Dig This: How to Get Your Dog to Stop Digging

Has your dog turned your yard into a moonscape, with craters everywhere? If so, the first thing you should know is that your dog isn't doing this out of spite or a desire to destroy your landscaping. More likely he’s seeking

• entertainment
• prey
• comfort or protection
• escape
• attention

Step one in solving the problem is to diagnose why your dog digs. Then you can follow advice tailored to your (and your dog's) situation.

Your dog needs entertainment

Dogs may dig to entertain themselves when they learn that roots and soil "play back." Your dog may be digging for entertainment if:

• He's left alone in the yard for long periods of time without the company of his human family.
• His environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys.
• He's a puppy or adolescent (under 3 years old) and doesn't have other outlets for his energy.
• He's a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig.
• He's a particularly active type who needs a job to be happy (such as a herding or sporting breed).
• He's recently seen you "playing" in the dirt (gardening or working in the yard).

• What to do
   

  Expand your dog's world and increase his people time in the following ways:
  • Walk your dog at least twice daily. Not getting enough exercise is a leading cause of problem behaviors.
  • Redirect your dog's energy by teaching him to fetch a ball or flying disk and playing with him as often as possible. (A tired dog is a good dog.)
  • Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. Practice these every day for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Take a training class with your dog and practice daily what you've learned.
  • Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy when you're not around. Kong®-type toys filled with treats or busy-box dog toys work especially well. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting.