How to Ditch the Digging

Digging holes is a major problem for many dog owners, but it can be hard to solve the problem. Out of control diggers can escape from fenced in yards, track dirt in the house, and ruin gardens. It is important to manage the problem before it gets out of control. There are several simple tricks to get your dog to ditch the digging.

1. If your dog has a favorite spot to dig, place some chicken wire under a thin layer of the soil. When your dog hits the wire, it may deter them from digging in that particular spot.

2. Taste and smell may deter dogs from digging. Try putting some newspaper in the bottom of holes, and sprinkle some Tabasco sauce, cayenne pepper, or other hot substance on the paper. When the dog tastes or smells these substances, it will discourage them from digging more.

3. Put a large rock in their favorite hole and loosely sprinkle dirt around it, or fill holes with a thick layer of gravel. When their paws strike these, the sound, surprise, and tactile feeling of scraping their paws against rock will discourage their digging habits.

4. Get the garden hose ready. Keep careful watch over your dog and use it the instant they begin to dig. Give them a good soak and tell them "no" in a stern voice. This technique is best implemented over the weekend, when you can devote the most time to chasing your dog with a hose.

5. This may sound unpleasant, but one of the most effective methods for discouraging digging is to place your dog’s feces in these holes. Simply use a scooper and move your dog’s "business" to their favorite spots. For most dogs, this will eventually train them out of digging.

6. There are many commercially produced products specifically designed to deter digging, a trip to your local pet store may be worth your time.

7. Positive redirection is a popular parenting technique. Like many parenting methods, this can effectively be used to train your dog to dig in a positive way. In the case of digging, a kiddies’ pool may be a wise investment. Fill the pool with fresh, clean playground sand and bury some of your dog’s favorite toys or treats in it. Keep the sand fresh and clean and encourage your dog to dig in it, while continuing to discourage digging in the yard.

8.One drastic option is to pick up a special training collar that emits a slight electric shock when you push a button. This should be reserved as a last resort when conventional methods prove unsuccessful.

9. Exercise your dog more! Destructive activities are often the result of too much energy and not enough to do. Increase the length and frequency of walks and provide your dog with extra playtime.

Keep your dog in a cage or gated indoors when you are unable to supervise them until they are trained out of this destructive habit. As with all pet training, the key is consistency. Be firm in your discouragement and liberal with your rewards until the problem is solved. Finally, be patient. Digging is instinctual, and training your dog out of this behavior can be difficult for everyone; remember they are not doing it on purpose, even if it sometimes feels that way. Your dog can ditch the digging, but only with your help.

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