How to Keep Dogs from Digging Under Fence

Before you can effectively stop your dog from digging, it's essential to understand why they engage in this behavior. Dogs dig for various reasons, including:

Boredom

Dogs are highly energetic creatures, and when their energy isn't properly expended, they can become bored. Boredom often leads to destructive behavior, such as digging. Dogs might dig to create a new, stimulating environment for themselves. Without proper outlets for their energy, they may find digging as a way to keep themselves entertained. Ensuring your dog has plenty of activities can help reduce this behavior.

Escape

Escape-driven digging is often due to a dog's natural curiosity or a desire to explore beyond their confines. A scent or sound can trigger this behavior, leading them to dig under fences to reach the source. Additionally, some dogs may attempt to escape due to separation anxiety or a lack of companionship. It's crucial to identify and mitigate these triggers by ensuring your dog's environment is secure and engaging.

Hunting

Certain breeds, especially those with a strong prey drive, may dig as part of their hunting instincts. Dogs like terriers are bred for hunting small animals and may dig to pursue rodents or insects. This instinctual behavior can be challenging to curb, but understanding the root cause can help in addressing it. Providing toys or activities that simulate hunting can redirect this instinct in a more controlled manner.

Comfort

Digging can also serve as a way for dogs to create a comfortable resting spot. In hot weather, a dog might dig to find a cooler layer of soil, while in cold weather, digging may provide a warmer, insulated area. Recognizing this behavior can help in providing alternative comfort solutions, such as shaded areas or insulated bedding, to discourage digging.

Instinct

Digging is an instinctual behavior for some breeds, like terriers, who were bred for hunting. These breeds have a natural inclination to dig and may do so even if all their needs are met. Understanding and acknowledging this instinct is crucial for developing a strategy that accommodates their needs without compromising your yard's integrity.

Physical Barriers to Stop Dog Digging

One of the most effective ways to prevent your dog from digging under the fence is to install physical barriers. Here are some options:

Bury Chicken Wire

Burying chicken wire at the base of your fence can be a simple yet effective way to deter digging. Here's how:

1. Dig a Trench: Begin by digging a trench along the fence line, about 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate the chicken wire. This depth prevents dogs from easily reaching the bottom of the wire when they attempt to dig.

2. Install the Wire: Lay the chicken wire flat in the trench, ensuring it extends a few inches up the fence. This extension prevents dogs from finding a starting point to dig downwards.

3. Secure the Wire: Use garden staples or zip ties to secure the wire to the fence. This prevents the wire from shifting or being easily pulled up by a determined dog.

4. Cover the Trench: Fill the trench with soil, making sure the chicken wire is completely covered. This not only conceals the wire but also restores the appearance of your yard.

This barrier makes it difficult for dogs to dig through, preventing them from escaping.

Use Rocks or Pavers

Lining the perimeter of your fence with rocks or pavers can also help deter digging. The weight and solidity of these materials make it challenging for dogs to dig through.

1. Choose the Right Size: Select rocks or pavers that are large enough to create a substantial barrier. The size is crucial as smaller rocks might be displaced easily by a persistent dog.

2. Line the Fence: Place the rocks or pavers along the fence line, ensuring they are tightly packed to leave no gaps. This prevents dogs from finding weak spots to start digging.

3. Secure Them: For added stability, you can partially bury the rocks or pavers in the soil. This not only enhances the barrier's effectiveness but also integrates it into the landscape for a natural look.

This method not only prevents digging but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your yard.

Install an L-Footer

An L-footer is a wire mesh barrier shaped like an "L" that extends from the base of the fence outward. This extension makes it difficult for dogs to dig under the fence. Here's how to install one:

1. Measure and Cut the Wire: Measure the length of your fence and cut the wire mesh to fit. Ensure the dimensions are accurate for a seamless installation.

2. Create the L-Shape: Bend the wire mesh to form an "L" shape, with one side vertical against the fence and the other side horizontal on the ground. This configuration makes it challenging for dogs to find a way under the fence.

3. Secure the Mesh: Use staples or zip ties to attach the vertical side to the fence. Secure attachment prevents the mesh from being dislodged by a digging dog.

4. Cover the Horizontal Side: Cover the horizontal side with soil or mulch to conceal it. This not only hides the barrier but also integrates it with the yard's natural aesthetics.

An L-footer is a durable and long-lasting solution for dog digging prevention.

Behavioral Solutions to Prevent Dog Digging

While physical barriers are effective, addressing the behavior itself is equally important. Here are some behavioral strategies:

Provide Adequate Exercise

Dogs often dig due to excess energy. Ensuring your dog gets enough physical activity can significantly reduce their desire to dig.

• Daily Walks: Take your dog for daily walks to burn off energy. Walks provide not only physical exercise but also mental stimulation as they explore new environments.

• Playtime: Engage in interactive play sessions, such as fetch or tug-of-war. These activities help strengthen the bond between you and your dog while tiring them out.

• Training: Incorporate training exercises that challenge your dog mentally and physically. Teaching new tricks or practicing agility exercises can be both fun and exhausting for your dog.

A tired dog is less likely to dig out of boredom or restlessness.

Create a Designated Digging Area

If your dog loves to dig, providing a designated digging area can satisfy their natural instincts without damaging your yard.

1. Choose a Spot: Select a specific area in your yard where digging is allowed. Ensure it's an area where digging won't cause damage or safety concerns.

2. Encourage Digging: Bury toys or treats in the designated area to encourage your dog to dig there. This positive reinforcement helps direct their instinctive behavior to an acceptable area.

3. Reinforce the Behavior: Praise and reward your dog when they dig in the designated spot. Consistent positive reinforcement helps your dog understand where digging is permitted.

This approach allows your dog to indulge their digging instincts in a controlled manner.

Use Deterrents

There are various deterrents you can use to discourage your dog from digging in specific areas. These include:

• Citrus Peels: Dogs dislike the smell of citrus. Place orange or lemon peels in areas you want to protect. This natural deterrent can be an effective first step in discouraging digging.

• Vinegar: Spraying a mixture of vinegar and water along the fence line can deter digging. The strong smell is unappealing to dogs and can help keep them away from certain areas.

• Commercial Repellents: There are commercial dog repellents available that are safe and effective. These products are designed to deter dogs from specific behaviors like digging.

Remember to reapply these deterrents regularly, especially after rain.

Training Techniques to Discourage Digging

Training your dog to avoid digging requires patience and consistency. Here are some techniques:

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for modifying behavior. Reward your dog for not digging with treats, praise, or playtime.

• Immediate Reward: Offer a reward as soon as your dog stops digging. Immediate reinforcement helps your dog associate the cessation of digging with positive outcomes.

• Consistency: Be consistent with rewards to reinforce the desired behavior. Consistency helps your dog understand that not digging leads to positive reinforcement every time.

Redirecting Behavior

When you catch your dog digging, redirect their attention to an acceptable activity, such as playing with a toy or engaging in a training exercise.

• Use a Command: Use a simple command like "leave it" or "no dig" to interrupt the behavior. Clear commands help your dog understand what behavior is unacceptable.

• Offer an Alternative: Provide an alternative activity or toy to focus on. By redirecting their attention, you help them learn that other activities can be equally rewarding.

With time, your dog will learn that digging is not rewarded, but other behaviors are.

Conclusion

Preventing your dog from digging under the fence requires a combination of understanding their motivations, implementing physical barriers, and addressing behavioral issues. By providing exercise, creating a designated digging area, and using deterrents and training techniques, you can effectively stop your dog from digging and ensure their safety. With consistency and patience, you can enjoy a beautiful yard and keep your furry friend safe and content.