How do I stop my dog from digging under the gate?

Having a dog that digs under the fence can be extremely frustrating. Not only does it allow your dog to escape and potentially get lost or injured, but it also creates unsightly holes in your yard. However, there are several things you can try to stop this determined digging behavior.

Understand Why Your Dog Digs

First, try to understand why your dog is so motivated to dig under your gate. Some common reasons dogs dig under fences include:

• Your dog is bored or under-exercised. Digging is a way for them to occupy themselves.
• Your dog is seeking freedom and wants to roam.
• Your dog is trying to escape something frightening on one side of the fence like loud noises.
• Your dog wants to get to something on the other side of the fence like another dog.
• Your dog has a natural instinct to dig and views it as rewarding.

Knowing the cause of your dog’s behavior will allow you to better correct the issue. For example, if your dog is bored, increasing play time and mental stimulation could curb the digging. Meanwhile, if your dog just enjoys digging, you may need to find ways to make it less rewarding.

Block Access to Digging Areas

One of the easiest ways to stop fence digging is to block your dog’s access to those vulnerable areas along the fence line. Here are some tactics to do this:

• Bury chicken wire along the base of the fence. The uncomfortable wire will deter digging at the base.
• Place large rocks, cinder blocks, or landscaping bricks around the perimeter. These are hard to dig through.
• Bury the bottom of the fence 1-2 feet where your dog digs. This leaves no loose dirt to excavate.
• Lay chain link fencing on the ground along the fence line to block access.
• Build a concrete curb or footer along the fence perimeter.

If you have a narrow gap that your dog squeezes under, fill it with dirt, rocks, or concrete. Eliminating access points removes the reward of being able to dig under.

Try Deterrents

There are also several deterrents you can place around your fence line to discourage digging. These include:

• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce – Dogs don’t like the smell.
• Lemon or orange peels – Citrus smells are unpleasant to dogs.
• Vinegar – The aroma is too strong for dogs.
• Ammonia – The odour repels dogs.
• Mothballs – The smell keeps many dogs away.
• Dog repellent spray – Look for commercial products designed to stop dogs.

Reapply these deterrents after rain or watering to maintain their effectiveness. You can also try electronic dog deterrents that sense vibration and emit unpleasant sounds when digging starts.

Give Your Dog Plenty of Exercise

Dogs that don’t get enough physical and mental exercise are more likely to dig as a way to expend pent up energy and boredom. Make sure your dog gets at least 30-60 minutes of activity daily along with play time and enrichment. Some ideas include:

• Regular walks and runs
• Playing fetch or tug
• Allowing off-leash running and exploration
• Swimming or hiking outings
• Agility activities or dog sports
• Interactive dog toys
• Food puzzle toys
• Chewing appropriate items

A tired dog is less likely to dig! Mental stimulation through training, scent games, and food puzzles is also important to curb boredom.

Provide a Digging Area

Since many dogs just love to dig, providing an acceptable digging area can satisfy that need. This designated digging pit gives your dog an appropriate outlet. Some tips for creating a digging pit include:

• Choose a low traffic area of your yard.
• Make the pit several feet wide and deep.
• Line the bottom with sand or loose dirt.
• Bury toys and treats to discover.
• Add a child’s plastic sandbox or kiddie pool.
• Supervise use until your dog is trained to dig here only.

Reward your dog for using this dedicated digging pit so they learn it’s the right place to dig.

Use Positive Reinforcement

Anytime you catch your dog not digging under the fence, reward them with upbeat praise, treats, play, and affection. This positive reinforcement helps them understand which behaviors earn rewards. Other tips include:

• Never punish or yell if you catch your dog digging. This often makes them fearful or anxious, leading to more digging.
• Interrupt digging by distracting them with a fun activity.
• Teach and reward the “leave it” command.
• Always supervise your dog outside until the digging habit is broken.
• Praise non-digging behaviors frequently.

With consistency, your dog will learn that not digging is hugely rewarding!

Consider Blocking Underground Access

For dogs that persist in digging right next to the fence line, you may need to take steps to block that underground access. Ideas include:

• Burying large gauge wire mesh under the dirt by the fence.
• Installing an L-shaped barrier along the fence line to block access.
• Laying chain link fence on the ground by the gate and anchoring it.
• Pouring a concrete curb or footer along the fence perimeter.
• Extending your fence below ground 1-2 feet with an angled mesh barrier.

These solutions involve more work but can be very effective at preventing digging in chronic cases. Consult with fence companies to identify the best underground barrier for your situation.

Use Aversives as a Last Resort

If other methods fail, some owners resort to aversive tactics to teach dogs that digging results in unpleasant consequences. Some examples include:

• Setting partially buried rocks or chicken wire pointed up to startle diggers.
• Aluminum soda cans strung on a line create noise when disturbed.
• Electronic training collars can issue a correction.
• Pepper spray deterrents activate when digging disturbs them.
• A motion activated sprinkler will startle diggers.

However, aversives can potentially frighten dogs and lead to other behavior issues. Always use positive reinforcement first before trying punishment-based tactics.

Consult an Animal Behaviorist

If your dog persists in digging under fences and gates despite your best efforts, seek help from an animal behaviorist. A certified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist can assess your dog’s unique motivations and help develop an effective plan. They may recommend strategies like:

• Habituation training to get your dog comfortable wearing a basket muzzle to prevent digging.
• Setting up an “invisible fence” that issues tones and corrections when dogs approach the fence line.
• Doing cognitive behavioral exercises to shift your dog’s digging habits.
• Trying anti-anxiety medications in extreme separation anxiety cases.

With professional guidance tailored to your specific situation, you can find the right solution to your dog’s fence digging.

Prevention Tips

Stopping an existing digging problem can be challenging, so prevention is also key. Here are some tips:

• Supervise young dogs outside to correct digging right away.
• Install fencing that extends under the ground over a foot down.
• Choose breeds with lower digging tendencies.
• Provide plenty of toys and chews to satisfy that need.
• Make sure your fence or gate does not have any gaps to start.
• Avoid over-punishment that increases anxiety and digging.

By discouraging the behavior from the start, you can prevent digging from becoming an ingrained habit.

Comparison of Training Methods

There are many training methods to stop fence digging. This table compares some key approaches:

Training Method	How it Works	Pros	Cons
Positive Reinforcement	Rewards good behavior	Dog-friendly, reduces stress	Time-intensive
Punishment	Creates consequences for bad behavior	Fast results	Risks fear/anxiety
Barriers	Blocks physical access	Immediate solution	May look unsightly
Distractions	Redirects to toys/chews	Satisfies needs	Dog may still dig when alone

Consider the pros and cons of each approach for your specific situation when developing a training plan.

Conclusion

Digging under fences is a frustrating and potentially dangerous behavior problem. The most effective solutions usually involve multiple tactics like blocking physical access, exercise and enrichment, training, and addressing underlying causes. With consistent prevention and training methods, you can redirect your escape artist dog and achieve yard security.