Digging dog

[zoomzoom]

So we have two dogs.  We just moved into a new house this year.  One of them seems to be intent on digging up the entire yard.  The other does not.  She didn't do this at our former house.  I'm not sure what she's digging for but it's driving us crazy.  Any thoughts on how to prevent?

[runs4qs]

Supervise and redirect. Or go out on a leash and redirect n

[midnightmare81]

Burying chicken wire about an inch under the dirt can deter digging as well. It is a negative sensation on their paws and should stop the behavior if nothing else works.

[sparrowgreen]

Sounds like she's bored. Is she getting enough exercise/mental stimulation?

[locarb]

Ditto chix wire....that helps especially if digs are near a fence. Sounds like the stress of new environment created a new hobby.

You can also try bitter apple but that takes daily application.

[nomad100]

Redirection was the only thing that worked for us since Cricket was digging in the middle of the yard with no rhyme or reason as to where he would choose to make a hole. We had a can filled with coins and as soon as he started to dig, we would shake it to startle him and say "no dig" in a stern, loud voice. It took about a month and now, no more digging.

I swear that after watching him for that time, I can tell when he is thinking about digging and so can catch him and all I have to say is "no dig" in a stern voice and he stops in his tracks.

But we still don't let him out in the backyard unsupervised because he also likes to jump the 6 foot fence. :S

[katietornado]

You have to supervise the dog in the yard. It's not fun, but you should be keeping an eye on them anyway.

I had a foster who was a super digger. His people took my advice to build him a sandbox, and he directed 95% of his digging there. That could be a way to satisfy the digging without destroying the whole yard.

[mmp]

You could have moles or voles in the yard your dog is going after.

[callunafirefly]

Our puppy digs too...she's a husky-mix and I notice she does it mostly when she's really hot. I think sometimes it is from boredom too, so exercise or a walk helps. I haven't tried this, but I will if I have to...our dog trainer said one of his clients who had a digging problem started burying the dogs poop under his favorite digging spots and then pouring a little citronella on top (I'm guessing for the smell or bugs). I guess after a couple times of digging up his own shit the dog stopped. I know my dog stays as far away from her poop as possible.

[zoomzoom]

Jul 21, 2014 7:34:00 GMT -5 katietornado said:

You have to supervise the dog in the yard. It's not fun, but you should be keeping an eye on them anyway.

I had a foster who was a super digger. His people took my advice to build him a sandbox, and he directed 95% of his digging there. That could be a way to satisfy the digging without destroying the whole yard.

I love this idea.  Thanks!

We also use the can of coins to distract.  She only digs in the mulched areas so at least she's not destroying grass.  It's just been a transition from going to a privacy fence to a wrought iron fence.  And we are surrounded by other dogs.

[cmeon]

Yes, build the sandbox- it's helped a ton of dogs at our training center. We're going to get to one for our own when it's cooler. We have 40lb 4mo puppies, so we're still obviously out with them at all times, despite the 6ft privacy fence. But, they can dig a sizable hole in seconds- big shovels on the end of their legs.

It really is a stress releasing activity for many dogs, so it's not something we want to discourage, if we can help it- but, right now, we just redirect, avoid the more attractive digging areas (they're on lead out there 90% of the time).

[demandypants]

my one dog digs too, but he eats the dirt (or something in it) and sometimes that makes him sick. So we just watch the little jerk when he is outside Cause he is immune to training. I am just always very curious over what he is snacking on.