How Do You Get A Dog To Stop Digging

A dog digging in the yard can be a frustrating problem. The key to stopping this behavior is to teach them not to dig.

There are many ways to stop a dog from digging. Some dogs will stop digging when they are given an alternative activity such as playing fetch or getting a chew toy. However, some dogs may need more training than that and the owner will need to use some form of punishment such as scolding or spraying with water.

How do you keeps dogs from digging?

Walk your dog at least twice a day. Dogs love to exercise to get rid of excess energy. Play with your dog. Bring them inside. Take a training class with your dog. Set aside a digging area for your dog.^[1]

Does vinegar stop dogs from digging?

Dogs do not like the smell of vinegar, so it may stop your dog from digging. Simply make a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water and spray in the spots where your pets dig. While this method will be effective with some pets, it’s not a cure-all.^[2]

Do dogs grow out of digging?

Sometimes dogs grow out of digging, but this is not usually the case. Some dogs will stop digging as they get older, but others will not. Some breeds, such as terriers, were bred to dig. In those dogs, the behavior is more likely to continue.^[3]

What smell repels dogs from digging?

The most effective digging deterrent smell we tested was red cayenne pepper. Sprinkle a small amount of this powder wherever your dog is digging. Once your dog takes a sniff, he will avoid the area completely.^[4]

What smells keep dogs from digging?

Vinegar and citrus oil are two things you can spray to stop your dog from digging. Commercial dog repellent sprays are also available.^[5]

Will coffee grounds keep dogs from digging?

Did you know dogs detest anything bitter? To keep your dog out of your garden simply take your morning coffee grounds and mix them with a dissolved bitter orange capsule/pill. Sprinkle this mixture around the perimeter of your garden.^[6]

Should I let my dog dig holes?

In these cases, the instinct and desire to dig is so great that it’s often unfair to ask the dog to stop doing it. Instead, never leaving them unsupervised, giving them alternative behaviors, or even providing a special place in the yard will help control the digging.^[7]

Why do dogs suddenly start to dig?

Dog’s often dig holes to protect themselves from the elements, either to cool down or for shelter. If your dog is digging holes suddenly, it might be due to pests or rodents in your yard. This is especially true for dogs with a high prey drive.^[8]

Why do dogs dig on beds and couches?

Dogs will dig to warm up their beds in the wild or to find a more comfortable sleeping position, much like how humans fluff their pillows before sleeping. Sometimes, dogs will dig on furniture out of boredom. They may not have enough toys or enough exercise going on in their daily lives to occupy themselves.^[9]

What smell that dog hates?

Chili Peppers. Onions. Ground Spices (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, cardamom, mustard, and cayenne pepper). Garlic. Citrus Fruits (such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits). Vinegar. Fresh Herbs (such as basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme). Alcohol.^[10]

What kind of vinegar keeps dogs from digging?

Experts at Garden Season suggest making natural homemade sprays with citronella oil, apple cider vinegar, or citrus fruit to deter dogs from digging.^[11]

How do you fill holes in yard from dogs digging?

Using a topsoil mix, fill in each hole so that it is just about level with the surrounding area. You can use a garden shovel to gently tap down the soil, adding more until the holes are completely filled up. You can take a rake and gently comb over the new topsoil to get it ready for seeding.^[12]