My 3-year-old golden is a very busy girl, and regardless of what steps I take--she just loves to dig. I've fenced off the most sensitive places in my gardens, but she's pretty determined to make a minefield of my fenced area. She goes to the park and to daycare for lots of stimulating play, but to no avail. What else should I try?
Bring your dog somewhere that he/she can dig. We like to get all of our dog's energy out at the beach or dog park so when we go back home there's no digging up my flower garden and running through the house with messy paws.
Place their poop in the hole, they will then stop and start a new one. After a few times they will stop all together.
First, see if you can find out why she is digging. Some dogs dig just for fun, some might smell something interesting in or beneath the soil, some are bored, and some are trying to find a cool place to escape the sun and heat. If you know why she is digging, it can be easier to stop it.
Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and playtime to keep her from getting bored. Make sure she has plenty of shade, shelter, and cool water when in the yard. Make sure she is not pregnant and nesting for a safe place to whelp. Keep her nails trimmed as close to the quick without cutting it. Use training aids scented to deter digging, restrict her freedom within the yard in either time or space, or both. Actively try to catch her in the act and firmly tell her no, and enforce the stopping of the behavior.
Good luck!
Adding an approved digging place is a great way to support breeds who are prone to this behavior and who love to dig. Training to use a sandbox for this activity would be great with dogs!
Marie S., M.S.Ed
Maybe try to take her/him on a walk during the day if you can. Get a fur friend for her/him. I always use cayenne pepper and it seemed to work along with a little pop on the butt.