughest challenges any dog owner will face. Digging is a habit that dogs have had for many thousands of years, something that’s difficult to break. If you are about to get a new dog and are worried about digging, make sure you don’t get a Nordic breed of dog as these are the most determined diggers of all.
Dogs are fond of digging for numerous reasons; a lack of exercise, wanting to escape, being bored, and separation anxiety are the main ones.
Understanding the main reasons for digging allows us to come up with some common sense solutions to the problem. If your dog digs due to a lack of exercise, give him more exercise. If he’s bored, consider getting some new interesting toys or playing with him more. A dog that wants to escape may be best left inside or tied up somewhere.
If your dog simple likes to dig for the sake of digging, consider some of the following tips to help the situation:
Don’t give your dog access to a place where he can dig. This is the only real way to guarantee no more digging.
Plant tough and resilient types of plants throughout your garden. Use roses as your dog will stop digging after he gets a few pricks from their thorns!
Consider using a deterrent. Sprays and powders come specifically designed to stop this problem.
Booby trap the yard. Bury balloons in your dog’s favourite digging area, the fright your dog gets when one of these explodes may be enough to put him off digging for a long time!
If you are unsuccessful with the tips mentioned above you might want to consider setting aside a small section of turf for your dog to dig in.
If yard space is not available, or if you just don’t like the idea of setting aside any of your yard to dig in, maybe a dig-box will be useful. This works best for small dogs.
For dogs that just love to dig, try to give them some outlet for their digging. The best outcome is to find a win – win solution to the problem.
In order to permanently stop your dog digging you may need to refer to a thorough and in depth manual. Below we have listed what is generally regarded as the top guide to stopping dogs digging.
