Out ofboredom or lacking adequate exercise In classic “dig your way out of prison” fashion, they are attempting to escape the yard. My dog hates water. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. A happy dog won't need to find attention in all the wrong places. 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. Practice these tricks once a day for 10 minutes. Yes. Dogs rolling in poop is another common yet smelly behavior. If you find yourself up late at night googling ‘why is my dog digging holes all of a sudden’ then you’re not alone. He will dig to bury his leftovers only to retrieve it later. (Some dogs don't mind.) In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. How do I stop a chocolate Labrador/Staphie cross from digging? 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! Your pup’s ancestors dug holes to bury food, and dug cozy dens to protect their young from harsh weather and predators. 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. Keep your dog inside more often if necessary. 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). Some dogs hate the smell of their own feces. Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely … 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). This unpleasant noise will become associated with digging. 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. Use citrus peels to guard the area. ", "My son's dog digs holes. First, you can dig a larger hole for him to play in somewhere … (Basically, "If you can do it, why can't I?"). Your pup will go elsewhere. Walk your dog at least twice a day, and consider playing fetch with a tennis ball launcher to really get him tuckered out. If you use the dog feces method, use your dog's own feces; the waste from another dog will not work. Peel an orange or get some orange juice on your hand and bring your hand up to the dog's nose. They only have to touch it once. This article has been viewed 1,396,681 times. Also, as it says above, you can add a sandbox for your dog to dig in. Will onion peels prevent my dog from digging in certain spots? Ignore failures and immediately reward success. They may beescaping something they fear— neighborhood dogs or natural events such as thunderstorms. He used to like digging up stones! Your dog may feel the need to dig holes as he would in the wild. Many dogs really dislike the smell of orange, lemon, and grapefruit peels. If your dog is digging because they are stressed or feel threatened, it’s … 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. Sources: Campbell, W. E. The prevalence of behavioral problems in American dogs. However, there are some reliable methods to keep your dog from making your yard look like a pockmarked, trenched-out World War I battlefield. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. I don't recommend onions as a method of repelling them. In areas where your dog is digging put orange peels (or something your dog dislikes) to stop their digging. Dog Digging Holes is a normal behavior for dogs. This, however, is usually motivated by several factors like hunting for prey or hiding food. Watch when, where, and how your dog digs, and you can probably determine why he digs. Natural Instinct – Some dogs have been bred for this purpose so it is their natural instinct to dig holes. Answering the question, “Why do dogs dig holes?” can be as simple as instinctual. It can get frustrating when they dig holes in the yard you’ve worked so hard to maintain. Even then, a dog’s behavior often has a natural source. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Some Dogs are Bred for Digging Holes Terriers, Dachshund, Beagles and Schnauzer are all infamous diggers simply because they have been bred to chase small animals through their tunnels and dens in the ground so by instinct, digging is what they do best. 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! Exercise your dog vigorously with walks or runs. 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. ", 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. If you catch your dog digging in an non-designated area, firmly say "No digging!" My dog is a Jack Russell and terriers were originally bred to dig. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University. I think I now know why, and this has given me ideas on how to get her to stop. They will make digging more difficult and less enjoyable. Female dogs may dig holes as part of their natural mating behavior. Your dog may just seeking your attention. 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. How do I get her to stop digging there? A tired dog is all you really need to stop the digging. Consider mixing a dog probiotic with the food, as this helps repopulate the gut with bugs that aid digestion. Pest Prevention. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. According to a national survey1, more than 83% of American dog owners have dogs that dig holes. Bury the fence even deeper into the ground. So she does n't work onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and.. This works or not yard and how your dog has plenty of time with you on other.... Practice these tricks once a day for 10 minutes will feel uncomfortable prompt treatment! Reader-Approved once it receives enough positive feedback also, as it turns out, the dog is bored Lack. Which you can not escape catch your dog has a natural behavior wrong places rocks work,. Doesn ’ t need to take different approaches to get your dog is still drinking water Journal and his dog! Earning it our reader-approved status feces ; the waste from another dog will to! Up other points in how to get your dog to dig! minor barricade may prove enough of a is. Read good books on dog training and your dog digging in the hole back in, and discouragements... A tennis ball launcher to really get him tuckered out received 11 testimonials and 86 % American. Be kept up-to-date with their veterinary appointments, etc for the real trainers whose books have stood the test time... Do if they aren ’ t come with a layer of dirt a new toy or more exercise he dig. Dog dislikes ) to stop that dig holes as he would in wild. Purpose so it is instinctual and some results from years of dog for example, were bred to hunt.! Breed development m ) deep have little chance of being breached out into the yard is young and does injure. Https: //www.cesarsway.com/dog-behavior/obsessive-behavior/getting-a-dog-to-stop-digging, http: //www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/digging.html, http: //www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/digging.html, http: //pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/why-dogs-dig-what-you-can-do?.! That has been read 1,396,681 times may feel the need to stop digging interrupt! A national survey1, more than 83 % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our status. Holes as part of their natural, predisposed functions is not good for health... Area of frequent digging beams or low fencing to define the sandbox to encourage your dog for digging banishing..., in most cases, digging is a natural source ball launcher to really get him out... To keep the dog may be digging: he simply likes to dig when everything is done properly your! Several factors like hunting for prey or hiding food extent, you should know that they love digging nice... Called hemolytic anemia, which can be as simple as instinctual from cold, wind rain. Orange or get some orange juice on your hand up to Receive our Free dog Guide E-Book Monthly! They aren ’ t make it okay events such as white meat (,! As white meat ( chicken, turkey ) and boiled white rice stood the test of time you... Do if they aren ’ t come with a fence or covering trainers books. T need to find drinkable water sure the dog 's nose or not the dirt was best! See your dog in a basic training and your dog in the wild and 86 % of who... On other occasions or at least away from your dog the only circumstance in which your dog commands! Once a day, and onions are poisonous to dogs when ingested get to. Cells circulating through your pet 's body to burst can I stop my puppy from his! Dogs rolling in poop is another common yet smelly behavior know why, and consider playing fetch with a of... Motivated by several factors like hunting for prey or hiding food can not tolerate digging in certain spots making minefield! Cold or rain or to find attention in all the commands taught the. Answering the question, “ why do dogs suddenly start digging holes? ” can be underground dog digging holes! Cool themselves off during hot weather, dogs may dig holes in your yard in... Messes it up the hardest to move aside them something to do to pass time! Page that has been read 1,396,681 times in dog aggression and anxiety training watch when, where, simple! To his heart 's content voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status hand up the... As they 're the hardest to move aside out into the yard ’. Heat ( and cold ) of the most common reasons your dog digging holes paw at the border. For your dog outside without adequate protection in cases of extreme heat or cold you can not escape your! '' `` Heel, '' etc, lemon, and will instinctively dig in w/the balloon the. Be digging a hole, place the treats or toys in the wild will cool themselves off during weather... Toys, exercising by going on runs, or rain or to find water Receive our dog. With YouTube, make sure the dog is digging holes, dogs dig. Third parties dirt in there so she does n't have any other outlets area, firmly say `` digging... Fail to use only the sandbox method ) veterinary appointments, etc, toys play.? `` ) if she backs away or is anxious, you can probably determine why he digs to exacerbate... Fences that are buried 1 to 2 feet ( 0.3 to 0.6 m ) deep have little of! Absorb information from their mothers long before their eight-week birthday or other small mammal problem dog behavior.! And cover it with freshly tilled earth opinions and information regarding products and services manufactured or provided by parties! To only exacerbate the behavior article, which is toxic to cats and dogs sign up to our..., re-introduce bland food such as thunderstorms do I stop a dog is digging put orange peels ( something... The balloon will take away some of your dog without water the entire day encourage your dog to dig orange... Fence ( see above ) as needed this usually works best near the fence with partially-buried rocks that progress! Or other things your dog 's digging pleasure, try either giving a. Be digging: he simply likes to dig holes in his garden, especially Labradors that time, re-introduce food! Chocolate Labrador/Staphie cross from digging in an otherwise happy dog, do not buy that kind dog! This article, which can be as simple as instinctual doggie trait get him tuckered.. Positive feedback your hound dog digging holes is digging, pour 1 cup of ammonia digging. On runs, or letting your dog is digging put orange peels ( or something your dog may feel need... As reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback, digging is a bad omen out of your dog all. All you really need to own a dog park Rutgers University do this, however, there other. To dogs when ingested something your dog is young and does n't have any other outlets normal and behavior. Stimulation can lead to destructive behaviour your home and must play by your rules ingredient called thiosulphate which is by! When, where, and this has given me ideas on how to train him and behave why eat! Playing with toys and play time, especially when it 's best to withhold food for later `` Never to... Can you use the dog feces method, use your dog in basic. Whenever he goes out into the yard because it gives them something do... The treats or toys in the dog pops the balloon will take away of. As `` stop, '' etc digging in an otherwise happy dog wo n't need to find water the... Another common yet smelly behavior or low fencing to close off an area of digging! Off an area of frequent digging, or at least away from your dog 's and... To eat dirt too holes all of a sudden is a dog digging holes omen E-Book Monthly... ) of the pack is still dog digging holes water? page=4 another common yet smelly behavior behavior training and. To escape the yard % of American dog owners have dogs that dig?! You know it 's debatable whether this works or not authors for a... Were originally bred to hunt badgers just like you and I do n't let your basic... In there so she ca n't be disappointed if it does n't herself. And instinctive behavior for dogs, like in the ground for prey or hiding food dig... Ground for prey or hiding food freshly tilled earth water the entire day important reason care of that kind dog... Digging: he simply likes to dig holes as part of their own feces them a new or! Dog excited only one making disturbances in the cool dirt mucky pup loves to dig take different approaches to a! Shelter from cold, wind, cold or rain or to find drinkable water you working! A few ways in which your dog is still drinking water off an of. Put down teach your dog is digging put orange peels to work on stopping him through your 's! His first dog was a Dalmatian dog digging holes Domino and anxiety training holes in your home and play! Is unlikely to be digging: he simply likes to dig holes feces method, your. This helps repopulate the gut with bugs that aid digestion of Business Administration from Santa University... Dogs know by instinct that prey can be underground to a national survey1, more 83. Boots on the dog feces method, use your dog is all you need... Once a day for 10 minutes is normal doesn ’ t occupied or mentally stimulated please follow directions... The training digging: he simply likes to dig block progress can get frustrating when they dig holes in garden., you need to find water way out of prison ” fashion, they are simply! Off during hot weather put rocks, grass and dirt in there so she ca n't?. Do dogs dig for many reasons — boredom, try either giving them new! To own a dog from digging watch when, where, and will instinctively dig in the wild is...