Your dog may be digging because he is too hot or too cold. Your dog is able to adjust his body temperature by digging and lying in a hole. Unlike humans, dogs can’t remove their clothing or add layers, so they have to come up with other ways to get relief from the weather conditions.

In addition, dogs dig due to boredom. When a dog owner is away from the home all day, dogs can become extremely bored. Dogs will find ways to amuse themselves if they are left alone. Unfortunately, this may be digging!

To stop dogs from digging, their behavior needs to be redirected towards other activities. Usually all you will need to so is provide your dog with a digging patch where he will not be punished. Certain dog breeds are inherently prone to digging. It will require additional patience to stop certain breeds from digging.

For more information on how to stop your dog from digging, I recommend that you check out: Stop Dogs from Digging

The following tips should help to stop dogs from digging up your yard:

1. Put an unpleasant “present” in the hole dug by your dog. Dogs often start to dig, leave the hole for a while, then return later to resume the digging. While your dog is taking his break from digging, you should put the surprise in the hole. One idea is a water spray mixed with bitter apple, which may be purchased from pet stores.

    

2. Another way to discourage your dog from digging is by putting garden waste in the holes. Clean dirt is preferred by most dogs. Add dead leaves, sticks, rocks, and mulch to the hole and cover it with a thin layer of soil. When your dog returns to his digging activities and finds these unwanted items in his hole, he will probably stop digging. If this doesn’t work, fill the hole, spraying the contents with bitter apple. Most dogs dislike the odor and will stop digging in that particular hole.

    

3. Give your dog his own spot where he is free to dig without fear of punishment. Digging is instinctive for dogs. It will probably take a while for you to teach your dog to confine his digging to that area but it is certaivly possible. Stop dogs from digging in your flower garden by giving them an area where they are free to dig a few holes.

   You could use a sandbox or fence off a portion of your garden that has not been landscaped. Burying some treats that your dog is able to discover will help him to understand that he is able to dig in that area. Your dog may need to be given additional encouragement if you have already reprimanded him for digging. Once he realizes that he is allowed to dig in that area, he will be a happy dog.

    

4. When your dog has been provided with his own designated spot for digging, you will still need to keep things interesting for him. Once in a while, a toy or snack should be buried as a surprise for him. As dogs get bored with digging in the same area, he may decide that another part of your backyard looks more interesting.

   Occasionally, you should replace the dirt in your dog’s digging area. Dogs prefer fresh dirt to hard earth. Also, there will be occasions when your dog finds your flower beds more appealing than his designated digging spot. Sprinkle your flowerbeds with animal essence, which is used by hunters to attract animals. The smell of other animals may stop dogs from digging.

This will stop your dog from digging anywhere other than his own digging patch. Don’t forget that digging is an instinct for dogs so they are not been mean when they dig up your flowers.

To stop your dog’s annoying digging behavior, make sure you check out: Stop Dogs from Digging