How to Stop a Puppy from Digging
Digging, like many other problems that can arise, is a natural behavior that many dogs enjoy. For this reason, it can be very difficult to stop a puppy from digging.
The reason your dog is digging stems back to the original purpose of the dogs, and you will find that breeds originally used for hunting small rodents and burrow animals, are more inclined to digging.
Before you try to break the habit, here are some of the reasons that makes a puppy dig:
Boredom: If a puppy is under stimulated because his exercise and play needs are not being met, he will find his own way to be entertained. This can usually lead to digging.
Enjoyment: Have you ever slid your hands into cool soil? It can be very enjoyable and your puppy probably feels the same way. It smells and feels great!
Breed disposition: I have already mentioned this but if you have a breed that was developed for hunting animals in their burrows, known as earth dogs, then you are going to have a digger.
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Other reasons can be to escape the yard, bury treasures they find or simply to cool down on a hot summer day. Now that you know some of the reasons, here are some ways to stop a puppy from digging :
Make sure your puppy’s needs are met:
If your puppy has all of his needs met, then he is less likely to dig because of boredom. Offer him exercise, toys to play with and keep him indoors and crated if you can’t interact with him in the yard.
Puppy proof your garden:
If your puppy is digging in your garden, you can start puppy proofing it. The best way to do this is to use mulches that are non-toxic but have a bitter odor that your dog doesn’t like. In addition, you can bury chicken wire in the garden and when your puppy digs, he will find that it doesn’t feel that great on his paws.
Deter your puppy from digging:
When your puppy digs in the yard, you can deter him but simply filling his holes back up. When you do, mix in some of his feces with the soil and you will find that he doesn’t want to dig in that area any more.
Create a space for puppy:
The best way to stop a puppy from digging is to provide him with another place to dig. Fill an area with wonderfully smelling sand and then bury some tasty tidbits for him to find. When he is digging in a spot where he shouldn’t, clap your hands and say firmly, “No” to break the behavior and then move him over to the sand pit. Dig with him and when he starts digging, you can praise him for digging.
These are all very effective ways to stop a puppy from digging. By doing this, your puppy will learn that digging is acceptable but only in one spot and you won’t have to fight with breaking a natural behavior. Instead, you are simply altering the behavior so it fits into your life and garden.
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