Dog Digging: How to Keep Dogs From Digging Under the fence?

Dogs tend to be clever escape artists. Dog digging under fences and finding holes everywhere is a landscaper’s nightmare. If you have a dog that burrows and digs around your fence, you may be wondering if there’s anything you can do to stop it.

While we love our pooches like family, dealing with constant digging up in the yard can be challenging.

Here are some helpful solutions that can help you figure out why your dog is digging and what you can do to keep your furry friend from creating such a mess outside.

Why is my dog digging under fence?

There are numerous reasons why dogs digs. However, it is possible to keep your pup from digging under the fence by simply determining the motive behind the digging behavior.

When raising your puppy, you should take note if your pup seems restless.

• Many pups will dig out of boredom because they have too much energy or are stuck in one place for an extended period. You might need to exercise your pup more with frequent walks or playtime to exert its energy and tire it out. Learning tricks and interactive toys are also a great way to stimulate your four-legged friend’s mind and lessen destructive and unwanted behavior.
• Hunting for the prey around. Other pups are more curious; if there are rodents or other animals they could prey upon, they might seek them out or hunt for them by digging around your fence. If you see the holes are centralized to one area, you might have other animals or pests in your yard. Consider having a little investigation in your yard to find those animals and minimize the risks of your pup
• Another reason that pups dig so much is to get your attention. Dogs require love and care, and certain breeds will demand more attention from their owners. When they don’t receive it, they will find ways to get you to pay attention.
• They will sometimes eat dirt due to a nutritional deficiency or other health issues. If you see that your dog’s digging results in it eating the dirt, it would be advisable to call a veterinarian to help find out if there is a health problem.
• Pup burrowing under a fence can also be to escape the backyard, much like your initial thoughts. There’s the likelihood that your pup is making holes to get to or away from something. Investigate their surroundings to find the reason that could be triggering your pooch to want to escape.
• Lastly, dogs will also dig to hide precious items or valuables, much like a bone. They may dig holes near the fence as a preference because they know it will not be disturbed. In this instance, you should work with your puppy to find a place where you don’t mind them burying things.

READ MORE: How Do I Keep my Dog from Scratching at the Door?

What Can I Do To Keep My Dog From Digging?

There are some ways to fix the burrowing behavior and keep your dog from acting out. Some excellent options and suggestions you can start imploring right away include:

• Longer walks and more attention. If your dog needs to execute more energy or seems bored, getting more time outdoors with activities and more quality time will help create a more relaxed dog who will be less likely (and too tired) to do any digging.
• Examine the surroundings. Look for anything triggering your dog to dig, such as pre-existing holes, other animals (bunnies, possums, mice, moles), or any food items that your pup could be sniffing out and digging at within the ground.
• Cover the area/ Bury Chicken Wire. You can take steps to keep your fence area from being dug up, such as placing big large rocks around the fence line, adding a chain-link fence and anchoring it to the bottom, or burying the chicken wire.
• Install an L-Footer/Fence line. Getting an L-Footer is a great option to keep your fence area from being dug. You lay the chicken wire fencing against the base and bend it at a 90-degree angle (shape of an “L”). The chicken wire fencing will discourage your dog from going near the fence.
• Training Your Pup Some Commands. There are many dog breeds that can be easily trained to follow specific commands, such as “get” and “leave it.” Consider enrolling your dog in obedience courses so that it will listen to you and stop such behavior when you tell it.
• Set up a dog digging zone. If your dog is just a digger and deterrents aren’t working, you should provide a place where it is okay for your dog to dig. Just ensure that it can’t escape and will stay safe, and encourage it to explore and do its digging there and not anywhere else.
• Keep rodents out of your yard. Take any steps you can if you suspect that there are burrowing animals like rabbits, moles, mice, or any other type of animal that your dog might be hunting.

READ MORE: The 10 Best Wireless Dog Fences

Things NOT To Do to Stop Digging 

It is crucial to note that punishing your dog is not a suitable method for stopping its behavior. For example, even when you show them that it created a hole or a mess by the fence, it won’t deter your dog from unwanted behavior. 

Many dogs do not know how to make the association between their digging behavior, resulting in added anxiety, which could create more digging.

So instead, offer your pet more positive reinforcement, such as giving them attention and treats when it does not disturb the ground or the fence. 

Get More Assistance If You Need To

You still have a few other measures when you’ve exhausted every option you can think of, and your pup is still digging.

First, if you have to keep the dog outdoors, consider getting a large pen or kennel to keep the dog from digging under the fence when you are away. Keeping your pup confined in this manner is an option; you just need to ensure it has plenty of space, food, and water when you are not around.

You should also reach out to an animal behavior specialist or professional trainer. They can help manage your dog’s digging behaviors, assist you in finding out why your pup is burrowing, and help train your dog not to dig.

With a little bit of work and effort, you can strengthen the bond with your furry companion and ensure that it won’t disturb your yard by digging.

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