12 Effective Ways to Deter Your Dog from Digging Up Your Yard

Is your backyard starting to look like a miniature version of the Grand Canyon? Trust me, I’ve been there! My Lab, Max turned our beautiful garden into what looked like a military testing ground within weeks. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to discourage this behavior without upsetting your furry friend.

Dogs don’t dig to deliberately ruin your landscaping efforts. Instead of getting frustrated, it’s important to understand why they’re digging in the first place and then find the right deterrent for your situation.

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes in the First Place?

Before we jump into solutions, let’s understand why your pup is channeling their inner archaeologist:

• Boredom and excess energy – Most common reason!
• Hunting underground critters like moles or gophers
• Escaping the heat by finding cool soil
• Anxiety or fear (especially during thunderstorms)
• Hiding treasures like bones or toys
• Natural instinct (some breeds like Terriers were bred to dig)
• Looking for attention from you
• Lacking certain minerals in their diet
• Medical issues or discomfort

Once you figure out WHY your dog is digging, you can choose the most effective deterrent. Here are the most effective ways to stop the excavation project in your yard:

1. Create a Designated Digging Zone

Instead of stopping the behavior completely (which can be nearly impossible for some dogs), redirect it to an acceptable area.

How to create a dig pit

1. Section off a corner of your yard
2. Fill it with loose soil or sand (a sandbox works great!)
3. Bury treats and toys to encourage digging there
4. Praise your dog when they use this area

My neighbor tried this with her Dachshund and it worked like magic! The dog still gets to follow his natural instinct, but in a controlled way that doesn’t destroy the yard.

2. Physical Barriers as Deterrents

Sometimes the simplest approach is to make digging physically difficult:

• Bury chicken wire or wire mesh where your dog likes to dig (especially along fence lines)
• Place large rocks or stones in favorite digging spots
• Use landscape staples to secure the bottom of fences
• Create borders with spiky plants around areas you want to protect

Just be careful with chicken wire – it can rust and develop sharp edges, so plastic poultry fencing might be safer.

3. Smell and Taste Deterrents

Dogs are driven by their powerful noses, so unpleasant smells can be very effective:

We’ve had good luck with citrus peels in our flower beds – our dog absolutely hates the smell!

4. Environmental Modifications

Sometimes changing the environment can discourage digging:

• Install sprinklers with motion sensors (if your dog doesn’t like water)
• Create a shady rest area if they’re digging to stay cool
• Cover soft dirt areas with mulch or gravel
• Use deer-repellent crystals (works for some dogs)

5. Address Pest Problems

If your dog is digging because they smell or hear critters underground:

• Remove the animal attractant (usually food sources)
• Contact pest control for safe, pet-friendly removal options
• Eliminate grubs in your lawn (which attract moles)

Remember that many pesticides are toxic to dogs, so choose pet-safe options!

6. Provide Mental Stimulation and Exercise

A tired dog is less likely to dig! Try:

• Increasing daily walks or playing fetch
• Using interactive toys like treat puzzles
• Introducing brain training games
• Rotating toys to keep things interesting

I invested in the iFetch iDig Stay Dog Digging Toy for my digger, and it’s been a lifesaver! It allows my dog to scratch and dig without destroying anything.

7. Use Calming Techniques for Anxiety-Based Digging

If your dog digs due to anxiety or fear:

• Try calming treats with ingredients like CBD or melatonin
• Provide a safe space during storms or fireworks
• Consider an anti-anxiety bed
• Talk to your vet about behavior modification options

8. Training and Redirection

Good old training still works wonders:

• Teach the “leave it” command
• Redirect to appropriate activities when digging starts
• Never punish after the fact – dogs won’t understand
• Consider professional training if the problem persists

9. Stop Hiding Food and Treats in the Yard

Some dogs dig to bury food for later. If this is your dog:

• Don’t overfeed your dog
• Remove buried items from the yard
• Switch to smaller treats that get eaten immediately
• Supervise outdoor treat time

10. Create a Dog-Friendly Yard

Give your dog better things to do than dig:

• Build a doggie playground with ramps and tunnels
• Set up a kiddie pool for hot days
• Create an obstacle course for exercise
• Plant dog-friendly areas they can explore safely

11. Address Medical Issues

Sometimes digging can signal health problems:

• Check for nutritional deficiencies
• Rule out pica (eating non-food items)
• Look for signs of pain or discomfort
• Visit your vet if the behavior starts suddenly

12. What NOT to Do

Some old-school deterrents that I don’t recommend:

• Burying balloons that pop (causes fear and anxiety)
• Burying dog poop (inconsistent results and messy)
• Using punishment after the fact (ineffective and damages trust)

Special Note for “Born Diggers”

If you have a Terrier, Dachshund, or other “earth dog” breed, understand that digging is literally in their DNA! These dogs were bred to dig after rodents, so complete prevention might be unrealistic. Focus on managing and redirecting rather than eliminating the behavior entirely.

My Personal Experience

When my Lab started digging, I tried everything! What ultimately worked was a combination of more exercise, a designated dig pit with buried toys, and chicken wire along the fence line (where he loved to dig escape tunnels). It took a few weeks of consistency, but we finally reclaimed our yard.

Remember that different solutions work for different dogs. You might need to try several approaches before finding your winning combination. The key is patience and understanding that your dog isn’t trying to ruin your yard – they’re just being a dog!

Have you found a creative solution to stop your dog from digging? I’d love to hear what worked for you in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: Always check with your veterinarian before trying new deterrents, especially if your dog has any medical conditions or sensitivities.

Natural deterrents for dog digging include applying strong-smelling substances like cayenne pepper, citrus peels, and coffee grounds to the digging spots, planting thorny shrubs in the area, or creating a designated digging pit for your dog. You can also use citrus-scented sprays or plants like lavender as a deterrent.

Yes, used coffee grounds can be sprinkled around areas in your yard to deter dogs from digging due to their strong, bitter scent, though their effectiveness varies. However, be cautious as ingesting too much can be harmful to dogs due to caffeine toxicity.

To deter dogs from digging, you can use common spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or chili flakes by sprinkling them around the area; these spices irritate a dog’s nose and cause a generally unpleasant sensation, discouraging them from digging there. Other spices, such as cinnamon, or scent-based natural deterrents like vinegar or citrus peels, can also be effective.

Dogs dislike the strong smells of citrus, vinegar, and certain spices like cayenne pepper. Other scents dogs often avoid include fresh herbs (like mint and rosemary) and coffee grounds. You can deter a dog from digging by applying these smells to the area they’re digging in, but remember that this is a deterrent, and addressing the root cause of digging, such as boredom, is also essential.