Digging can be a difficult problem to solve. Dogs dig for many reasons, including boredom, a desire to cool off, and a desire to bury treasure. It is a natural instinct and is often done when no one is looking. Because of this, the most effective approaches are based on environmental management. Here are some suggestions.
1. Eliminate unsupervised time outdoors
The quickest way to end the problem is to stop giving him unsupervised access to the patio. Keep an eye on him when he’s outside and correct him every time he starts digging.
2. Bury chicken wire
If your dog has a favorite spot, you can try burying chicken wire below the surface. This will foil his digging efforts and may convince him to stop.
3. Provide interactive toys
Give him toys to play with when he goes out. An item like a treat-filled Kong toy will keep their attention focused on it instead of digging.
4. Provide more exercise
Take him for more frequent and longer walks so he doesn’t have as much pent-up energy.
5. Prevent access
Prevents him from reaching his favorite areas to dig. If you like to destroy the garden, lock the garden. Garden furniture usually does the trick.
6. Keep it indoors on hot days
When the weather turns warm, the dogs will dig to get to the cooler ground below. Keep him inside when he’s uncomfortable outside (this is something you should do no matter if he digs).
7. Provide minor corrections
If you catch him in the act, you can startle him with a noise or spray him with a water bottle. For some dogs, this will solve the problem, while others won’t be able to generalize and will simply dig elsewhere, or better keep track of whether you’re home.
8. Set up a safe zone
If you can dedicate some territory for him to dig in, guide him there and reward him for digging in a suitable spot. As with potty training, teaching a dog what to do is much easier than correcting all of his different mistakes.
To solve digging problems, you need to manage the environment and increase the amount of exercise your dog gets. Avoid access to the areas where he digs, walk with him more often and provide him with interactive toys.