Dogs love to dig – it’s in their nature.
Whether you’re getting a new puppy and are looking to take some precautions, or you have a seasoned escape artist on your hands, you may be interested in learning more about how to stop dogs from digging under the fence.
There are a number of different methods you can implement to deter your dog from digging under the fence and escaping – from providing added stimulation in the yard, to ensuring pooch gets plenty of exercise, and changing the physical structure of the fence itself.
Below, we explain a little about why dogs dig and cover some methods you can employ to help stop them from digging.
Why do dogs dig?
There are many different reasons why your dog may be digging under the fence.
Stressed
Some dogs may use digging as a form of stress relief. Maybe they’re panicking about the fireworks going off nearby or are suffering from separation anxiety while you’re away at work.
Bored
If your pet is bored, they may be using digging as a way to entertain themselves. This could particularly be the case if you have an intelligent dog in a yard without toys or other stimulation.
Mating impulses
Dogs that aren’t neutered may be trying to escape to find a mate. Once they’ve picked up the scent of another dog in heat, their primal instincts may take over and they’ll do whatever it takes to get to them.
To escape
Your dog could simply be trying to escape because they’re not getting enough attention from you or because they want to explore the great outdoors. This ties back into the boredom point.
Looking for food
If your dog is the greedy type, they may be trying to get to the food in your neighbour’s yard. It may not even be that they’re hungry, they could just be after a particular treat!
Hunting
Dogs have a strong prey drive, so if they see an animal on the other side of the fence, they may be trying to get to it.
How to stop dogs from digging
Now that we’ve covered some of the reasons why your dog is trying to escape, let’s look at some solutions.
Ease their nerves
Knowing your dog’s stress triggers means you can either remove your pooch from stressful situations or implement methods to ease their nerves. For example, if you know your dog is triggered by thunder and lightning, you can bring them inside when a storm’s approaching. This can also apply to fireworks. If your dog has separation anxiety which contributes to their digging, consider taking them to specific separation anxiety classes to help them get through their issues.
Provide stimulation
If you have an intelligent dog that’s digging holes as a form of stimulation, consider adding toys or other exciting things to your yard. This could include chew toys, puzzles with treats, a bubble machine, or even an agility course. You could also set up a treasure hunt with treats for your dog to sniff out and discover throughout the day.
Exercise your pooch more
Your pet may be trying to escape to run about and get some exercise. This could be particularly true if you have a smaller yard and have been falling behind on pup’s walking schedule. To combat this, try to up the number of walks you’re taking them on and make sure they’re getting at least an hour of exercise every day. If you don’t want to take them on frequent walks, try playing fetch and chasing games in the yard, instead.
Consider desexing
If your pet isn’t desexed, this could be contributing to their digging as they try to escape to find a mate. Once your dog is desexed, their hormones should settle and the urge to escape will hopefully subside. Desexing your dog also means you won’t end up with any unexpected pregnancies or puppies!
Fill in current holes
Having already-existing holes within a yard can inspire your dog to keep digging at them. If you have holes in your yard (dog-created or otherwise), be sure to regularly fill them in to discourage additional digging. This can also help you keep track of whether your dog is still digging or if it was a past issue, as you can see if the holes reappear over time.
Add a dog-safe spray to problem areas
There are several dog-safe dig deterrent sprays on the market. These can be added to problem areas or sprayed around the perimeter of your yard to stop Fido from digging in these spots. Just keep in mind that some sprays can cause discolouration of fences, so if this is a deal breaker, be sure to check this isn’t the case before making your purchase. An alternative to deterrent sprays is simple vinegar, which can sometimes work to keep dogs away from an area.
Assign a digging spot
Build a specific digging space in your garden and train your dog to only dig there. This is a great option for allowing your dog to still get their digging urges out, without causing havoc in the rest of your yard. You can create a simple digging pit with some sand or dirt, or make it more fun by adding toys, treat, or bones for your pup to find. Training your dog to only dig in their designated spot may take some time and effort, but it will be worth it in the end!
Only allow your dog outside when supervised
When your pet won’t stop digging and you’re unable to make changes to the landscape of the yard, it may be time to only let them out when they can be supervised. By doing this, you can put a stop to any digging before it gets out of hand. This could either be a temporary solution while you train your dog not to dig, or a more permanent option if you’re unable to get them to stop.
Preventing an escape
If you’ve tried a bunch of digging prevention techniques to no avail, it could be time to make a few changes to your yard to prevent your pet from making a run for it.
Bury your fence deep
By burying your fence deep under the ground, you’ll make it harder for pup to dig underneath it. You can either do this yourself or call in your local landscaper to lend a hand. It’s recommended that you extend your fence at least two feet under the ground to help prevent your pet from making an escape. There are also specific dog-proof fencing options available that have been specially designed to make it harder for your furry friend to dig their way out.
Place wire at the bottom of the fence
If you’re wondering, what can I put under my dog’s fence to deter them from digging, one affordable solution is chicken wire. Attaching a small amount of chicken wire under your fence can help stop your pup from getting out. Adding barriers such as this to your fence is a good method for those wanting to try out a solution without spending a lot of money.
Concrete in the fence
Homeowners with curious pooches may want to consider laying concrete under their fences to stop their pets from making a run for it. This is a more involved solution, but can be effective in preventing determined dogs from getting out. Dogs can’t dig through concrete, so by placing cement along the entire length of your fence, you can be sure your pet won’t be able to make an escape.
Add rocks or large gravel stones
Rocks and large gravel stones placed at the fence’s base can also help to prevent your furry friend from making a run for it. By doing this, you’ll make it harder for them to dig underneath. This is also a simpler method than trying to bury the fence or adding concrete underneath, as you can just add the rocks or stones on top of the ground. Find gravel or stones that complement your yard, and transform the space while also keeping your pet safe and sound.
There are many methods you can adopt when it comes to finding ways to stop dogs from digging under the fence. From preventative measures such as gravel, wire, and concrete, through to providing more stimulation and removing stressors for pooch, there’s sure to be a solution that eases the situation.
Whether you’re looking for a long-term solution to your problem, trying to figure out how to keep your dog from digging for a short period of time, or are about to get a new dog and want to be educated on options, we hope you’ve found this article informative.
Remember, if you’d like a hand implementing the preventative landscaping options, you can always get in touch with your local Jim’s group professional landscaping services. Our teams would be more than happy to assist
