Learn what makes your dog dig in the yard

If you have a dog, than it is in your best interest as well as your dog’s to have a yard. Dogs need room to run, play and enjoy the outdoors safely and a secured yard provides them with this opportunity. However few things are more devastating than realizing that your dog has dug holes all over your beautifully kept lawn. While it can be difficult to break certain dogs of their digging habits, it is important to understand why they may be digging and to take an appropriate course of action.

If your dog is of the digging type, take a look at his physical and breed characteristics. You may have a terrier or other type of small hunting dog. These dogs were bred and trained to hunt for rodents and vermin. Because these pesky animals often lived or burrowed underground, the dogs had to track them and dig them up out of the earth. This hunting instinct remains with many descendants of these dogs today. Many of these dogs feel a need to dig, in order to feel as though they are working in a productive manner. It can be difficult to break the small hunting dog of his digging habit because it has been so ingrained within him throughout history.

Perhaps your dog is young and/or extremely energetic. If this is the case, he is probably digging out of boredom or to burn excessive energy. As with the case of the hunting dog, it may be challenging to prevent him from digging while outside. With both types of dogs, spend extra time playing with them and keeping them both mentally and physically stimulated so that they are more inspired to relax outdoors instead of putting themselves to work. However, if the digging persists, you can create a special digging area specially for your dog. Designate a section of your yard and keep your dog in that area when he is unsupervised outside. A single area is often easier for you to deal with than an entire yard full of holes.

However if your dog is large and has a heavy coat, he may be digging just to roll in cool dirt. Overheated dogs often love to roll in a patch of cool earth, but they must first dig through the warm grass and hot top layer to find their desired refreshment. If this is the case, try to avoid keeping your dog outside in extreme heat. Always provide plenty of fresh water, and consider clipping your dog to keep him cooler throughout the hot summer months.