Stop Dog From Digging Up the Yard?

Question

Last week Rocky started to dig up the yard, how can I teach him to stop. I’ve learned about throwing a can of coins to startle him. The problem is I never catch him. Rocky loves the outdoors and would sleep outside if I let him. I thought he would want to spend more time inside once it got cold and during the rain storms. It’s now early fall, cold and rains all the time. He still LOVES to go outside and sit nicely by the door until I let him out, and is now digging holes in the yard. I can’t catch him, when I’m outside he plays with his toys, behaves or sit by my feet. I have no idea when he digs the holes. Our neighborhood is quite, he hears every time I open the door, startling him is out of the question. Anyone have something that worked, will I have to keep covering his holes? Please no criticism, just suggestions that worked for you. I can't sit outside with him 16 hours of the day. I would, but it's cold! :) We take 2 20+ mins walks per day, & train throughout the day

Answer 1

I have 5 dogs and the way I taught them to stop digging was to but their "poo" into the holes that have been recently dug. It doesn't mean you have to catch him digging but as long as the digging has been recent it should break him of the habit. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Does that mean your poor dog is outside in the cold for 16 hours out of the day? Your dog is digging probably because he's bored or he's trying to get at something under the ground, like a mole or some other critter. You could try putting water balloons in the holes before you cover them up. That way when he goes back to that hole (which they generally do) it'll scare the crap out of him. Or instead of water balloons you could use his own poop. Dogs normally don't like digging in their own crap. Hope this helps!!

Answer 3

I agree with putting poop in the holes before you fill them back in. Additionally, you could create an area that is approved for digging. Section off an area with railroad ties or 2x6 lumber. Bury a few of his toys in shallow holes that you dig. Then he'll see that digging in that area is much more appealing than digging up poop. It's not a cure as much as a compromise.

Since he obviously gets bored outside alone, consider getting into agility training with him. Once he starts to get the hang of it, you can set up some obstacles in your yard. It'll give him something to do besides dig, even by himself! Good luck

Answer 4

RE: a thank you to provide up a canine from digging holes on your backyard? My canine has purely these days started digging up my total backyard. She has by no ability carried out that in the process the previous, and now there is vast gaping holes everywhere, what do you recommend I could do to make her provide up. I fuss at her as quickly as I catch her, yet she frequently does it whilst no one is around, and then whilst it rains, those...

Answer 5

The very best way to prevent yard digging is to keep your dog inside. The second best way is to pave your yard with concrete.
The third best way is to keep your dog at a neighbor's house.

Perhaps a dog kennel would be a good idea?