Is your dog a walking, barking excavator? When you’ve invested time, effort, and money in creating a beautiful outdoor oasis, the last thing you need is your turf pockmarked with holes. Short of locking your pet inside, it can be hard to know how to prevent damage to your landscaping. Fortunately, there are some helpful tricks to curb your pooch’s garden-digging habit.
Why Do Dogs Dig?
When solving any problem, understanding its cause is a crucial first step. Taking the time to observe your dog and his digging impulses is necessary to identify an effective solution. There can be many reasons why your furry friend is uprooting your hydrangeas, ranging from his mood to his DNA. Consider the following possibilities—paired with helpful suggestions—to see if any of them apply to your pet.
Boredom
If your dog spends a good deal of time outside without access to other distractions, his digging could signal a need for entertainment. Many dogs are happiest when they have something to occupy them—especially if they are a working breed accustomed to activity.
Providing your pet with plenty of mental stimulation can help stave off the temptation to dig. In addition to the typical dog toys, try giving him something to sink his teeth into, like a bone or hide. Another great option is an interactive toy or one that incorporates a reward. Focus on toys that occupy your dog’s attention for longer periods.
Excess Energy
Some dogs have higher energy levels and need more exercise in order to settle down. For example, a racing greyhound likely has more energy than a Pomeranian. If your dog’s breed predisposes him to be more active, he might be trying to burn off excess energy through digging.
Prevent the jitters by giving your dog adequate exercise each day. Take him for a long walk, let him run and wrestle with other pups at a dog park, and play tug of war and fetch. If your schedule allows for it, breaking exercise up into multiple sessions throughout the day may help prevent restlessness.
Chasing or Hunting
Digging that meanders across your property could be due to the presence of burrowing pests. If additional furry friends are making their way into his territory, your dog may feel obligated to dig trenches or paths through your garden to unearth them.
The solution to this type of digging is to rid your garden of invading critters. There are several ways to do this, ranging from traps to natural repellents. As with any garden product you use outside, ensure that the method you choose will not harm your dog. If necessary, keep him inside until the rodents are banished.
Burying Instinct
On the other hand, some dogs dig holes only to cover them up again after they stash a treat or a toy. This is a primitive instinct that their current wolf cousins still use to survive in the wild. After a successful hunt, wild canines often cache excess food underground.
One way to prevent this kind of digging is to keep a close eye on your pet’s eating. If you find that there is food left over when he finishes a meal, consider cutting back a little. If you like to give your pup treats like bones and hides, try keeping them indoors so he isn’t tempted to bury them.
Breed
In some cases, digging may be a trait bred into your dog’s DNA. While all dogs have the basic instinct to dig, many terrier breeds were specifically developed to hunt rats and other ground-dwelling vermin. If your dog comes from breeding stock built for digging, rooting through your rutabagas may feel like his calling in life.
When this is the case, try redirecting digging behavior. For example, choose an area where digging is acceptable, or install a sandbox, and encourage Fido to dig there. As an added measure, consider installing barriers or electric fences in areas where digging is undesirable, such as along your fence line, around your vegetable garden, or any other landscaping you wish to protect.
Protect Your Garden, Lawn, or Yard from Digging
Dealing with the damage to your property caused by your dog’s digging is frustrating. Remember that your vet is always a good resource if you need further help determining the cause of your dog’s behavior. Using the strategies outlined here, experiment and find a solution that works for you and your pet. Hopefully, this guide helps you preserve your outdoor space and return your pet to his rightful place as man’s best friend.
