dog digging holes

Dogs often dig holes for one (or more) of these five reasons: entertainment, physical comfort, attention-seeking, escape, or prey-seeking. Go out and dig up any bones or other things your dog has buried. Practice these tricks once a day for 10 minutes. To make it even worse, once they dig one hole, some dogs get in the habit of hole digging and turn your yard into a battlefield. Some dogs hate the smell of their own feces. The dog will dig a hole, place the treats or toys in the bottom, and replace the dirt. Dogs are almost never bored when there are other dogs around. However, there are many dogs who eat their poop and will gladly see this as you burying their favorite treat. Out ofboredom or lacking adequate exercise In classic “dig your way out of prison” fashion, they are attempting to escape the yard. Many dogs fail to use only the sandbox (in the sandbox method). Use garden fencing to close off an area of frequent digging. A happy dog won't need to find attention in all the wrong places. Try to figure out why the dog is digging. Have you ever tried cutting your dogs nails? You all have great ideas, they are put simply enough to understand, and the pictures are great! Owning a dog who enjoys digging in the dirt and putting holes in the yard can be quite a nuisance, especially if one enjoys having a nicely manicured lawn. Unlike humans, dogs don’t have the will to be ill-intentioned, and in the case of digging holes in your backyard they are following a natural instinct or learned behavior that, while annoying to you, is out of survival or need for them. They may beescaping something they fear— neighborhood dogs or natural events such as thunderstorms. During summer, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. They will make digging more difficult and less enjoyable. Below is a list of the most common reasons your dog may be digging: He simply likes to dig!. This doesn’t affect rankings. ", "Never thought to use orange peels. Digging holes is a natural trait for dogs, with over eighty percent of dog owners in the USA reporting that their dog likes to dig. Provide entertainment with toys and play time, especially if the dog is young and doesn't have any other outlets. Wire electric fence (hooked to an electric fence box, purchased at a farm store) can be added to most kind of dog fence, approximately 7 inches (17.8 cm) from the ground, to prevent dogs from going near the fence to dig. Many dogs know by instinct that prey can be underground. Some primitive-type breeds who love to dig for the joy of digging include Australian Cattle Dogs and the Portuguese Podengo Medio (new to America). Immediately reward digging within the sandbox. Beverly has over 17 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. Dogs dig for many reasons — boredom, hunting, comfort, attention-seeking, and simple instinct, among others. Bury chicken wire underneath the bottom border of the fence. Bury a small inflated balloon in the dog's hole and cover it with a layer of dirt. To save food; Dogs, like in the wild, have the desire to save some food for later. Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For instance, if they're digging on your couch, you might put down a big, fluffy blanket so the dog can burrow. Female dogs may dig holes as part of their natural mating behavior. Luckily, once you figure out why your dog is digging holes, you can start to work on stopping him. In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. Can you use cayenne pepper to stop a dog from digging? In other cultures, a dog that digs holes all of a sudden is a bad omen. How do I stop a chocolate Labrador/Staphie cross from digging? She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. This article received 11 testimonials and 86% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. To learn more from our Veterinarian co-author, like how to make a safe area for your dog to dig with a sandbox, keep reading the article! To sustain this free service, we receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Why do dogs suddenly start digging holes? Every time your puppy has lunch dinner or breakfast take him outside for about 15 minutes Some dogs have been bred to dig; terriers and dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt badgers. However, there are some reliable methods to keep your dog from making your yard look like a pockmarked, trenched-out World War I battlefield. Yes. Prevent escapes by folding 3 feet (0.9 m) wide chicken wire fence and attaching it to the fence along the ground (with two feet of the fencing on the ground). Boredom or anxiety relief: Digging is often great fun for a dog and provides mental and physical stimulation, so it's a natural outlet for relief of boredom or anxiety such as separation anxiety Burial of possessions: Many dogs feel compelled to bury their toys or chews.If you allow your dog to bring toys or chews outside, it may dig holes in an effort to hide them. If your dog is digging up your yard, this can be super frustrating. dog digging holes to cool down is led by natural instincts. Young puppies absorb information from their mothers long before their eight-week birthday. In other words, dogs are going to dig holes, for one reason or another, and you shouldn’t put too much effort into how to stop dogs digging. But as it turns out, the dog may be doing this for an important reason. Larger, flat rocks work best, as they're the hardest to move aside. How to stop dogs from digging, in this case, is you could try digging a larger hole for them in an acceptable location in the yard and try and motivate them to dig only thereby burying treats for them to find. If you're more creative, you can set up a motion sensor that unleashes a sprinkler or loud noise whenever the dog enters a "no-digging" area. Bury treats and smelly things in the sandbox to encourage your dog's use and attention. Restrict entry to the yard. In classic “dig your way out of prison” fashion, they are attempting to escape the yard. If you have a dog, odds are your canine friend has dug his share of holes in your yard. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. Our review process. Hound dogs … Punishing your dog for digging by banishing her from your presence is likely to only exacerbate the behavior. Dogs won’t dig where they poop, so just shovel the poop from your yard into the hole, and put some dirt over top of it. How do I get her to stop digging there? If your puppy or dog is digging a hole they can lie down in, they may be trying to cool off their bodies from too-high temperatures. Depending on the reason above, you need to take different approaches to get your dog to stop digging holes in your yard. In the wild, a dog is responsible for its own survival. Going back the natural instinct, it is very natural for your dog to dig on hot … Thanks. If your dog continues to dig, consider enrolling it in a basic training class to learn how to respond to commands, which will make controlling its behavior easier. Dogs are scavengers and wild animals that still retain their instincts. If you cannot tolerate digging in an otherwise happy dog, do not buy that kind of dog. Bury chicken wire or chain-link fencing just under the surface of the dirt. (Basically, "If you can do it, why can't I?"). For many, this is boredom due to lack of exercise, so correcting the problems means increasing mental and physical exercise for the dog. Remove sources of stress. Peel an orange or get some orange juice on your hand and bring your hand up to the dog's nose. Keep your dog inside more often if necessary. Your dog lies in the holes they dig. ", "Just very helpful information about having animals. This article was co-authored by Beverly Ulbrich. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. When you see your dog in the act of digging a hole, utilize negative reinforcement. Learn more about why dogs eat poop and what you can do about it. This article has been viewed 1,396,681 times. If you find yourself up late at night googling ‘why is my dog digging holes all of a sudden’ then you’re not alone. Your pup will go elsewhere. When everything is done properly, your dog should show deeper respect for you and remember all the commands taught at the training. Dog boots are the perfect idea, because they are very strong and slow the digging process. If your hound dog is digging because of boredom, try either giving them a new toy or more exercise. Alex and Domino quickly became best pals as dog walks, hikes, an uncanny sense of what Alex was going through at any particular time, and other canine adventures enhanced Alex's life and well-being. You don’t need to own a dog to know that they love digging. Buy and read good books on dog training and behavior. Just look at all these funny and hilarious digging techniques! ", "The one w/the balloon in the dirt was the best.". My suggestion is to put a net on top of the rocks, that way your dog won't be able to reach. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,396,681 times. Beverly has over 17 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. Dogs rolling in poop is another common yet smelly behavior. ", "To stop digging, pour 1 cup of ammonia where digging. Implement the calm, assertive approach used in basic training and your dog should see you as the leader of the pack. "Because I have read your articles, I now know what to do when my puppy starts digging in my garden, and I have, "The tips! They will tunnel out of nowhere and for unexplained reasons. Bury the fence even deeper into the ground. and bring her over to the designated digging area where she can dig in peace. I think I now know why, and this has given me ideas on how to get her to stop. In addition to digging holes, our canine friends have many more habits that are somewhat curious and maybe even a little gross to us humans. In addition to digging holes, dogs may like to eat dirt too. Walk your dog at least twice a day, and consider playing fetch with a tennis ball launcher to really get him tuckered out. Remember: punishing the dog for digging after the fact will not solve the problem, and it could just worsen any anxiety that is causing the digging in the first place. Dogs become bored just like you and I do if they aren’t occupied or mentally stimulated. Your dog may have a digestive disease or a medical disorder that requires prompt professional treatment. Looking forward to this recommendation. Cement also works well to fill holes near the fence (pour in dry, then add water to cement-filled hole, do not allow dog in yard while it is hardening). My dog hates water. Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if: The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source. If you use the dog feces method, use your dog's own feces; the waste from another dog will not work. Keep your garden clean. I put rocks, grass and dirt in there so she can't but somehow she keeps doing it. The most common items that get stashed are long-lasting chews, such as bones, antlers, yak cheese chews, bully sticks, and dental chews. Your dog is bored – Lack of stimulation can lead to destructive behaviour. The idea behind cayenne pepper is that the smell is repellent or else it makes the dog sneeze when he sniffs around prior to digging. The grass will grow into it and (hopefully) prevent an escape. Exercise your dog vigorously with walks or runs. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. Additionally, make sure your dog has plenty of time with you on other occasions. Partially bury rocks in areas of frequent digging. Even a minor barricade may prove enough of a deterrent. I don't recommend onions as a method of repelling them. This unpleasant noise will become associated with digging. Approved. If you are working in your garden, remove fresh dirt from your dog's reach with a fence or covering. Is your dog the only one making disturbances in the turf? Let your dog socialize with other dogs. They may be long and is a reason why your dog is digging up everything you put down. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water. Consider. However, it's debatable whether this works or not. But, just because the behavior is normal doesn’t make it okay. ", http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/digging.html, http://www.petful.com/behaviors/stop-dog-digging-yard/, https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/obsessive-behavior/getting-a-dog-to-stop-digging, http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/why-dogs-dig-what-you-can-do?page=4. Here are some common reasons your dog might dig holes in your yard and how to stop a dog from digging. To an extent, you probably should just accept some amount of digging as part of owning a dog. ", "It helped me because my dog always ruins my garden and messes it up. If you know digging will be a major problem for you, investigate a dog breed's propensity for digging before selecting a new pet. As noted above, deal with any rodent or other small mammal problem. The moment you see your dog paw at the ground to initiate digging, interrupt him. There's little to lose by giving it a go, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work. If your dog is digging random holes throughout the yard, he or she is most likely smelling or hearing something underground and trying to get to it. Create a Larger Hole for Your Pet. These are all things you need to check off your list as a responsible dog owner before attempting to find fault in your dog’s behavior and to stop dog from digging. The most important thing to confirm is that your dog is well taken care of. take him out every two hours to do toilet time. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. Instead of getting upset at your pup, consider why he or she might be making a minefield out of your backyard. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst. Your pup’s ancestors dug holes to bury food, and dug cozy dens to protect their young from harsh weather and predators. To learn how to stop dogs from digging holes it is crucial to determine the reason why your puppy or older dog is digging in the first place. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. They only have to touch it once. Dog Digging Holes is a normal behavior for dogs. Dogs digging to hide extra food Dogs will also sometimes hide surplus food, so if they are given a large chew toy or bone to gnaw on for example, they will dig a hole to put it in when they have temporarily had enough. One way to stop a dog from digging is by giving it more attention because a dog will dig to entertain itself, release physical energy, or get attention from its owner. Consider enrolling yourself and your dog in a basic training class. Anxiety … Yes, they do; however, if you give a Lab plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it helps prevent excessive digging born out of boredom. Our youngest and oldest dogs both were digging holes to China and back, and we finally just covered the narrow dog run area which was supposed to have grass planted but clearly wasn’t going to happen effectively, so we bought indoor/outdoor green put put golf like carpet and tacked it down both sides wuth metal stakes, and that pretty much ended holes to china from our two dogs. Thank you. They will dig holes in the yard because it gives them something to do to pass the time. Why Do Dogs Dig Holes? Dogs digging holes videos are so super funny! If you think this might be the case, ignore the dog after the digging and lavish your dog with attention for other, good behavior. Without being seen, create a loud noise (for instance, with a soda can with several coins inside) that will distract the dog. Start by accompanying your dog whenever he goes out into the yard. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. It's best to withhold food for 24 hours, but make sure the dog is still drinking water. Provide your dog with a nice, comfortable dog house in which to escape the heat (and cold) of the day. Forget the television stars and go for the real trainers whose books have stood the test of time. To learn more from our Veterinarian co-author, like how to make a safe area for your dog to dig with a sandbox, keep reading the article! While he's been versed in everything from basic dog training techniques, canine diet and health, to pet insurance, the takeaways he holds most dear are the inspiration to live every moment to the fullest, and start each day with gusto and a tail wag. Our Expert Agrees: If you're having a problem with your dog digging, try giving them a place where it's okay for them to dig. Alternatively, for a hardened digger, provide the dog with a well-demarcated area where he is allowed to dig and train him to use this. Sources: Campbell, W. E. The prevalence of behavioral problems in American dogs. Fill the hole with poop If you’re trying to discourage digging in a specific area, then try filling the holes with your dog’s feces. Now, there are literally … Shelter: in hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. Dogs enjoy digging in freshly tilled earth. The elders say that it’s a premonition that someone will die because the dog seems to be digging a grave. Your dog may be digging for protection or comfort if: The holes are near the foundations of large shade trees, buildings, or a water source. Because if there’s one thing that’s frustrating as hell, it’s a dog that starts randomly digging holes for no apparent reason. Do not let the dog see you do this, or it may be seen as part of a fun, back-and-forth game. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Consider mixing a dog probiotic with the food, as this helps repopulate the gut with bugs that aid digestion. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. Also, as it says above, you can add a sandbox for your dog to dig in. If you do gardening, do not let your dog see you till or dig in the earth, as this would simply be positive reinforcement. This, however, is usually motivated by several factors like hunting for prey or hiding food. Even then, a dog’s behavior often has a natural source. Natural Instinct – Some dogs have been bred for this purpose so it is their natural instinct to dig holes. Use citrus peels to guard the area. Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many dogs really dislike the smell of orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels. Blast your dog with water. But most importantly, you should realize that digging is a normal doggie trait. At best, punishing your dog for digging holes by yelling, slapping, or hitting him will only keep him from digging that hole while you are around. Last Updated: December 27, 2020 Furthermore, canine experts affirm that digging is a natural adaptive behavior seen in the wild. Could I use dog boots on the front paws to stop digging? This article has been viewed 1,396,681 times. Fences that are buried 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m) deep have little chance of being breached. If you catch your dog digging, ignore the behavior, and when it's finished digging, block off the area so that it can’t get to the hole. Make sure they are getting enough food, but not too much (or they may dig a hole to hide the left-overs ;), and make sure they are kept in an appropriately climate-adjusted environment. Dogs learn from each other and they learn from us. Line the fence with partially-buried rocks that block progress. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind, or rain or to find water. The wire on the dog's feet will feel uncomfortable. Try playing with toys, exercising by going on runs, or letting your dog socialize at a dog park. Also, most terriers love digging and should be allowed to do so, as long as they cannot escape. This usually works best near the fence (see Tips, below). Bring your dog to the dog park and let him sniff, saunter, and socialize to his heart's content. Don't let your dog outside without adequate protection in cases of extreme heat or cold. Terrier breeds are natural hunting dogs, and will instinctively dig in the ground for prey or food. You know the feeling: Someone ‘forgot’ to scoop after his dog left a little present on the lawn, and the next thing you know, you turn around to find your dog sniffing and eating it! wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. My dog keeps digging in the same area. Your dog lives in your home and must play by your rules. If you have tried all of the above and nothing seems to help, see your veterinarian or seek the help of a professional dog trainer. If your dog is digging because they are stressed or feel threatened, it’s … Some of it is instinctual and some results from years of breed development. As long as your dog has all his shots to protect against rabies, worms, ticks or fleas, no, playing in the grass shouldn't hurt him. Digging can also be part of a nesting instinct. Pest Prevention. First, you should know that digging is a normal and instinctive behavior for dogs, especially Labradors. If you catch your dog digging in an non-designated area, firmly say "No digging!" Will onion peels prevent my dog from digging in certain spots? Use wooden beams or low fencing to define the sandbox and fill it with freshly tilled earth. If you want the dog to stop digging up your garden, you could give them a sandbox, then bury some bones or toys so they know it's ok to dig there. Sign up to Receive our Free Dog Guide E-Book and Monthly Newsletter! Alex holds BS degrees in Management Science from the University of California at San Diego, and Computer Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. According to a national survey1, more than 83% of American dog owners have dogs that dig holes. Dogs who bury treats may also be overfed, or they may just be bored. Answering the question, “Why do dogs dig holes?” can be as simple as instinctual. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. In areas where your dog is digging put orange peels (or something your dog dislikes) to stop their digging. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, your dog will eventually learn that digging up your yard isn’t acceptable behavior. By using our site, you agree to our, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Stop-a-Dog-from-Digging-Step-1-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Stop-a-Dog-from-Digging-Step-1-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Stop-a-Dog-from-Digging-Step-1-Version-8.jpg\/aid87941-v4-728px-Stop-a-Dog-from-Digging-Step-1-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"