The ideas on this subject vary greatly. Some think doggies are doggies and being so should be free to express themselves. If this means they need to dig, so be it. Other believe a dog must be taught there are appropriate places for him to be and digging in their garden is not one of them.

I fall right in between – it is a normal part of who a dog is that wants to dig and is therefore okay to allow this occasionally. However, there is not a good explanation why dogs and plants cannot live harmoniously in a yard. They will require some time and teaching by you.

So for now, you are here for a reason – you have a dog that digs and want to know what to do about it. You are probably too far down the dog ownership road to tell you that some dogs are known for digging, like Huskies, Malamutes and Terriers. However, if you are in the research stage, this is good information to put in your file as you continue your search for your one and only dog.

First off, some explanations on why dogs dig.

1. Not enough exercise. Digging gives them a way to burn off all their energy.

2. Being bored. For dogs who don’t have enough to do, they find digging is just the ticket.

3. The grass is always greener! There are dogs who are roamers and do not want any fence to stand in their way. Activity and attention do little to deter these guys.

So how do you stop this dog digging behavior?

Obviously, you can get busy with dogs, getting them out and about. Or give him something constructive to do if he’s bored, like a toy to play with. Better still combine the two, and play fetch.

Use a natural deterrent. Dogs hate to dig where there is their own poop – even if they occasionally eat it! (For more information on dog poop-eating, visit the website below) If it can be arranged for there to be dog poop where he likes to dig, that might help.

You’ve tried everything and he just won’t stop digging – now what? It probably makes sense that he needs to dig. Your job is to find a spot that you can live with and start training him to use that place only. The size of your place doesn’t limit this from working.