Many dog owners struggle with their pets digging up their yards. Digging can damage landscaping and make a mess in the yard. While training and providing enrichment can curb digging behaviors, many owners also look for additional deterrents to keep their dogs from digging in unwanted areas. Natural dog deterrents are humane and environmentally-friendly solutions to control digging. This article will discuss why dogs dig, popular deterrents, and how to use natural methods to keep dogs from digging up the yard.
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Why Do Dogs Dig?
Digging is a natural behavior for dogs. In the wild, dogs dig to create dens for shelter and raising puppies. Digging can also help regulate body temperature. Our domestic dogs retain these natural instincts. Additionally, dogs may dig when they are bored, seeking comfort, hiding possessions, or seeking entertainment. Understanding the motivation behind your dog’s digging will help you address the behavior. Here are some of the main reasons dogs dig:
Instinct
Digging is an inborn behavior in dogs going back to their wild ancestry. They dig to create dens for shelter. Females will dig whelping dens to birth and raise puppies. The den provides protection and regulates temperature. This instinct remains strong in domestic dogs.
Boredom
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Dogs left alone for long periods with no enrichment may dig to occupy themselves. Providing toys, chews, and activities helps stave off boredom digging behaviors.
Comfort or Protection
Digging in the dirt releases endorphins in dogs, resulting in a comforting, calming effect. Dogs may dig to create snug areas where they feel secure and sheltered. Providing an insulated dog house gives dogs a comfort zone.
Temperature Regulation
Digging allows dogs to burrow into cooler earth during hot weather. In winter, dogs can dig out sheltered dens to conserve warmth. Providing shade and shelter helps control this instinctual digging.
Hiding Valued Items
Dogs may bury toys, treats, or bones by digging holes to hide their possessions. This instinct comes from wild dogs burying food to save for later. Providing your dog sanctioned digging areas can curb this behavior.
Seeking Prey
The prey drive is strong in some dogs. They may try digging under fences or foundations in pursuit of rodents, moles, or other small animals. This behavior can be limited by burying fences or foundations. Removing attractants like rodents also helps.
Exploration
Dogs have a strong curiosity drive. Digging allows them to explore underground environments and satisfy their inquisitive nature. Providing stimulation reduces this exploratory digging.
Excitement
Some dogs dig holes simply because it’s fun! Digging becomes a play and entertainment outlet. Giving alternative activities helps control their energetic digging.
Now that we understand why dogs dig, let’s look at some natural deterrents.
Natural Dog Deterrents for Digging
Humane and natural deterrents should always be tried first to prevent destructive digging habits in dogs. Here are some of the most popular and effective options:
Unpleasant Smells
Dogs have a sensitive sense of smell. Strong odors are a natural turnoff. Spreading smelly substances in areas where you want to deter digging can work. Options include citrus peels, vinegar, ammonia, chili powder, or oil of mustard. Reapply frequently.
Physical Barriers
Creating a physical obstruction is very effective. Chicken wire, fencing material, or landscape staples can cover vulnerable digging zones. Partially burying sticks or rocks also blocks digging. Just ensure any physical barrier is dog-safe.
Booby Traps
Non-harmful booby traps surprise dogs when they attempt digging and eventually deter them. Bury plastic bottles to rattle when hit. Flagstone pathway material vibrates under paws. Set up motion sensor alarms or sprinklers.
Access Restriction
Limit access to tempting digging areas by fencing them off or supervising during outdoor time. Dog-proof your fence lines. If needed, set up a digging pit where they are allowed to dig.
Aversive Textures
Dogs dislike digging into uncomfortable textures. Lay pine cones, large gravel, or chicken grit over digging zones. The roughness deters paws. Ensure the material won’t harm paw pads.
Interactive Toys
Keep your dog entertained by providing interactive toys that appeal to their digging instincts. Treat-dispensing toys and snuffle mats with buried goodies simulate digging to find rewards.
More Exercise
Drain a dog’s excess energy by providing adequate walks, runs, playtime, or training sessions. Tired dogs are less motivated to dig. Ensure they get sufficient physical and mental stimulation.
Hide Treats
Make your dog dig in approved spots by burying treats there. Burying a treat-filled Kong toy keeps them engaged in that location. Choose areas away from unwanted digging zones.
Obedience Training
Use the “leave it” command when you catch your dog digging. Reward them for stopping. Obedience training reduces unwanted behaviors like digging through positive reinforcement.
Avoid harsh deterrents like shock collars. Instead, use multiple humane natural options tailored to your unique situation. Consistency and patience are key for resolving digging issues.
How to Apply Natural Deterrents
Now let’s go over some tips on using natural deterrents effectively:
Address the Cause
Identify why your dog is digging to address the root motivation. Provide solutions like enrichment if it’s boredom. Remove attractants for prey drive digging. Meeting their needs is the best deterrent.
Choose Multiple Methods
Implement several deterrents together for the best results. Layer unpleasant smells, physical barriers, and booby traps. Vary textures and items to keep them effective.
Rotate Deterrents
Dogs can become desensitized to a single deterrent over time. Swap out different items and textures periodically to keep it intriguing.
Consistency is Key
Using deterrents daily and in all vulnerable areas leads to the best success. Don’t allow digging even in small areas or it encourages the behavior elsewhere.
Supervise the Dog
When first applying deterrents, watch your dog closely. This allows you to correct digging attempts immediately before it becomes a habit again.
Keep Areas Clean
Remove any dirt mounds or holes created by digging promptly. Rake and tidy the area to remove evidence. This helps deter repeat attempts.
Mask Old Smells
Dogs are drawn back to spots that smell interesting. Eliminate digging odors using pet-safe disinfectants or enzyme cleaners. This prevents attraction to previous spots.
Adjust as Needed
Monitor what works best with your dog. Swap deterrents that aren’t effective for new options. Persistence and creativity will pay off.
Use Repellent Plants
Incorporating plants with pungent scents can help deter digging. Choices include lavender, lemon thyme, catmint, and marigolds. Place them strategically in landscaping beds.
Try Anxiety Solutions
If digging stems from stress, try natural calming aids. Products with pheromones, CBD, chamomile, or melatonin can ease anxious digging.
Fine-tuning your deterrent methods makes them more successful. Stay observant of your dog’s behaviors and willing to tweak your approach as needed. Avoid harsh punishments and stick to dog-friendly solutions.
Conclusion
Digging behaviors are hardwired into dogs as natural instincts. However, digging in unwanted spots can be resolved through humane deterrents and positive reinforcement training. The most effective natural deterrents use a combination of smell aversions, physical barriers, booby traps, restricted access, and interactive toys to curb digging habits. Consistency and creativity in applying multiple deterrents tailored to your dog’s motivation works best. Natural deterrents avoid using punishment or harm and instead channel your dog’s energy into appropriate outlets. With patience and persistence, you can guide your pup to dig in approved zones only, keeping your landscape damage-free. Implementing natural deterrents stops digging problems without breaking your dog’s spirit.