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Two Methods:Digging Due to TemperatureBoredom Digging

When a puppy digs, it is not only annoying, but it can be downright destructive. Digging can be dangerous if your puppy digs up a pipe or wires, and landscape repairs can quickly become costly. Puppy digging is a common behavioral issue that responsible dog owners should address early. To stop a puppy from digging you must first find the cause of the digging. There are 3 main causes of digging: boredom, temperature, and escape. Knowing why a puppy digs will help you determine how to best stop puppy from digging.

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EditSteps

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    Determine the cause of the puppy's digging.
    • Observe your puppy over a few days and note when the puppy digs. Review your notes and look for a pattern. For example, if your puppy dug on unseasonably warm or cold days, the cause behind the puppy's digging may be temperature.
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    Address the cause of the problem.
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    Fill existing holes in with topsoil. The topsoil does not have to be expensive since you will only use it to fill and level the area.
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    Pat dirt level with a shovel.
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    Roll out chicken wire along the fence line. The top 3 inches (7 cm) of wire should rest against the fence. There is no need to attach the wire to the fence as the puppy will stop trying to dig when the puppy feels the wire between his paws. The remainder of the wire will rest on the ground.
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    Bend the wire gently so a crease forms at the bottom of the fence. This way the puppy cannot push the wire away from the fence.
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    Pour more topsoil over the chicken wire on the ground. To prevent the wire from moving, place bricks or large stones on top of the wire every few feet.

EditMethod 1 of 2: Digging Due to Temperature

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    Bring your puppy indoors when the temperature gets too high or it becomes too cold.
    • As a general guide, when the temperature goes below 32 degrees F (0 degrees C) it is too cold for your puppy to be outside for long periods of time. If the temperature goes above 100 degrees F (37 degrees C) it is too hot for your puppy. This is just a guideline; your dog may be able to tolerate hotter or colder temperatures. For instance a Siberian Husky may be too hot at much cooler temperatures, while a Dachshund may be too cold at higher temperatures. Your puppy's breed will determine heat and cold sensitivity.
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    Provide shade in your yard.
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    Provide a place for your puppy to stay warm when it is cold outside.

EditMethod 2 of 2: Boredom Digging

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    Place a shovel full of dog feces into any existing holes. Dogs do not like to dig where they have soiled. Filling the hole with feces will deter your puppy from continuing to dig in that spot
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    Fill the hole with topsoil and pat down firmly with a shovel.
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    Sprinkle hot sauce over the area to further deter digging.
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    Build a place for your puppy to dig. If your puppy loves to dig just for fun, then it may be impossible to get the puppy to stop digging entirely. You can, however, redirect the puppy to dig in a designated area and leave your plants and yard alone.
    • Section out a 3 foot (.9 m) area in the corner of your yard or other out of the way location. Use 2 by 4s to define the boundaries.
    • Add fresh dirt to your puppy's dig spot. Bury treats, bones, and toys in this area.
    • Encourage your puppy to dig in this spot. Praise the puppy every time he does.
    • Take your puppy to this spot when you notice the puppy digging in other areas. Firmly say "No" and then show the puppy the dig spot. Praise the puppy when the puppy digs in the designated spot.
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    Stop the puppy from digging in the garden.
    • Place a sprinkler next to the garden where your puppy likes to dig. Alternately, you can place the sprinkler in the middle of the area where your puppy is most likely to dig.
    • Connect the sprinkler to a hose and connect the hose to the water spout.
    • Take your puppy outside and stand next to the water spout. When the puppy tries to dig in your garden, quickly turn on the water. The water from the sprinkler will make the puppy run away.
    • Spray the puppy with the sprinkler every time the puppy digs in the garden. Eventually the puppy will associate getting sprayed with the garden and will stop digging there.
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EditTips

  • Chicken wire is great to use because dogs do not like the feel of it between their paws. It is flexible and soft enough that it will not hurt your puppy and you can easily cut it to any size.

EditWarnings

  • Never leave puppies outside for extended periods of time during extreme weather conditions. A puppy cannot regulate body temperature well and needs the owner to provide protection from the elements.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Topsoil
  • Shovel
  • Chicken wire
  • Heavy bricks or stones
  • Garden hose
  • Sprinkler
  • 4 to 8 wooden 2 by 4s

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Stop a Dog from Digging

How to
Stop Destructive Behavior in Dogs

How to
Avoid Confusing a Dog During Training

How to
Teach Your Dog to Respond to Hand Signals

EditSources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Dog Obedience

In other languages:

Español: Cómo hacer que un cachorro deje de escarbar, Русский: отучить щенка рыть землю, Português: Como Fazer um Filhote de Cachorro Parar de Cavar

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