Ok I have to ask

[Chaoslillith]

because this is the craziest thing I have heard from a trainer. I also have heard that this doesn't work very well. The other trainer at my store was training two new trainers and they had questions from customers about how to stop dogs from digging. The other trainer stated "Put poop in all the holes. It will stop them. Digging is not a natural behavior for dogs so they will stop when they realize that everywhere they dig is poop." I just about bust out laughing. She has been "training for 20 years". I felt like saying....umm Terriers!!!

When people ask me about dogs who dig I suggest a kiddie pool or designated digging area where you hide treats and toys. I also say that they can put that "Repel" stuff, the crystals where they do not want the dog to dig. Any other ideas?

 

[adojrts]

That is an old method and I don't know if it works. I recommend that a dog that wants to dig be given a place to dig. Personally I don't worry about it, let'm dig if they want to, but then again I don't spend my money on landscaping etc. (my money goes to having fun with the dogs and lessons/workshops etc).

 

[fillyone]

Poop in the hole works great for Dante, he does not want to put his feet near his poop!!

I do want to add though that Dante isn't outside without me, he digs sometimes when he gets the zoomies.

 

[Chaoslillith]

That's cool that poop in the hole works. I realize it depends on the dog but what got me was the comment that it is not a natural behavior for dogs to dig.

 

[Zoom]

Digging is a natural behavior, but digging in poop isn't. I've used this method with great success, even in groups of 40+ dogs where many were the "digging is fun!" type.

But if your dog is a serial digger, then I recommend setting up an approved area for him with a kiddie pool or sandbox.

 

[Punkygirl0101]

My dogs dig and I let them. I could care less about my backyard. Its covered in holes everywhere. As long as they don't dig near the fence..I let them dig. They are dachshunds...They were bred to go into burrows..and that trait is still a large part of them..The love to dig and bark.

 

[Maxy24]

poop in holes does work but saying digging isn't natural is wrong. I also suggest a separate digging area for the dog so they get the satisfaction from digging because some dogs really have a drive to do it.

 

[oc_spirit]

Yup poop in the hole is another success here too!

 

[lizzybeth727]

With one of my old dogs, when we put poop in holes, she'd just find a new place to dig. We didn't know at the time (wow, over 10 years ago now!) the idea about a sandbox or designated digging place. I also suggest a sandbox for dogs who have a lot of energy, it's kind of like a variation on a treat despensing toy!

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Dogs dig for several reasons:

They are hot
They are bored
They are about to whelp
They LIKE it

Things that can help along with the above good suggestions about feces in the holes (that works here) and a designated approved digging area, include more exercise, a more enriched environment, more brain exercise (training), and providing a kiddie pool to cool off in.

We just accept the moon scape here, and fill in holes when we get to it.

 

[Chaoslillith]

Good ideas...thanks!!

 

[IliamnasQuest]

Poop in holes is an old method but one that is really effective for a lot of dogs.

I'm with those who say that digging is a natural behavior for dogs - some dogs more than others, of course. If you have a dog with a real natural desire to dig, giving them an area to dig in can help a LOT with keeping them from digging in other areas. Some people actually bury things in the designated area to entice the dogs to that spot (and away from the other places they may be tempted to dig in).

I haven't had much problem with digging with my dogs but they're really not outside much unless I'm with them - and for 8 years I had a huge back deck and they preferred to lay out on that instead of being out in the bushes and trees and grass (I'd leave the back door open, they could go out on the deck or down into the yard - or stay in the house - generally they were within a few feet of me, wherever I was).

But the poop trick is legit and I've used it myself. Trouble is, it only stops the dogs from digging in THAT hole and not in other places, so it needs to be paired up with providing a digging area if you've got a chronic digger.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

 

[fillyone]

I didn't even see the part where they said that digging wasn't a natural behavior.


Dante only digs in two spots and like I said only in his zoomie phases. I assume one day :lol-sign: he'll grow out of that (He's 3 1/2 now)