How to Stop a Dog from Digging

People think 2 different ways on whether it is okay for a dog to dig. Some feel it is what dogs do and to be true to his nature, he should be allowed to. Others feel like there are boundaries in their yards the dog needs to learn and they must not be crossed.

My feeling is really both. While it is a dog's nature to dig and you want to let them be a dog as much as possible, I think you can have both a beautiful yard and a happy dog. This involves you being ready to train him so that this can happen.

So for now, you are here for a reason - you have a dog that digs and want to know what to do about it. You are probably too far down the dog ownership road to tell you that some dogs are known for digging, like Huskies, Malamutes and Terriers. However, if you are in the research stage, this is good information to put in your file as you continue your search for your one and only dog.

First of all, let's explore some of the reasons dogs dig.

1. They are not getting enough exercise. Digging provides an release to their pent up energy.

2. Bored. Dogs like to have a job to do and if they don't, digging is one job they will find to do.

3. The grass is always greener! There are dogs who are roamers and do not want any fence to stand in their way. Activity and attention do little to deter these guys.

Then how do we make them stop?

Obviously, you can get busy with dogs, getting them out and about. Or give him something constructive to do if he's bored, like a toy to play with. Better still combine the two, and play fetch.

You can use something repulsive to a dog. And there really is something that works. Dogs despise digging where they have pooped - even if they occasionally eat their feces. (More on poop eating, visit website below) So make cleaning up after your dog interesting and put the poop in the area where they dig.

If this doesn't work, what next? You're just going to have to give him a place to dig, and train him to dig there and only there. There are ways to do this, even if you've got a very small yard, or the whole thing is just too dear to your heart to let him destroy!

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