Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

How to stop your dog from digging up your garden

Training and behavior tips from a professional. - by Laura Barry
  • 29 Jul 2019
How to stop your dog from digging up your garden

Being the proud owner of a pet pooch is one of the more rewarding responsibilities you’ll take on during your adult life. However, our treasured pups can sometimes play up, particularly if they spend all day alone, outside in the backyard. This can result in torn up outdoor furniture, messed-up flower beds and digging in the garden.

With that in mind, we spoke to animal behavior consultant Dr Jo Righetti of Pet Problem Solved about how you can stop this behavior, and redirect your doggo’s energy into something a little more positive

Why do dogs usually dig?

According to Dr Jo, diggings is a natural caning behaviour, but some dogs – such as terriers – may be more inclined to dig than other breeds. “Digging is an individual behaviour in dogs,” says Jo. “Some do, some don’t, and they may dig because it’s fun, to find a cool spot in summer or warm spot in winter, to find roots and grubs, or if the dog is bored and needs an outlet for their energy, or they are anxious.”

However. Dr Jo suggests that sometimes out puppers think they’re helping us out. “Some dogs dig because you do (they are helping you garden!), or even to bury or uncover buried food or toys. In one case, a dog had buried socks, and when the owner dug up their garden they found 27 odd socks!”

Dr Jo says the key to preserving your garden is  to work out why your dog is digging.

dog digging in sand at beach
Getty

What can you do to stop a dog from digging?

In terms of defense measures, Dr Jo suggests fencing off precious areas of the garden, but if your dog is digging due instinctive behaviour, then your best best is to redirect the energy.

“You would be better off to satisfy their need to dig with appropriate digging opportunities, such as providing a designated digging spot like a sandpit,” says Dr Jo. “Use a different substrate (sand, in this case) to build an association with this material rather than your soil. Dig in toys or treats for your dog to find.”

“You could also take your dog to a dog-friendly beach and let them dig, as the tide will return the dug up spots to normal. Ensure you provide suitable warm or cool spots for your dog, and if your dog is bored or anxious, find solutions for these issues and the digging may reduce.”

Dr Jo’s top training tips

  • Do not give the digging behaviour attention. Shouting at your dog while they are digging may actually encourage this behaviour. Instead, put up barriers to prevent digging and give your dog appropriate outlets for their energy.
  • Reward non-digging behaviour.
  • Provide appropriate digging places with hidden rewards such as treats, as this will encourage them to dig appropriately.

You might also like:

How to stop your cat from scratching the furniture 

How to tell if your pet has a dental issue 

Cats get their personality from their owners 

Just got a new puppy? These are the most popular pet names of 2018

  • Garden
  • Pets
  • Better Life
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

How to keep your dog safe over Easter

How to keep your dog safe over Easter

Dr Harry revisits the Greyhound Adoption Program

Dr Harry revisits the Greyhound Adoption Program

Dr Harry revisits Australia’s best doggy day care

Dr Harry revisits Australia’s best doggy day care

How to take amazing photos of your dog

How to take amazing photos of your dog

{headline}

{headline}

The latest pet tech devices

The latest pet tech devices

Dog-friendly finds on the Coffs Coast

Dog-friendly finds on the Coffs Coast

7 dog breeds that won't kill chickens

7 dog breeds that won't kill chickens

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry meets a dog who's scared of window awnings

Dr Harry meets a dog who's scared of window awnings

Scientific study reveals the words dogs love most

Scientific study reveals the words dogs love most

Dr Harry visits Frank, an 80kg French mastiff

Dr Harry visits Frank, an 80kg French mastiff

Dr Harry meets some hero hounds

Dr Harry meets some hero hounds

How to prevent sunburn in dogs

How to prevent sunburn in dogs

Dr Harry helps a kelpie that won’t drop the ball

Dr Harry helps a kelpie that won’t drop the ball

Dr Harry meets Bindi the labradoodle

Dr Harry meets Bindi the labradoodle

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • All Recipes
  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • New Idea Food
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription