Digging is a natural dog behavior. Though some breeds are more likely to turn your backyard into an eyesore, all dogs can dig due to their powerful limbs, large feet, and sharp claws. The natural behavior becomes problematic when your dog starts digging under the fence, which may lead to dangerous escapes.
Dogs are born escape artists, and what to you seems like harmless fun in the dirt may be a calculated effort to break free from your yard. So, how do you stop your dog from digging? Here are 14 effective solutions based on the most common reasons why dogs dig.
14 Ways to Stop Your Dog from Digging Under the Fence
Once you identify why your dog is digging, you can do what's needed to stop them. The most effective way to prevent your dog from digging and ensuring their safety may be adopting multiple methods.
1. Give Your Dog More Activities
If this is a boredom dig, the easiest fix for a dog doing this is to wear him out mentally. Spend more time playing with your dog, introduce interactive toys, or use automated ball throwers to keep them entertained.
2. Increase Physical Exercise
A lack of physical activity has often resulted in destructive behavior. Active breeds require sufficient amounts of exercises that can keep them well-behaved. Take your dog for more walks, play fetch at the park, or introduce agility exercises.
3. Supervise and Interact with Your Dog
Taking your dog outside will reduce the chances of digging. Sometimes the mere presence of a guardian will prevent these behaviors, and interaction will strengthen your bond and keep them busy.
4. Training Techniques
Train your dog on simple commands like "Stop!" to disrupt the digging behavior. When your dog obeys commands, reward them with positive reinforcement like treats and praise. Harsh punishment should be avoided as it will only make them fearful and anxious.
5. Shelter and Comfort
Some dogs dig a spot to lie in for cool comfort. Providing them with a cool outdoor bed or well-insulated doghouse would deter them from digging because they now have an assigned place to rest.
6. Give It a Digging Spot
Create an area that they are allowed to dig in. A sandbox or area of loose dirt should satiate their digging needs, as it does satisfy the urge for digging without giving them a reason to start with the fence.
7. Try Deterrent Sprays
Spraying deterrents around the base of the fence, including capsicum sprays or commercial dog repellents, should keep your dog from digging there. Natural deterrents work, too, like chili powder or vinegar.
8. Fortify the Fence Line
Place a buried wooden barrier-one made of 4x6 lumber-under the fence to prevent dogs from digging through. Remember to bury it at least four inches deep for fence reinforcement.
9. Set Up a Physical Barrier
One of the best options is an L-footer barrier. Dig a trench along the fence line and place chicken wire in an L-shape. Attach it to the fence and fill the trench with soil. Your dog will not find it comfortable to dig through, hence this will break the habit.
10. Use Landscaping
Use landscaping rocks or raised flower beds to create a physical barrier between the dog and the fence line. This should be hard enough for the dog not to move or dig through.
11. Block the View
Some dogs dig due to external distractions. Limit your dog's line of sight. Tarps, landscaping fabric, and solid panels block external visual stimulation and help reduce fence digging.
12. Modify Your Fence Design
Consider replacing your existing fence with one that has no gaps, such as a panelized or cement-block fence. Sometimes this will eliminate the digging urge altogether. A solid fence reduces distractions from outside, keeping your dog more relaxed.
13. Use an Invisible Fence
Invisible fence systems work through a training collar, which will not obstruct the view of your yard. If your dog comes too close to the perimeter, the collar emits a sound that should deter them. These sound-based systems are gentler than shock collars.
14. Add an Extra Layer of Security
As a last resort, consider building a secondary barrier-such as a playpen or an air lock system around gates-to ensure that if your dog does dig under the first fence, he'll still be safely enclosed.
5 Common Reasons Why Dogs Dig
Knowing 'why' will help you institute the best solution. Following are five common reasons for this behavior:
1. Boredom
They also dig when they have nothing to do. Digging allows them to have fun with the movement of the soil, and therefore dogs can repeat this behavior time after time.
2. Comfort Seeking
Some dogs dig in order to find a cool place to sleep, especially during the hot summer. The provision of shade and resting sites may reduce digging.
3. Hunting Instinct
Dogs with high prey drives will start digging if they sense critters underground. Keep your yard free of rodents for a reduction in this behavior.
4. Trying to Escape
Dogs can be curious animals, and many dogs will start digging if they see or hear something interesting outside the fence line. Blocking your dog's view and reinforcing a fence can avoid this.
5. Attention-seeking Behavior
Once it learns that it will get some attention by digging-even negative-one, it continues the behavior. Positive engagement and interaction will provide a shift to better behaviors.
Conclusion
Dogs dig—it's a natural instinct. However, with the right strategies, you can redirect their energy and protect your yard. By knowing why your dog is digging and using these effective solutions, you can keep your dog safe but still have a nice backyard.
