How do I keep my dog from digging under our fence.?

Question

My husband and I recently had and issue with our dog getting out of our fence. In the last two weeks we have recieved 4 citiations, and she was impounded for 10 days. We have just built a 6ft wood privacy fence, thinking that it would fix the problem. Today was the first day that we left the dog in the yard, while we were at work, within an hour she had dug a hole out. She is a large dog, but does have basic training. We live next to a school, and she loves kids. I hate to leave her inside all day, because I feel she won't get the exericse that she needs. I am just looking for the best way to keep her in the yard when she is left out their alone. Please help!!!!.

I wish we could build a wall :) would make things easier.. She gets plenty of exercise. I think she just wants to run.. all the time. She is a puppy about 11 months old. I just don't want to get in trouble with the city again. We care a great deal about our dog, and have spent alot of money in the last two weeks to try and fix the problem. She is only outside for about 1/2 a day. We work about 3 miles fromthe house, so in the mornings she stays inside, we go home and lunch and let her out. We are always home by 5 to play with her.. I just don't understand why she wants to get out all the time. :)

The fence is brand new.. the ground is very soft. My husband and I think we will to bury the chicken wire. Any suggestions on how deep to go? She seems to be quite the digger. I really dont want to tie her up, or have to use an electric fence. I think that is a bit harsh, but I will if that is what it takes. We have enrolled in some training classes, so I hope that helps. Thanks for all the responses. Like I said we are just trying to be responsible dog owners, and want to make sure our puppy is safe and happy.

She has tons of toys outside to play with, and is never left alone for more than 5 hours. I don't know what else to do for her. She gets alot of exercise, fetch, walks etc..

Answer 1

Zip line at the base of the fence about 3-4 inches from the ground. You can buy them at a farm supply store for about $75.

Worked to keep my dogs in an acre-size dog yard built on sand (30 sec to dig under the fence).

Edit: Chicken wire will not keep her from digging, it will only keep her from getting out.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Take chicken wire, chainlink, rabbit wire or any other type of sturdy wire fencing and attach it to the bottom of your fence. Bury the free end about 6-8 inches under the ground. This should create an L shape. Most dogs don't like the feeling and will stop trying, however even if she continues trying she won't get very far. I agree that dogs should not be left outside alone for extended periods however I understand that not everyone's lifestyle allows this. Make sure she has shelter, water and food. Also try putting a jolly ball and other toys outside so she can play and be entertained.

NEVER leave a dog outside tied! There are tons of problems that can be attributed to "chained" dogs.

Answer 4

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RE:
How do I keep my dog from digging under our fence.?
My husband and I recently had and issue with our dog getting out of our fence. In the last two weeks we have recieved 4 citiations, and she was impounded for 10 days. We have just built a 6ft wood privacy fence, thinking that it would fix the problem. Today was the first day that we left the dog in...

Answer 5

Filling in the holes: Put charcoal in the hole. Then try refilling the holes with junk. Dogs quickly lose interest and pretty much stop digging. Fill the hole with whatever is at hand - dead leaves, sticks, pine needles, rocks or even dog feces. Fill the top 2 inches or so with dirt. The dog finds the stuff, gets discouraged and often quits digging. They seem to get the idea they'll never know where they'll find junk, and it's not worth the effort to dig only to find junk so they quit.
A sandbox: Try to remember that digging is a natural tendency for dogs. So, if there is any place where your dog may be allowed to dig, you should encourage it (and only in that place). Designate an area where the dog can dig. Many people build a sand box for their dog. Place the box in an area that is cool in summer and warm in winter.

To teach the dog to dig only in the box, place or bury toys or treats (sliced hotdogs, for example) in the box. Encourage the dog to dig up the toy or treat. Praise the dog. Repeat until the dog willingly jumps in and digs. Watch the dog. When it starts to dig in any other place, quickly go out and take your dog to its box. Show it (by digging yourself), that it should dig in its box.

To deter boredom, place several toys/treats in the box before you leave for work. The dog will spend its time digging in the correct place rather than digging up your roses. You can also sprinkle animal essence (available at hunting supplies places).

Remember that dogs like to dig in freshly turned earth. So get out that shovel and turn the dirt over in the sand box every now and then. Toss in some fresh dirt. Keep a close eye on freshly planted areas, as they will be very attractive.
Fill the holes with the dogs' feces and cover with dirt. Sounds disgusting, but guess what - it works. Seems the dogs can smell it, and so they won't dig it up.

Answer 6

Consider burying a strip of chicken wire under/along the fence - she won't be able to dig through that. Also, consider contacting a local trainer - big dogs have big energy, and she may need more (toys, etc.) to keep her occupied/entertained than simply being outdoors and alone. And even though she's outside it doesn't mean she's getting exercise - I would personally recommend some good "walk time" each to help her burn some of that energy.

Because she's so young, you may want to consider hiring a bet-sitter to visit once a day while you're gone. This person could help the dog burn up some energy, plus give her some additional training.

Answer 7

The issue is that dogs are poor generalizers - it's not that the dog is "sneaky, greedy" etc, but that they have no intrinsic sense of morality or "rightness" and so only think something is "bad" if it has bad consequences. If it has never had bad consequences except with a human in the room, then how on earth are they to know that the rules still apply with the human out of the room? You need to train in such a way that corrections and rewards occur when the dog does not think you are present - i.e. hiding around the corner. Read here https://tr.im/NzvHv

I personally owned a Labrador Retriever (read: chow hound) that could be left 6" from a hot dog in a sit-stay for half an hour and not touch it - the word was "mine" and it meant that you don't touch that, even if I am not in the room, even if whatever, you DO NOT touch that. You could leave a plate of food on the floor for hours and not only would she not touch it, she would also keep the other animals (dogs and cats) from touching it.

In all probability, these dogs studied were just not properly trained/proofed before the experiment. With "proofing" to set them up and catch them in the act to give

Answer 8

A lot of people bury objects like rocks or bricks under the fence where the dog digs. The dog can't dig through those.

Answer 9

We went through this with our little digger too! I put cement blocks along where he was digging and the little bugger managed to move some of these too! What I finally had to do was install an invisible fence. I know lots of people don't like these, but you train them and it only takes a couple of times getting zapped and they learn the boundaries. He stays where he is now and if he digs he just digs in the backyard.......

I know a lot of people don't like these, but they do keep the dog safe in the backyard.

Answer 10

There are 2 things you can do.

1) Get the 'anti-dig' spray from petsmart and spray along your fenceline.

2) If you line the fenceline with your dogs poo, then she won't dig there anymore! This works with anywhere in the yard she is digging.