Dogs are known to be some of the most active animals on the planet. They love to run, play, and explore their surroundings. This often leads them to dig in the yard, whether it’s because they’re looking for a new place to pee, or they’re trying to bury a bone.
Even though this behavior might seem funny at first, it will eventually become a problem for homeowners. After all, who loves to find holes in their yards, especially if your yard has just undergone a makeover?
There are a few things that you can do to prevent your dog from digging in the yard. We will talk about these things in more detail below.
Why Do Dogs Love to Dig in the Yard?
Dogs dig for a variety of reasons. For instance, they might be trying to escape the yard. If your dog is bored or doesn’t have enough space to run around, it will likely start digging. Additionally, if your dog is looking for something to do, such as chasing a rabbit or squirrel, it will also start to dig.
Another reason why dogs love to dig in the yard is that they’re looking for a cool spot to lie down. In hot weather, the ground can get pretty warm and uncomfortable for your pup. By digging a hole, they can create a little oasis where they can relax and cool off.
Finally, some dogs just enjoy the act of digging itself! If you’ve ever seen a dog bury a bone, you know that it takes a lot of effort to cover up the object. Dogs love this sense of accomplishment and will often dig just for the fun of it.
How Can I Prevent My Dog from Digging in the Yard?
Now that we know why dogs love to dig in the yard, let’s talk about how we can prevent them from doing so.
Use a fence
The easiest way to stop your dog from digging is by using a fence to contain it. If your dog is unable to access the yard, it won’t be able to dig in it.
Make sure that your fence is high enough so that your dog can’t jump over it. Additionally, make sure that there are no gaps or holes in the fence where your pup can easily pass through.
Provide plenty of exercise
If your dog is always busy playing and running around, it will be less likely to start digging in the yard. Make sure to provide plenty of exercise for your pup and take it on long walks or hikes. You can set aside at least 30 minutes or one hour of your day to dedicate to your dog’s exercise.
Give your dog plenty of toys
If you give your dog something to do, it will be less likely to start digging in the yard. Provide your pup with a variety of toys to play with and rotate them regularly so that they don’t get bored. Some good options include chew toys, Kongs, and puzzle toys. Just make sure to supervise your dog when it’s playing with toys, especially if they are made of plastic or rubber, as these can be dangerous if swallowed.
Create an obstacle course
If you have the space, consider creating an obstacle course for your dog in the yard. This will keep your pup entertained and occupied for hours on end. Some ideas for an obstacle course include a tunnel, A-frame, and hurdles.
Create a designated digging area
If your dog is still determined to dig in the yard, create a designated digging area for them. This can be a sandbox, a patch of dirt, or even a kiddie pool. If your dog knows that it’s only allowed to dig in this specific area, it will be less likely to do so elsewhere.
Train your dog
If you catch your dog digging in the yard, make sure to correct him immediately. You can do this by saying “no” in a firm voice and providing him with a toy or bone to chew on instead. Be consistent with this behavior training and your pup will eventually learn not to dig in the yard. You can also pay for dog obedience training services to help you train your dog.
These are some effective ways that you can prevent your dog from digging in the yard. By using one or a combination of these methods, you’ll be able to keep your yard safe and free of holes. Just make sure to be patient and consistent with your training, and your pup will soon learn how to behave properly.
