3 Quick Ways to Stop Dogs from Digging in the Yard and Garden

It can be quite frustrating for dog owners who have pets that love digging in the yard. Digging is a normal behavior so it might sound cruel to discourage a dog from doing it. On the flip side, too much digging will cause destruction in the backyard, especially if you are growing a lot of plants in the yard. Here are some simple but effective ways of finding a middle ground.

1. More exercise and mental stimulation

A lot of dogs will dig in the yard because they are bored or have excess energy to burn. Don’t give dogs a reason to dig. You might not be spending enough time walking and playing with your dog. Try to exercise them to the point where the dog would be more than happy to rest and take a nap.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend additional hours every day. The reality is that most of us have a busy schedule. There are plenty of weapons at your disposal that can make a dog tired and happy. One example is the flirt pole. Few minutes of a flirt pole workout can make a dog exhausted! The last thing they would think about is digging in the yard.

2. Supervise your dog

Ideally, you shouldn’t let your dog spend time outside unsupervised. When left unsupervised, the dog may engage in other unwanted behaviors aside from digging the ground. By supervising your dog, you have the opportunity to redirect their attention as soon as they look like they are going to start digging.

Whatever action you take, don’t punish or spank the dog for digging in the yard. We guarantee that won’t fix the problem. Dogs are great learners. They will adapt if you lead the way and teach them what’s considered good behavior (with the help of some tasty treats).

3. Remove the source of curiosity

Some dogs dig in the yard because they are curious about something they smell beneath the soil. One pet owner mentioned his dog’s digging activity all but stopped after removing all the garden weed deep in the soil. Another dog owner mentioned the presence of moles being the trigger for the yard digging. You might need to some detective work to determine if there is something in the soil that’s driving up your dog’s curiosity.