4 Ways to Stop Your Dog's Digging
1. Expand her world.
Dogs dig mainly out of boredom. If your dog is outside all day while you're away at work, consider hiring a dog walker to come once or twice a day. If that's not possible, enroll him in a doggy day-care facility, where he'll be able to express all his puppy energy in a suitable manner.
2. Load up on great toys.
When your dog is in the backyard, make sure he has great toys to play with. Think puzzle toys, not just boring chew toys. Try putting a piece of hot dog or cheese in a Kong or other puzzle-type treat dispenser. Some breeds require a lot of mental stimulation, and if you don't give it to them, they'll find it elsewhere.
Related: Which Dog is Right for You?
3. Tire him out.
Exercise should play a big role in a dog's life. Opening the door and letting him loose in the yard doesn't count as exercise. A better idea is to take him for a long walk or jog to burn off some of his energy before you leave him for the day.
4. Create a negative association.
As for the holes, don't fill them in with just dirt. I've found that a great preventive measure is to first add a layer of something dogs dislike, like chicken wire, and then cover it with dirt. The next time the dog digs, he'll uncover something he wishes he hadn't, and lose interest. Be prepared for the digging to continue in other places, but eventually he'll generalize that under the dirt lies something unpleasant.
Related: Annoying Pet Problems, Solved
Over time and with proper supervision, exercise, and attention, these solutions will help him forget all about his gardening hobby!
-By Kathy Santos
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