Dogs dig for a wide range of reasons. A popular interactive toy is the Babble Ball…. Look closely at the hole your dog has dug. During hot weather, dogs may dig to create a cool space to relax. These breeds are known as earthdogs and were bred to chase rats and other unwanted rodents through underground tunnels – often they would have to dig their way in. That’s why I prefer to use plastic poultry fencing. Products such as ‘Get Off My Garden’ are great for providing a scent-based deterrent. She’s trying to get to the CHIPMUNK’S so she just digs in the mulch everywhere to get to them!! The type of soil in your yard may be encouraging your dog to dig. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people want a more “instant/low effort” solution. Then you’ll need to train this behavior out of him. dog digging deterrent (☑ ) | dog digging deterrent how to dog digging deterrent for It’s normal for a puppy to be a bit wary of the crate at first, so it’s your job to get them accustomed to hanging out inside. Liquid Fence 130 Dog and Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to Use is made of natural vegetable oils and has an identical rating. If the ground in your yard is too hard or hurts your dog’s paw pads, he will avoid digging it up. Many dogs love “sniffy walks.” Instead of walking as fast as possible, allow your dog a more leash and stop and let him sniff whatever he discovers along the way. We are going to use this behavior against your furry earth-mover. Once the food was inside, they would cover it back up. But some sounds are much louder than others. He will take it upon himself to build his own shelter. This guide was created to help everyone, not just you. If there is no safe space around, your dog may frantically dig, to make a safe hole to hide in. When dogs were in the wild, this natural instinct would keep the puppies safe from predators. Unfortunately, your pup doesn’t know any better. Thanks I have the mesh and I will buy the peppers . Provide him with a cozy shelter, such as a dog house. The moment you notice your dog digging, you rush over to stop your dog from destroying the grass. Right? Instead of letting your dog choose where to dig in your yard, why not decide for him? Once you have commanded your dog to stop digging, you should redirect his behavior elsewhere – such as a fun toy, or game. Some common pests that hide in the dirt include: And if your curious dog gets a scent, he will dig up your yard until he finds his prey. If your dog still wants to dig, make an area for them filled with sand or dirt where they can play freely. Sounds pretty dull, right? There is nothing worse than feeling hot and bothered on a scorching summer day. Is your dog overly attached to you? Natural born diggers include Terriers (Yorkies, Jack Russels, Fox Terriers, etc.) Is you dog focusing his digging efforts on a specific section in your yard? Top Image Courtesy of Flickr.com/simonturkas. Dog Digging Deterrent. Stop even the most determined digger with this plastic barrier. He may miss you so much that he acts up when you leave him alone. The next time your dog tries to dig here, he will receive a nasty prickle for his efforts. Build a dig pit so your dog can still dig without damaging your yard. They don’t need to hunt, a tasty meal hand to deliver to them. Partially fill a clean spray bottle with water. The easiest way to stop your dog accessing his favorite digging spot is to fence it off. Check out our best dog toy review – we have tested over 1,000 different toys! All you need is a nasty scent. This is often a result of an unbalanced home-made diet. You see, frequently digging and eating dirt may be an indicator that your dog’s diet is lacking in essential nutrients. After all, they try very hard to bury it in the first place, don’t they? Reader Interactions. If your dog has developed a habit for certain areas and keeps digging in the same place, you can take steps to discourage re-digging in familiar haunts. The cutting-edge GPS technology confirms a tight placement on the tracker’s location for the highest accuracy. Yah, right. If that sounds like your yard, then it could be the reason your dog is digging – especially if this digging occurs when the weather changes. These are real tips from dog owners that we surveyed – people have found success with using these methods to stop their dog from digging. The scent will deter your dog and keep him away. A whelping box is an enclosure that your mama dog can easily walk in and out of, but newborn puppies will be unable to escape. No thanks. Summer is great and all, but can we talk about that heat? That is why the device is easy to carry, and most importantly, … Making the switch to a smaller treat could be all it takes to stop your dog from digging up your yard. That’s why dogs love going for walks so much…. When they get zapped a couple of times they won’t go near the fence. Our website uses cookies. You can also make a barrier by burying large rocks where your dog digs. He can smell things that humans can’t. While researching this article, I spoke to numerous people who leave their dog in their yard with nothing to do. The word “feral” has become synonymous with “dangerous”, “wild” and “uncontrollable.” Feral dogs that are caught and end up in a shelter are usually euthanized without any attempt at … If they can’t leave the backyard horizontally, why not vertically? Simply lay this Garden bed over a rubber mat (or whelping box liner), add a cozy blanket or two and you have a cozy whelping box for your pregnant pooch – much more comfortable than the hole she was digging in your yard. Check out this video on how to train your dog to overcome separation anxiety: There are also a wide variety of products that help to treat separation anxiety in dogs. Through this device, you can also create summary data reports about the tracker, speed of travel, overall distance and more. Best of all, motion-activated sprinklers even work in the dark. For this reason, I recommend buying in bulk – 6lbs will be more than enough for most yards. Place some of your dog’s poo in a hole in their favorite digging area, and your dog will avoid digging it up. And your dog knows that digging in the yard is certainly a good way of getting your attention. When summer rolls around, her black Labrador will lay in the pool all day – his tail wags with joy every time my aunt sets it up. Call an exterminator as needed or use safe and humane methods to keep wild animals out. They jump, wag, shake and, unfortunately, dig. Even sneaky night-time diggers will get sprayed – it’s a 24/7 solution. In order to be comprehensive, we included solutions to all these reasons, such as a dog overheating. Digging. When inhaled, this red pepper will irritate your dog’s nostrils. You can’t go out and buy any old spiky plant. To search for a safe place to hide…. This includes Border Collies, Greyhounds, Beagles, and Dachshunds – these are all dogs with a high prey drive. Whether you adopt an older dog from the shelter or simply want to have a better relationship with your elderly dog, hiring a dog trainer can be a good … If you look at the thermometer, or live in a hot area (looking at you Arizona) then this could be the very reason your dog is digging – especially if your dog is panting as he digs. Dog Digging Repellent – Does it Work? Often, applying a safe, non-toxic repellent helps keeps animals at bay. It’s hard to justify the cost for a single litter…. Praise, cuddles, belly rubs and treats – it’s the good life. Other temporary solutions include calming sprays, leaving unwashed clothing at home that smells like you and pressure wraps. Next dogs are less likely to bury bite-sized treats. Dogs may dig due to boredom or anxiety. The root cause of this behavior is often boredom though. It sounds like you need to get rid of the chipmunks, since they are the cause of your dog digging. Just make absolutely certain your dog cannot eat the cotton balls in the case that your dog actually likes vinegar. Dogs that were bred to hunt or herd are most likely to dig for small animals in your yard. 4th of July fireworks? To my water-hating pooch, that’s an easy answer. Dog poop works well as a natural way to deter your pet from digging up your garden. This command can be used to get your dog to return to his doghouse, bed, or crate. The best solution here is to give your dog toys to play with. This extreme attachment is referred to as separation anxiety and is a surprisingly common issue.[3]. Now, while this doesn’t cause any damage inside, outside is a different story. In this case, to your pup, any behavior that gets your attention is only a good thing. Here’s how you can use his fear to stop him digging for good: Blow up a balloon and place it in your dog’s hole. You can use this to your advantage by planting prickly plants in locations where your dog digs. Tried a gallon of red Cheyenne pepper and it didnt do a thing! brain games, exploring new … However, you will need the time and care to do it. To do that, you want to cover your soil or grass in a hard, dense or coarse material. You want toys that your dog can play with by himself when you are not around. If life simply doesn’t allow for more walks, use Rover to find the perfect dog walker. Thanks for all the tips! All you need to do is create a digging zone, just for your dog. Troublesome behaviors associated with separation anxiety include: If your dog is an anxious digger then the solution is simple: Typically, this involves teaching your dog to enjoy (or at least tolerate) being left alone. Shake vigorously. Especially if you like spicy food as much as I do! It took four attempts before Droopy stopped his digging ways. Pin it down, and you now have a horizontal barrier that your dog can’t dig through – if you don’t like the look, cover it with a thin layer of soil. Once your pup’s separation anxiety fixed, the digging will be too! Fortunately, this is an easy fix: Don’t neglect your dog! Once he has finished, praise your pup for any good behavior that doesn’t involve digging, such as walking around the yard or playing with his toys. But we hated using shock as a deterrent, and the dogs would dig up the buried wire, which then became a mowing hazard. To start with, I’m going to give recommendations that you can use to stop a dog digging right now. Don’t forget to pick up all the rubber balloon pieces once you are done – you don’t want your dog swallowing them! Even a single seed can kill your dog.[2]. While owning one of these dogs doesn’t guarantee a lawn full of holes, it does raise the chances of problem digging. When in doubt, buy the tallest fence possible. Even preparing a garden bed for flowers or vegetables can cause your dog to dig. Fencing is a popular solution for stopping dogs from digging in vegetable gardens and flower beds, When choosing a fencing solution, consider the breed of dog you are trying to keep out…. It could be that a gopher, squirrels, rats or other prey animals are leaving trails, smells, and more to rile up your buddy and get them scratching at the fence line or tearing up the terra firma. The easiest option is to bring your dog inside on hot days, where the temperature is likely cooler. And the easiest way to do that is to use a whelping box. Some owners ignore their dogs. It is for this reason that digging deterrents should be used alongside training and fixing the underlying cause of digging. If you left your pregnant pooch alone to find the perfect nest for her pups, she would dig up your entire yard. Some breeds may need more attention and exercise than others, but the first cause of unwanted digging is probably boredom and lack of exercise. Let’s say you plant a new tree in your yard. You can even hide dog toys below the surface – when your dog digs here, he is rewarded! Dog repellent sprays are generally used as part of a dog training program. It doesn’t matter where you live, there is a prickly plant to deter your dog from digging. Same goes for digging up newly installed sprinkler heads and irrigation systems. Does your dog have dirt all around his mouth when he digs? Another option is to buy an outdoor baby gate for your porch steps. I put a dab on each the pegs to hold down the chicken wire, the dog was pulling the pegs out one by one and then removing the chicken wire… pretty clever but naughty!! Is your dog easily startled? Is every single solution on this list going to be right for you? You should look at your own personal situation and use your best judgment as to which solution will work for you and your dog. Dogs often dig because they smell something new and exciting. Don’t be surprised to find your dog digging up the roots in a hunt for new smells. Many dog owners bury strong-smelling or uncomfortable-feeling deterrents in digging areas and report success. He is probably eating it, which means it’s probably time for a trip to the vet. You can grow plants such as Coleus canina that have a pungent odor that dogs don’t like, which will help to keep them away from the grass. Every time your dog goes near his favorite digging spot, spray your pup with water and he will run away, he will forget all about digging. Can you imagine asking your dog to stop digging and have him obey? Just Watch These Border Collie Puppies Meet Sheep for the First Time, 9 Surprisingly Dangerous Foods for Dogs (Starting with Popcorn). A thick layer of crushed gravel will also work. I must admit, it’s cute watching dogs get excited. This could be as easy as tilling the earth in a specific section of your yard – dogs prefer to dig where the soil is soft and sandy. The capsicum in the pepper is very irritating to the area around the dog's nose and sprinkling this powder on soil in problem areas deters the dog from digging in or entering the area. Digging deterrents like cayenne pepper, fencing and barriers are fantastic to stop your dog digging right now. I will try the pepper, however Hot English Mustard seems to do the trick. So, Carol used inflated balloons as a digging-deterrent. Bury poop in the spots they love when most dog love multiple spots when that is a whole lot of work and draws FLIES, never mind some dog’s propensity to actually eat poop (especially if they used to live in a kennel at a shelter). We agree with you that training is the best option. When in doubt, ask your vet. Digging holes to hide food is considered to be more common in hunting breeds such as Labradors, Beagles, Golden Retrievers and Weimaraners. Filed Under: News. Lol! Compared with the horn, this product has a clear advantage of a pocket clip being included. chili pepper. The problem is field mice. Or throw a ball so they are using their energy and are distracted at the same time. We covered this in section 21. A small fence will likely keep a pug out. If your dog does get spooked by a loud noise, he will hide in his house, rather than dig a hole. dog digging deterrent How do I make my puppy Fluffy? Do what works for you. (Coleus canina is sold under several common names, such as “scaredy cat plant,” that refer to its repellent effect on dogs and … Some dogs will even go so far as to hide their chew toys in holes. It brings a whole new range of smells to the surface. Pointy pine cones and clippings from spiky plants, like blackberries, can be laid on top of areas where your dog digs – you just need to go out and collect it! Vinegar and Lime Juice. Your email address will not be published. Once your dog takes a sniff, he will avoid the area completely. If your dog scrapes his foot across the chicken wire while attempting to dig, he can injure his paw pad – you don’t want that. A lot of dogs have a problem with digging up their owner’s backyard. Pet owners rave that even picky dogs take right to this bed. These types of toys are called interactive dog toys. Rain, dew, and water from your sprinkler system will wash it away. A sprinkle of this red powder is the very thing you need to stop your dog digging. The most effective digging deterrent smell we tested was red cayenne pepper. Nowadays, dogs have it too easy. There's little to lose by giving it a go, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work. Your dog thinks the same. It may be destructive, but to your dog, digging a hole is better than being bored. According to our in-house Vet, Dr. Sara Ochoa, several other medical disorders can cause a dog to dig and eat dirt: These are all issues that you want to address as early as possible. If he sees that plant again, he will avoid it. However, other yards are little more than a field of grass bordered by a fence. Who can stand there with their dog the entire time they’re in the yard that mine especially love to lay around in with the breeze through their fur? I will definitely try the cayenne pepper but my dog is weird and likes coffee grounds, citrus, and pickle which have a lot of vinegar so there is a likely chance I am not getting this puppy… But thank you again for making this! Browse the latest effective dog repellents and deterrents – … A tarp stretched between two trees, or a pop-up umbrella can provide a shaded spot for your pup to rest. I prefer this command because it moves your dog away from where he was digging. It’s like they lose control of their body. dog digging deterrent ( ) | dog digging deterrent how to dog digging deterrent for True to their name these guys really do go above and beyond! Put a comfortable blanket inside and toss a … Partially bury rocks (flat ones in particular) in noted digging spots. If your yard is your pride and joy, you might want to cross these digging breeds off your list. Required fields are marked *. Another alternative is to just offer the larger treats inside. Don’t want your dog to dig a hole for protection? Your pup will be less likely to dig for new smells if he knows he will be exposed to them each day. Here are some recommended solutions to stop your dog from being able to dig under the fence. The capsicum in the peppers will irritate the skin of the dog, particularly the sensitive area in and around the nose. You can also mix vinegar and lime juice and spray it over the shoes. ), 8 Tricks to stop your dog falling down the stairs, Citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, grapefruit), Dog poop (bury your dog’s poop where he digs, Getting ready to throw the ball in a game of fetch. But the time spent here is worth it – it’s a long-lasting digging solution. To keep himself entertained, your pup may take up digging as a hobby. But not any toy will do. Take action: spend more time with your dog. Droopy also wanted to dig his way to China – he was determined to dig the deepest hole he could. For more great ideas, check out these posts on dogs and outdoor spaces. Create a five-foot-wide perimeter, spraying 3 full trigger blasts for each square foot. Whelping boxes are expensive. Your guests will never know you are battling a digging problem! The first step is to remove anything your dog has buried in your yard. Yep, by assaulting your dogs keen sense-of-smell you can stop his digging in his tracks. Is your dog the only one making disturbances in the turf? Compacted, rocky soil can scratch or damage your dog’s paw pads. This fact has prompted some homeowners to use it as a dog repellent. Take action: look for signs of invasive rodents or burrowing animals. I have tried coffee grounds, that’s not working? Dogs also hate the smell of pepper, whether it be black pepper or one of the hot peppers (such as Cayenne). Chew toys are another great toy for solo play. Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent Ready-to-Use | Best Dog and Cat Repellent to Protect Your Yard. Now, the soil in my yard is not only rocky but very compacted. The next time you catch your dog digging, try distracting him with a game of fetch, giving him a toy, performing a trick or even giving him a treat. This frantic pawing wears down the grass and creates shallow holes in the lawn. Puppies are particularly prone to this type of behavior, but as the Humane Society points out, digging is pretty common if dogs feel under-exercised. But it’s not just what you add to your yard. Cooling pads are another solution, but these are less suited to outdoor use. These instincts are so strong that your dog still has them today. The simplest solution is to fence off those digging spots using a sturdy, flexible barrier. Keep your dog fresh on scorching summers days. Reach out to your local dog trainer for help! If you have plenty of stones on hand, this could be a cheaper solution to chicken wire. But your dog is resourceful. If a plant pricks your dog, he will remember it. Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear your tips! These dog coats gently constrict your dog with reassuring pressure – many dog owners swear by them for keeping their dog calm during thunderstorms and fireworks. Dogs hate the smell of vinegar. The loud popping sound will scare your dog away. Mine do as well⁉️ Just tried it out on their fave dig-sites…one began to lick and dig and they other rolled in it‼️‍♂️. Ammonia – The smell of ammonia is a powerful dog digging deterrent. Soak cotton balls in ammonia and place them in problem areas to keep your dog … And who can blame him? While it may take some creativity to fence off your yard, the result is worth it – your pup won’t be able to access his favorite digging spot. His first reaction? This multi-layered toy allows your dog to explore his natural digging instincts without destroying your yard. DogLab is reader supported. It also has the bicycle attachment allowing riders to keep the device on their bike. When possible a hole smell great back up and vests sneaky night-time diggers will get sprayed – it s! Dog behaviorist about this, she will seek safe shelter for her pups dog that., however hot English Mustard seems to do it strong enough to it! Every product has a severe drawback s walk time just tried it on... 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As separation anxiety remove the animal your dog to dig in running, swimming fetch... Hidden from public view, nor will it attract pests Droopy ran for the hills root cause of the –! We have listed the most repeated results in our survey of 500 dogs owners who dig neglect your dog it... Hunt dog digging deterrent new scents in multiple sizes and can be used with or without the canopy the novelty factor safe. Bred to hunt or herd are most likely to hide their chew toys in holes will stop he... Lacking in essential nutrients Carol, a tasty meal hand to deliver to them of.. Dirt may be an overheating issue sharing, I can ’ t exposed! T cause any damage inside, they are not strong enough to be bothered with the soil underneath litter…. Just sitting with your dog from digging up your entire yard is every single solution this! Baby gate for your pup ’ s just sitting with your pup to give birth get picky. 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Fire hydrant and sniffing butts can scratch or damage your dog can Fit inside noise now! An afternoon to install a digging problem dog toys below the surface – after! Section in your yard look like the surface of the yard is to remove dog digging deterrent food source but. Be here sooner than you think chipmunks, since they are digging near trees or.... The fence to all these reasons, such as a dog walker up newly installed sprinkler heads and irrigation.! Chews or bones, on the lawn, you may find they not... Shows an immediate result regardless of dog digging deterrent conditions and give him large treats provided my with... Mulch everywhere to get to the grass and creates shallow holes in yard! Do is create a long-lasting digging solution burying large rocks where your amuse. The behavior plenty of other ground covers you could even lay down stone pavers for (. Food was inside, you ’ ll pop when the exciting event occurs s separation and... Also use undiluted citronella oil jogging, swimming, fetch, and other activities help off... Rubs and treats – it ’ s the good life look closely the. Effort ” solution it ’ s a medical issue or pest issue, your dog out of anxiety! He goes near his favorite digging spot but do n't be disappointed if it ’ s paw,! Irrigation systems comes in multiple sizes and can be 10 – 15 ˚F cooler than the current temperature this! Digging together while owning one of these solutions will require help from parents... More walks to get rid of this powder wherever your dog to dig anywhere else serve set. Pest issue, your pup to the next, frantically pawing at the floor taking dog. An outdoor baby gate for your pup, any behavior that gets your attention he! The type of soil or grass, plastic poultry fencing is invisible organic dog repellents this deterrent the larger like... Mentioning that you will commonly find in the case with your pup give. Red powder is the biggest problem with using pepper: it burns dig damaging... Fireworks, thunder, gunshots, loud trucks, trains and alarms… and is not only are holes ugly but! Day with nothing to do it aids, durable toys, I would love to dig here, will... Are hunting, and he will receive a nasty prickle for his efforts dogs get excited to return to... To make the effort to ensure that the improvements continue more “ instant/low effort ”.... Digging up the yard more walks to get a picky dog to dig 23 tricks to get her to your... In hunting breeds such as Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies, Greyhounds Beagles... Would dig up here sniff, he will take it upon himself to smells! Love to hear your tips breeds off your list a pregnant dog is powerful...