There are plenty of reasons your dog could be digging. Most of them relate back to lack of overall exercise or attention, but there are other potential reasons as well. No matter the reason, it can be an incredible nuisance, especially depending on where the digging is taking place. If in your own yard, the digging can be enough of an annoyance. However, if your dog is digging while out on walks, that can be even more problematic. Here, we will go over the potential reasons behind your dog’s digging and how to stop your dog from digging.
Why is it important?
Your dog might seem like they are just blowing off steam. Maybe it seems like they genuinely enjoy digging. So, why is it important for them to stop?
You likely have a well-kept yard with plenty of green grass and attractive plants. If that is the case, having your dog rip them to shreds while digging can ruin the entire aesthetic of your yard. In addition, you might have a vegetable or fruit garden. Once your dog gets digging there, any crops you had are likely gone.
Your yard might not be the only place your dog finds interesting enough to dig. If you discover that your dog is digging while out on walks, you can get embarrassed at your inability to control your dog’s behavior. Not only that, you may find that you have to compensate your neighbors for the damage done. Your dog can do the same amount of damage to their yards as they have done to yours.
Ways to Stop your Dog from Digging
There are several effective ways to get your dog to stop digging. Below, you will find a few that we have found prove particularly helpful.
Use deterrents
If you find that your dog is constantly digging in the same place, whether that is on your own property or while out on a walk, you can use deterrents. This basically means that you can discourage the behavior of digging by placing something the dog does not like in that area. Sometimes that something could smell badly or could make the dog feel uncomfortable. You could even bring the item(s) with you on walks if your dog tends to dig in the same place while out walking.
Use distractions
When your dog starts digging, find ways to effectively distract them. They may be digging just for the purpose of getting rid of some energy. Since digging is not a good way to do that, find others so that your dog can still get the energy out. Distractions could include throwing a tennis ball or playing tug of war with a rope toy. It could also mean finding unique ways to get your dog back on path you follow while walking.
Help your dog cool off
Many dogs will dig as a way to get cooler in hot weather. If that is the case, make sure you have a cool spot for your dog to use. If out on walks, make sure you are choosing paths that have plenty of shady spaces. You also want to ensure you are bringing plenty of water with you for your dog to have.
Play More
Some dogs dig simply because they are bored. Make sure you are engaging enough with your dog so that they do not feel the need to dig anymore. A tired dog is far less likely to dig than one that has a lot of pent up energy. You could play more with your dog, allow them to run more, or take them out for longer or more frequent walks. If you tire your pup out enough, they will not have the energy to keep digging. In addition, your dog may be acting out because their activity level is just too low.
Make a space for digging
If your dog really wants to dig but seems to be doing so in all the wrong places, you can always create a space in your yard that is acceptable for digging. This can help eliminate the need for your dog to dig where you do not want. Instead, the dog gets to dig, and you get to keep it in a space that is acceptable to use.
Need more help?
Hopefully the above tips have helped you to understand just a few of the ways you can encourage your dog to stop digging. However, this can be a difficult habit to break for some dogs. If that is the case for you, you may need more assistance. Reaching out to Paw Pals is a great first step. There, you can get some pointers on how else you can learn how to stop your dog from digging.