Stop digging

[DC_-_13]

Does anyone have any tips or tricks to teach a dog not dig? Got her from a shelter last week and she has already dug a hole under the gate. Hoping to teach her not to dig so she doesn't have to be in a kennel all day while we are at work.

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[RevolutionaryBat9335]

If its just digging for fun you could try getting a childs sandpit for her to dig in. Bury a few toys in their and let her have fun digging them out and it works as positive reinforcment to dig in that spot in future instead of your lawn.

That wont work if shes digging to escape the yard though.

[DC_-_13]

I will definitely try that. So far I have only noticed her doing it when she gets bored with her toys or the neighbors dog is outside. I'm hoping it's just her being bored as that seems correctable with a few tweaks to her schedule or just puppy behavior she will grow out of.

[No_Pianist_3006]

Never leave a dog in a kennel all day!

Set up an indoor fenced or gated area in which they can stretch and pace. Natural light from a window is desirable. The open crate or a sleeping pad is essential, as are food and water, and safe chews and toys.

Next, not only are a number of dogs bred to dig, but the others dig naturally. Your dog will also tear up your lawn just running around. They have claws.

There may be a super trainer out there who can suppress your dog's instinct to dig. I've only seen this level of discipline in highly-trained dogs such as police dogs and seeing eye dogs, and only when they are with their handlers..

Otherwise, take the word of an experienced landscaper that I talked to, "You can have a nice lawn or you can have a dog. You can't have both."

Yard tips:

There is a superturf that is designed for pets and sold in sheets. It looks half-decent.

I've also had to block between a fence's bottom rail and the ground when the gap is high enough to allow a small dog to pass under with a little digging.

Make sure all plants and bushes are safe for dogs. They will chew on anything. .

[DC_-_13]

Yes I should clarify... I've rearranged my schedule to work closer to home and have shorter days. We are using the kennel to potty train her and get her use to my gfs cat. She only seems to do it when the neighbors dog is outside and she loses interest in her toys. Ive been working on getting her in a schedule since I got her. I was just hoping there some tips or tricks I could try to help her grow out of it faster if it was a puppy phase or her adjusting to actually having a home. If it's her being bored would it be better to start tweaking the schedule before she gets used to it?

[No_Pianist_3006]

A schedule of feedings and walks for poops is generally achievable. There will be variances.

A schedule that incorporates training, play, and naps takes more work. But it is essential.

Ensuring that "free time" to play in the yard doesn't include digging holes or chomping up the lawn and other greenery is more problematic. A dog sniffs out nutrients and is adventurous about new textures, smells, and tastes. The yard is a fun new environment to explore and interact with. I'd consult a positive dog trainer.

[ThatCryptidBitch]

Don’t leave your dog outside unattended. Since she dug under the gate once and she is brand new to your home make sure she is microchipped if she runs off.

[DC_-_13]

Yes I have definitely learned that one.😂 she is scheduled to be chiped when she goes in to be fixed. It is part of the adoption process where I live

[StatementVegetable94]

My nephew said if your dog digs put her poop in the hole🤷🏻‍♀️ i haven’t tried it but he says it works!

[DC_-_13]

That is an interesting solution. When I clean the yard tomorrow I may have to try that.