How do you get a dog to stop digging your garden?

As much as it may seem like it, a dog that digs isn’t aiming to destroy your garden. Our furry friends decide to excavate for a number of reasons. Veterinarian Charlene Carig of the Animal Welfare League NSW says digging is normal behaviour for dogs. “Digging fulfills their natural foraging behaviour,” she explains. “Physically, it builds their abdominal and shoulder muscles and is extremely enriching for them because they may uncover new smells. Dogs live in a smell-based world so new ones are full of satisfying information for them.” It’s still not great for your garden though! So how do you get a dog to stop digging holes? 

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Tip #1: Understand why your dog keeps digging

Aside from instinct, there are many reasons why your dog digs – and figuring them out could be the key to saving your garden! Environmental factors could be driving your furry bulldozer. If they don’t have suitable shelter, dogs may dig a hole to cool themselves during hot weather, or seek protection from the cold, wet or wind. They may also be hunting prey such as rats or rabbits, ensuring their food and prized toys are kept safe, or simply having fun! There might be emotional issues behind their burrowing, too. Dr Carig says dogs often dig to relieve boredom or distract themselves from anxiety. “Being in the yard for long periods at a time is not enough to meet your dog’s needs for physical exercise, social time, mental stimulation and enrichment,” she says. “Digging often becomes the only interesting thing they can do.”Your dog may also dig along the fence line to escape, either because they’re not desexed and acting on the drive to find a mate, or they are anxious about being left alone.

Try redirection

If you’re sure your dog’s physical, social and comfort needs are being met but they are still digging, scolding or punishing them is not the answer. “Instead, focus on creating a life that is more enriching and interesting,” suggests Dr Carig. Look at ways to engage your dog, physically and mentally – try more walks, food puzzles and toys, and games of fetch. Altering the environment can also help. “Place fencing and/or rocks to create a visual boundary to help train your dog where it is not acceptable to dig,” says Dr Carig. Barriers such as weed mat, dense planting or chunky mulch may deter some dogs. “However, a dog that is determined to dig will dig,” she warns.

Give them one space to dig

Allow your persistent digger to dig in one dedicated space. This area could be a permanent pit in the yard or a portable container such as a large plastic clam shell. Fill the pit with loose sandy soil and bury exciting items such as toys and treats to encourage them to dig in the right place. Then, put your dog on a lead and walk around the yard. “When they dig in an unwanted spot, say, ‘No!’ in a firm voice and lead them to their special digging area,” advises Dr Carig. When your dog digs where they’re supposed to, use lots of positive reinforcement such as extra treats and praise to motivate them to keep them coming back.

Keep in mind…

No toy is indestructible – always supervise your pet with new toys, inspect toys regularly and remove if they become damaged or unsafe.

Need ideas to keep your pet busy and entertained?

Find out how to keep your pet busy when you’re not home.

Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Photo credit: Adobe Stock.