Digging can range from being just a nuisance to being a chance for your dog to make a break for it. Whether you want your pup to stay out of the petunias or you need to keep your escape artist at home, here are some tips to help you stop your dog from digging.
Figure out why your dog is digging. Is he hiding treats from the other dogs? Is he trying to escape? Is he just bored and looking for something to do? Is he making a cool nest to curl up in on a sunny afternoon? Moose will dig himself a hole to sit in; my parents’ dog Becca is the same way. On the other hand, puppy Casey will dig out of exuberance! She has so much energy, it has to go somewhere.
As far as your dogs are concerned, digging is perfectly normal. They don’t think about destroying your carefully planted flowers or digging up your lawn.
If your dog is digging out of boredom or excess energy, you need to give them more things to do! Try taking them for a nice long walk before you let them loose in the yard. Make sure your dogs get enough attention and playtime, and be sure to provide lots of toys and chews for entertainment when they are alone in the yard.
If your dog only digs in a particular area, it may be the smell or something else about the location that is getting his attention. You can fence off or otherwise block that area so he doesn’t have access. A large slab of rock works nicely for covering up a digging spot. (And it may turn into a lovely piece of landscaping — my parents tried to cover up one of Becca’s digging holes with some slate and ended up adding some stone statues too!)
It is easier to redirect your dog’s digging than to cut it out entirely. If you can donate part of your yard for a digging zone, that may help keep your pup out of the plants and away from the nice grass. Teach your dog to love the digging zone by “spiking” the dirt or sand with toys and treats. The unexpected rewards will show him that the digging zone is the best place to dig.
You can also protect your favorite plants with a bitter scented spray. You’ll need to re-apply it after each rain, but it can help discourage your pup from digging nearby.