How to Keep a Dog From Digging

By Mason Harding

There are 2 extreme schools of thought when it comes to a dog digging holes in your garden: one, that a dog is a dog and he's going to dig, and he should be allowed to express his true doggy nature whenever and wherever he wants; and two, that a flowerbed is reserved for flowers, and if that dog even sets foot in it he's in big trouble.

My opinion is somewhere in the middle; although it's a natural thing for dogs to want to dig, and it's healthy to allow them to do this from time to time, there is no reason that flowers and dogs can't coexist peacefully in a yard. However, it may take a little effort on your part to get this accomplished.

If you're reading this article, you've probably already got a dog digging problem and it's too late for you to find out that certain dogs like Huskies, Malamutes, and Terriers are notorious diggers. If by chance you're just doing some research and are about to head off to the shelter to see who's available, you may want to keep these breeds in the back of your mind as possible candidates for dog digging problems.

First of all, let's explore some of the reasons dogs dig.

• Lack of exercise. Digging is a good way to burn off nervous energy.
• Boredom. Bored dogs need a job to do, and digging holes can quite often fit the bill.
• I gotta get outta here! Some dogs just want to see the world, and the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. These guys are nearly impossible to confine, no matter how much exercise and attention they get.

So how do you stop this dog digging behavior?

Well there are some obvious solutions to the above reasons that they dig. If he's not getting enough exercise, get more exercise for him. If he's bored, give him something to do, like playing with you or some toys just for him. Use a natural deterrent. Dogs hate to dig where there is their own poop - even if they occasionally eat it! (For more information on dog poop-eating, visit the website below) If it can be arranged for there to be dog poop where he likes to dig, that might help. If this doesn't work, what next? You're just going to have to give him a place to dig, and train him to dig there and only there. There are ways to do this, even if you've got a very small yard, or the whole thing is just too dear to your heart to let him destroy!

There are specific training tools on how to stop your dog digging problem. There are also ways to deal with other unwanted dog behaviors such as barking, chewing, and aggression. Take a look at SitStayFetch. It's a detailed how-to manual for the responsible dog owner, and is packed full of all the information you'll need to raise a happy, healthy, obedient pooch. Also, make sure to visit our dog training course website to read other articles about dog issues such as separation anxiety and why on earth a dog would want to eat poop!