how do I stop my Dachshund from digging holes all over my yard?

Question

He digs when in his kennel, or when he is tied. The dog is three years old.

Answer 1

I know this sounds silly, but buy him a sand box and train him to dig in the sand box and not the yard. Some dogs are born diggers though, so it may be difficult. We have a Husky and they like to dig. We gave up on our yard, and only plant flowers on the outside of the fence. We just accepted that our dog is a natural landscaper and we let him do his thing, you have to choose your battles sometimes. :-)

Answer 2

First you should understand that dachshund's were originally bred for digging and burrowing so it may be a lost cause but here's one thing we've tried with our Jack Russell Terrier (also bred for digging) that has worked pretty well. Sprinkle red pepper (cayenne) where the dog is digging. The problem is, they usually just find someplace else to dig. You may try just allowing him to dig in a certain area (like his kennel) and be patient but persistent about discouraging the digging everywhere else. I'm assuming you love your little dog so the rat poison and hammer ideas just SUCK!! Good luck!

Answer 3

First thing to ask is, how often do you walk your dog. A Dachsund may be small, but he still needs to go for a walk. Yes, this breed was meant for hunting and going down in burrows, but this could also be from boredom that he is digging. Get him out for at least a 30 minute walk each day. If there are times you are unable to go for a walk, play with him. Not just tossing a ball etc, but take his dry kibble and place it in front of him and let him see that he found it, as he gets the idea of what is going on, you can begin to hide it from him in small areas. What you're trying to do here is have him stop digging. If you need further assistance with this, you could also watch him, try to be as close to him as possible. When he begins to dig, you take your hand and form it into a claw like hand, make a fast pecking motion at his neck are with your hand and tell him no, or make some sore of short correction sound. He will learn from this that you do not want him to do this behavior. You are now acting like the calm/assertive pack leader, and he is taking on the role of calm/submissive follower.

Answer 4

Well, they were bred to hunt underground critters so I don't know if this will help...

If there are particular places he likes to dig, fill in the holes, and put chicken wire down under about 1" of dirt. When he digs, he'll hurt his feet. Keep an eye on him - he should stop digging. If he doesn't take up the chicken wire or he'll really hurt himself.

It sounds like your dog is bored. Get him a friend - they'll entertain each other. Bored dogs are pretty destructive.

Answer 5

I had the same problem but not any longer. No, I didn't shoot the dog. I gave her a spot in the yard that she was allowed to dig in. I had to be consistant about where she was to dig. I didn't reprimand her for digging in the wrong spot but praised her a lot when she dug in the right spot. She is now so good at digging where we tell her to that we let her dig our garden spots. Even my brother has borrowed her to help pull weeds. She loves to dig and it has made our time together a lot more enjoyable. Her job is to be the neighborhood "garden weasel."

Answer 6

Hmm I have a lab/shep cross that digs holes. Normally her thing is when she can hear the rabbits in the warrens under the yard she goes for it and tries to get then. Your hound is a bred digger so he could hear something under the dirt even if its juts bugs and is going for it. Find the hound a place where she can dig and let it loose its pretty much the only way you are going to be able to deal with it.

Answer 7

Don't listen to these other people that are telling you to hurt your dog. They are just stupid.

I'm sure you know by now, your Dachschund is probably the type that has his mind made up. Put something foul smelling there. Like paprika or some spice. Or if he is by a fence, put some rocks or that metal chicken fence around the bottom of it. Otherwise, just stop him and scold him when you see him do it. Put him inside the moment he does.

Answer 8

It is normal for Doxie's to dig it is instinct to them, you might want to try and sprinkle Cayenne pepper around the area where he digs in the kennel, as far as when he is tied up, he wants to be untied.

Answer 9

You rally can't do much now that he's 3, thet were bred to dig up critters and he's having fun...mine has some holes 2' deep

Answer 10

Two Words. Rat Poison