by Ashley McErlean

Created on: November 26, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2008

Keeping your dog from digging up your yard requires knowing WHY he digs. Dogs dig for several reasons, and finding the cause can help you keep your lawn green and your dog happy.

Boredom is often the root of digging. If your dog spends most of his time outside, make sure you provide him with plenty of activities. Give him chew toys. If you have more than one dog, give them a rope to play tug-of-war with. Go outside and play fetch with your dog. If you defeat his boredom, your dog won't feel the need to dig as much.

Provide shelter and shade for your buddy. Sometimes dogs will dig down to cooler soil in an effort to beat the heat. If it's hot outside, buy a kiddie pool and fill it with cold water that your dog can lay in when he gets overheated. Put it in a shady spot to keep the water from heating up. If you don't have any trees to provide shade, buy or build a dog house.

Some dogs just want to roam, and will dig under your fence in an effort to escape the confines of your yard. One way to prevent this is to spay and neuter your dogs. The urge to escape in a male dog is often related to his instinct to mate. An intact male desperately wants to spread his "goodness" - just like his human counterpart. On the flip side, a female dog will dig in order to create a nest for puppies, even if she is not pregnant. A pretty yard is just one more reason to spay and neuter. Some neutered males and females try to escape so they can explore, so take your dog for long walks to fulfill his craving for new smells.

Don't punish your dog for digging. This will only keep him from digging when you are around.

If all else fails, it is possible to train your dog to dig only in one spot. Set aside a corner of your yard for a "dig area" and fill it with sand or soft soil. Bury a bone or treat in the dig area, and reward your dog when he digs it out. If you catch him digging somewhere else, say "no!" and take him to the dig area. Repetition will eventually yield results.

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