Help! Stop My Dog From Digging

You’ve heard me say that dogs bark. I have some bad news. . .they also dig. Some enjoy the smell and feel of dirt as it is flying in the air and their bodies get dirtier as they become more engrossed in their task. Some breeds enjoy burying treasures in the yard so only they can return to them later.

Here are some reasons that a dog digs:

• To make a cool place in the soil where they can relax
• They are bored and it seems like a good thing to do
• Instinct says, “What are you waiting for man, there’s earth to uncover! You might find something to eat”
• They are young and goofy and everything is fun
• To bury a bone or toy for later
• They are certain they can get the rodent that just entered it’s home

Here are a few things to stop or at least detour your dog from digging:

• Put their poop in the hole they just dug
• Sprinkle cayenne pepper in the hole
• Give them a place to dig that is theirs. Frame in an area or use a kiddie pool and fill it with sand. Bury some of their bones to encourage them to dig there.
• Train them to stay away from the area where they dig by teaching them boundaries

If they are being left outside all day while you are at work and you come home to holes in the yard, this is a good indication of boredom. Another dog to play with might help (that could go either way – help with more holes or help with the boredom!) If you don’t give them something to do, they will find something.