If any furry pawed buddies are presently treating your garden like a digging website, you require to understand how to stop dogs digging in garden so you can return to enjoying your outside location without undesirable mess.
Dogs have a mind of their own when it pertains to digging, and you may discover that no matter just how much you command your puppy to stop, she or he continues scampering at the earth non-stop. Dog friendly garden ideas can just presume; you require to understand how to stop dogs from digging in garden to be able to fix the matter at last.
‘Digging is a natural behaviour in dogs, returning to a time prior to domestication,’ says Axel Lagercrantz, CEO, Pets4Homes . ‘Canines would dig holes to bury their victim, indicating it might then be concealed and saved for later on. This is why some dog owners today might discover their dogs burying their treats, which is an example of their impulses triggering them to save food.’
So, digging is a natural behaviour in dogs, however that still does not imply you desire your dog to dig away and destroy your garden landscaping ideas . We’ve asked animal behaviour professionals how to stop dogs digging in the garden, so you can alter your dog’s behaviour and save yourself a great deal of trouble.
(Image credit: NumerousPets)
How to stop dogs digging in garden
‘After spending hours improving your garden for summertime, the last thing you desire is your dog digging holes and destroying your flower beds,’ says Victoria Kerr, Pet Nutritionist, Naturo . ‘Mischievous digging can be aggravating however there are numerous things you can do to dissuade this behaviour.’
The approaches in our guide are all expert-approved, and they will help substantially minimize – and ultimately remove – the digging issue. Here’s whatever you require to learn about how to stop dogs digging in the garden.
Dr Emma Scales-Theobald
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Canine Behaviour and Nutrition Consultant
Dr Emma Scales-Theobald is a canine behaviour and nutrition expert and is Pooch & Mutt’s canine behaviour specialist. Dr Emma has a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and Science from the University of Surrey, specialising in canine behaviour, health and well-being. Additionally, she has an MSc in Animal Behaviour from University of Exeter and a BSc (Hons) Psychology with Human Biology, from University of Plymouth. She likewise works as a Research Fellow with vHive at University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine, investigating Quality of Life in canine and feline osteoarthritis and other canine research study.
1. Train the ‘leave it’ command ‘When you see your dog start to dig, reroute their attention to something else, such as an actually delicious treat,’ says Dr. Emma Scales-Theobald, Pooch & Mutt . ‘As your dog turns and takes a couple of actions away, provide the treat and state ‘leave it’, so they match getting a treat with stopping what they’re doing and walking away.’
Your dog might already be well trained – or you may have just recently purchased a puppy and you’re still in the early phases of teaching them the ropes. Either method, if they are digging in the garden, practice the ‘leave it’ command as Dr. Emma explains, and it must start to dissuade them from digging.
2. Distract them
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You can likewise attempt sidetracking your doggy so that their attention is turned away from digging and rerouted towards something else. ‘Play a video game with them such as bring or go after, or provide something to keep themselves inhabited, such as toys, a puzzle feeding toy or a lasting chew,’ recommends Dr. Emma.
Though this isn’t a long-lasting option for how to stop dogs from digging in the garden, it’s a good choice for stopping the digging when it begins to occur.
3. Make sure they’re getting adequate workout ‘Some dog types need more workout and playtime than others, and the very first cause of digging is likely a mix of an absence of workout and monotony,’ says Dr. Nick Horniman MRCVS, Veterinary Surgeon and Founder, MyPetsVet . ‘Dogs, particularly younger puppies, yearn for activity and methods to sweat off their energy, so I would advise exercises like playing bring, running and swimming.’
If you believe your dog’s digging behaviour may be caused by an absence of workout, this must be leading of your list to attempt. Take them for a walk and let them launch some suppressed energy prior to you let them in the garden.
Carolyn Menteith
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Dog Trainer and Behaviourist
Carolyn is a certified dog fitness instructor and behaviourist specialising in buddy dogs, puppies and rescue dogs, and belongs to the leading expert organisations, all of which promote positive, reward-based approaches.
Qualifications and accreditations consist of: CABT , Full member of INTODogs , ABTC noted as an Accredited Animal Trainer, APDT , KCAI, ICAN Accredited Behaviourist
4. Create cool locations in heat
(Image credit: PDSA)
‘Weather can affect a dog’s behaviour,’ says Carolyn Menteith, Dog Trainer and Behaviourist, tails.com . ‘If temperature levels are exceptionally warm and they have no location to pull back out of the heat or a location to cool off, you might discover your dog digging holes in order to discover shelter or some cool earth to depend on.’
With UK summer seasons blistering and sizzling more than ever, the heat might be getting to your doggy. Knowing how often to water your garden in the heat will help keep your yard cooler, however motivate them to depend on the shade also so they’re less lured to dig. Place cushions and toys in cooler locations and provide a treat when they lie there.
5. Use deterrents
(Image credit: Tails.com)
You can likewise motivate your dog to avoid their preferred digging areas by positioning deterrents. Use aromas that are damaging with dogs like cayenne, citrus peel, vinegar, and fresh herbs. Place these is a little sac or drawstring bag so you do not need to produce any mess in your garden.
‘You can likewise put non-fragrant deterrents in the space, such as rocks, which will make the location less attractive to dogs, stopping them from digging,’ recommends William Mitchell, Owner, Sutton Manor Nursery rock garden ideas , and tactically put these in your dog’s preferred digging areas.
6. Get rid of other garden homeowners Another efficient method of understanding how to stop dogs digging in garden is to eliminate any other animals or bugs that may be motivating your dog to dig. Dogs wonder animals, and they tend to dig to see what wildlife is prowling below the yard.
‘Try utilizing safe, non-toxic or gentle methods of keeping other wildlife out of your garden or call a business that will do it for you,’ says animal behaviourist Carolyn Menteith.
You can learn how to kill ants nest in lawn if you have actually identified this in your garden and your dog keeps digging around it. Or if it may be fuzzy moss on your yard that’s motivating your puppy to scratch away at it, in which case you require to get clued up on how to get rid of moss on lawn .
7. Amp up the scope of your outside furnishings If you’re still having a hard time to get your dog to stop digging, think about updating your outdoor furniture so that they just do not have as much space to dig. ‘Your dog is not likely to go on a digging spree if there’s not a great deal of room for it to dig,’ says Steve Chilton, Garden Expert, LeisureBench . ‘Maybe this is a great time to produce that outside seating location you’ve constantly imagined?’
This might not be feasible if you’re dealing with small garden ideas , however even if you can’t include more furnishings, think about reorganizing what you already have. Spread out the garden chairs , move the table so that it’s beside the flowerbeds; do whatever you require to do to stop your dog from digging.
8. Create a designated digging location
(Image credit: PDSA)
Lastly, if you have actually attempted all the above actions and you’re dog is still constantly digging, produce a designated digging area to consist of the problem. This will a minimum of keep the dog far from your flowerbeds and other locations of your garden you wish to stay pristine.
‘Set up a sandpit (or comparable) in this location – ensuring whatever you utilize is safe and non-toxic – and fill it with treats and toys so it is the most intriguing and satisfying location for your dog to dig,’ says Carolyn from tails.com. ‘Encourage them to dig here and make it a video game you can take part with – so they are rewarded for digging in their own space.’
Now you understand all the very best methods how to stop dogs digging in the garden, you can return to enjoying your garden without mounds of dirt ruining the view!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dogs grow out of digging?
Digging is a natural behaviour in dogs. Even if your dog does not dig in the garden, you might discover it scratching at floorings, which originates from its impulse to either dig for victim or bury their food for later on.
‘While dogs might not outgrow this integrated impulse to dig, you can minimize digging behaviour through training,’ says Axel from Pets4Home. ‘Although whether they entirely stop digging depends upon the dog and their own propensities.’
Terriers, for instance, are more likely to dig, as are beagles. They can grow out of the behaviour if constant steps and training are put in location, however take care not to penalize your dog for digging; it is a natural behaviour after all.
‘For those dogs who like to dig, or whose breed or type implies that they are simply wired that method, penalty is unreasonable, damages your relationship and is typically not successful,’ says Carolyn. ‘Having a suitable outlet for this behaviour that you are both happy with, nevertheless, is typically the best option that permits the entire family to take pleasure in time in the garden.’
How do I stop my dog from digging when worried?
Stressed out dogs are most likely to start digging in the garden, so take actions to make them comfy and at ease. Make sure your dog is getting appropriate workout and playtime, as this will help keep their tension levels down.
‘If digging continues, ensure that your dog has their own space, whether a dog bed or ‘den’, that they can go to when they are stressed out,’ says Axel. ‘This provides a break for dogs who may feel distressed or caught, which may, in turn, help to minimize digging behaviour.’
If possible, attempt and recognize what may be triggering your dog’s tension, so you can remove any contributing aspects. ‘Maybe you’ve moved house, or have building work going on – it’s most likely something beyond your dog’s regimen that has actually made them feel hazardous,’ says Shauna. ‘Try to eliminate that tension if possible, or minimize it by ensuring your dog has a safe location to pull back to, and by adhering to our dog’s typical feed, play, and workout regimens.’
