How You Can Stop Dog Digging and Why They Dig

Let’s face reality here. Dogs love to dig. Sometimes it really isn’t a huge problem but at other times it can be a frustrating habit that leaves your expertly landscaped yard looking like a battlefield. Some dogs also seem to get obsessed with digging and do it excessively and it can certainly cause stress to their owners. It can be a difficult task to stop dog digging. 

Dogs usually have a valid reason for excavating in different spots around their territory. It is not necessarily an action they perform just to test your patience or to get back at you for not giving them enough treats. The trick to stopping this behavior is to let your pooch know that digging is not tolerated through clear communication and reinforcement.

To understand how to stop dog digging we must first take a look at why they do what they do.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

•    Dogs may dig to obtain attention from their owners.
•    They may be attempting to dig themselves a den for shelter from cold or to cool off from the sun.
•    Some breeds, like Terriers and Labradors, are just prone to digging… it is in their doggie DNA.
•    Dogs may dig because they are bored and not thoroughly stimulated or exercised properly.
•    Digging under a fence can indicate a need to see more of the world or find a mate.
•    The smell of fertilized soil can be very attractive to some dogs, enticing them to dig or roll around.
•    Your dog might be tracking down some little animals or insects that live in your yard.
•    Some dogs are just trying to store an item of food or a treat that they want to enjoy later.

How To Stop Dog Digging

The most important thing to keep in mind whenever you are trying to change or correct a pet’s actions is that it is very important to be consistent. You have to stand firm and be very clear every time the behavior appears that it is just not an acceptable option.

It is also a crucial step to try and zero in on why your dog is digging. This will make the correction process much more tailored to their specific reason. We have listed a few methods that have been known to get results. If carried out properly they will certainly help control your furry friend’s digging dilemma and stop dog digging altogether.

•    Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. This can include not only physical activity but mental stimulation as well. Dogs tend to have a good amount of energy and it is important to direct that into something positive and away from digging.

•    If your canine is always digging in order to store real bones or other treats then refrain from giving them the objects that they tend to want to go and bury. Try something different like toys or rawhide.

•    Create a corner or designated area in your yard just for your dog to dig. With this technique you can actually encourage your pal to tear up the ground all they like. Filling this area with sand and adding some toys or treats will let your dog know that if they simply must dig that this is the proper place to do it.

•    Temporarily confine you dog to a crate or the indoors when you are not around to observe and rectify their excessive digging. You will need to supervise them when they are in their normal digging spots until you have corrected the behavior.

•    If digging under a fence is the problem then you might want to install a fence that blocks your dog’s view of the other side. By removing the distractions of the outside world you can eliminate any temptations that would coax your pet to try and make an escape.

•    If your pet has a specific spot that they always dig up then another useful technique is to buy some chicken wire and bury it just under the surface of the soil. Dogs tend to dislike the feeling of metal against their paws when they dig. They will eventually give up on that spot.

•    Fill in the holes that your dog has been working on with a mixture of soil and their own feces. Dogs tend to be put off by this and normally will not return to that spot or continue digging in the yard.

•    Whenever your dog starts their digging routine, you can reprimand them by spraying them lightly with a spray bottle or hose. This is another form of negative association that will make them think twice about digging but must be performed consistently.

•    A strange trick that has worked in the past is to blow up a few balloons and bury them in the specific area in which your pup loves to dig. When they eventually hit that surprise balloon, the noise will startle them and make them think twice about trying to dig again. This negative reinforcement might just stop your dog from digging altogether.

It might take a little trial and error in order to find one of these solutions that works best for your particular pet and help you stop dog digging. It will also help to brush up on some basic obedience training procedures and tactics in order to make sure your reinforcement plan is going to work well. The key is making sure that your dog respects your authority and trusts your judgment and they will be eager to make you happy and more likely to correct any troublesome behavior.

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Russ Barker's favorite book as a preschooler was "The Digging-Est Dog" so he certainly knows a thing or two about how to stop dog digging. He is currently a weekly blogger for DogTagArt.com, a company on the fast track to internet success providing beautiful personalized pet ID tags to the masses. It is their mission to make sure that all pets are as safe as possible with an up-to-date pet tag that can ensure safe recovery. These one-of-a-kind custom dog tags are a fun and fashionable product that promote pet safety and responsibility.

Dog Aggression - Different Types and How to Handle Them

When we think of dogs normally the image of a cute loving best friend comes to mind. Sometimes though our canine counterparts can show a darker side through growling, barking, snarling or in the worst case, biting. This does not indicate that you have a dangerous pet or that you are a mean caretaker. Statistics show that around 40% of dogs have, at some point, shown signs of dog aggression and growled or snapped at their owner.

Dogs do not just have a switch that randomly flips from “nice” to “mean” without reason. There are several levels of dog aggression and some are perfectly normal in certain situations. Typically pets are convinced they have a valid reason to lash out when they do. If your furry friend is suddenly aggressive and displays a notable change in behavior then you should always contact your veterinarian immediately as this could be brought on by internal pain or a health condition. Constant dog aggression can be a tricky thing to cure and might require the talent of a professional trainer.

To help you better identify the scale of aggressive behavior in your dog we have compiled 5 basic types of dog aggression and some simple tips on dealing with each one.  

Play - This type of aggression is not really aggression at all. It may look frightening but dogs have a special way of letting each other know that it’s all a game. From an early age dogs learn to hold back on their biting when playing.

If your puppy bites too hard when playing a good conditioning technique is to whine or whimper and let the puppy know verbally that the bite was too hard. After you alert them to this fact, it is also good to give them a short “time out” from play time to quickly show them that play time is over if they bite too strongly.

Territorial – This classification of dog aggression usually is experienced by protection or herding based breeds. This is the tried and true scenario in which your dog barks or growls anytime the catch a glimpse of someone coming to the door or through your yard. This reaction is reinforced when the dog succeeds in making the person or other animal leave immediately by showing their aggressive nature.

A good way to combat this is to plan ahead with someone the dog is not familiar with. Let them walk through the yard or up to the door and once your dog begins barking or lunging have them toss him one of his favorite treats. As the dog takes a break to quietly munch on the snack the person should praise them and walk away. This lets your dog know that in order to get the result they are looking for it is better to be calm and not aggressive.

Dominance - This form of dog aggression involves guarding specific items that your pet deems to be his own. This can include certain pieces of furniture, favorite toys, and a freshly filled food bowl. This behavior is typically found in young males that have not been neutered. This dog aggression is also reinforced by the fact that whenever the dog growls whoever is moving in on his stuff generally backs off.

The simplest cure for this type of behavior is to have your dog neutered which will cut down on the dominating attitude. Another, less intrusive method is to take away the items that the dog is possessive about and only use them as a reward when they have behaved properly or obeyed a command. This reinforces positive behavior and shows the pet that negative or aggressive activity does not get them what they want.

Fear - When a canine feels trapped or is just downright scared this type of dog aggression begins to emerge. It is a pretty well known fact that a cornered or caged dog will often bite or growl out of fear. In their experience, a loud bark or menacing growl will usually make the thing that has frightened them go away.  Dog also tend to be scared of hands reaching towards their heads because to them it looks like a threat.  

Try to avoid going directly for the head when petting. Instead try to pet the dog’s back or side. Staring can also be interpreted as a form of intimidation by pets. One of the best things to do to combat fear related aggression is to build a strong bond with your pet that encourages trust and love.

Predatory - This type of aggression is deep seeded in a dog’s instincts and originates from the necessity to hunt for food. It can include stalking, running down, and biting. This predator instinct can often be triggered by moving objects or sounds made by young children or smaller animals.

This form of dog aggression tends to disappear the older a dog gets. Keeping a watchful eye on your pet pal may be necessary in order to intervene when they start to go into predator mode. It is important to learn what sets you dog off and makes them give chase, then attempt to avoid these triggers. It is not an easy task to snap them out of this mode of behavior but a good technique is to find a word or phrase that immediately makes them content and interested like” treat”, “go for a ride”, or “ball”.  

Dealing with dog aggression can be a difficult practice that involves great time and patience on behalf of the owner. If you feel overwhelmed or are concerned about injury to others then you should always consult a professional to lend you a hand or enlist the services of a qualified dog trainer. This will ensure your dog learns to stay calm and under control.

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Russ Barker has been the victim of dog aggression several times but never lets it affect his love for the creatures or his self-confidence. He spends most his days as an efficient manager and pet blogger at DogTagArt.com, a fast-growing enterprise that encourages pet safety through unique and high-quality pet ID tags. Their mission is to ensure that as many pets as possible are returned home because they are wearing proper identification. These stylish custom dog tags are an excellent tool to prevent the loss of your best friends.