5 Ways to Stop Your Dog From Digging Up Your Garden

Do you have a dog that loves to dig holes in the garden? Some dogs are natural diggers and some aren’t, but why?

I have 5 dogs, 3 of which love to dig. While they dig, the other 2 look at them like they’re crazy. They just don’t have that digging instinct. It’s similar to water. Some dogs love it, some hate it. Two of mine love to swim, 1 only likes to play with the hose, and the other 2 aren’t sure at all yet.

If your dog is a digger, what can you do to stop your dog from digging holes in your garden or lawn?

To figure that out, we need to first look at why some dogs dig.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

Some dogs are earthdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.

Earthdogs are dogs that naturally hunt for small animals and insects in the ground. Examples of such earthdogs are dachshunds and small terriers. I had a fox terrier when I was little and she always had her nose in a hole somewhere, sniffing out mice, rats, other rodents, and snakes.

Read more: Why Do Dogs Dig?

Most dogs need a lot of exercise. If they don’t get the exercise they need, they’ll put their energy to use somewhere else. They might chew up your shoes, harass the neighbors cat, or dig holes. Even if you have a very big yard where your dog has lots of space to play, they may still need you to give them a good workout.

Another reason that I see a lot is weather conditions. My dogs dig when it’s hot. They’re trying to get to the cool earth beneath for some relief. Make sure they have plenty of water, a cool space to retreat to, and don’t let them run around in the full sun for hours on end.

How to Stop a Dog From Digging in Your Garden

1. Exercise

Lots of exercise can stop your dog from digging in the garden, especially if they’re digging because they’re bored.

Read more: Up the Exercise to Stop Your Dog Digging Holes 

2. More Toys

Get some interactive toys to keep them busy, like these treat-dispensing balls, or gives them some puzzles to solve!

3. Companions

Get your dog a friend. Two dogs keep each other occupied, leaving less time for digging holes. Friends don’t necessarily have to be dogs either, your dog might be friends with a cat, chicken, or a horse. One of my dogs spends quite a few hours a day running up and down the fence line with his horse friends.

4. Use a Digging Deterrent

 Dogs often like to dig in the same spot over and over again. Watch them for a few days and identify the digging spots. Dig in some big rocks to stop them digging there, or use some fencing mesh. Just make sure it’s not sharp or dangerous for your pup in any way!

You can use scents to deter them from digging too. Rue, for example, is a very effective flea-repellent plant, and it works to keep dogs and cats away too. You can use lemon peels, vinegar, cayenne – anything with a strong, non-appealing scent to dogs.