Q&A for How to Stop a Dog from Digging

Try placing a big, fluffy blanket on top of the couch so he can burrow in that instead.

I suggest you give them a place where it's okay to dig so they can get their energy out without destroying your garden. For example, you might get a small sandbox and bury some bones or toys in the sand so they know it's okay to dig there.

The idea behind cayenne pepper is that the smell is repellent or else it makes the dog sneeze when he sniffs around prior to digging. However, it's debatable whether this works or not. There's little to lose by giving it a go, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't work.

It's best to withhold food for 24 hours, but make sure the dog is still drinking water. After that time, re-introduce bland food such as white meat (chicken, turkey) and boiled white rice. Consider mixing a dog probiotic with the food, as this helps repopulate the gut with bugs that aid digestion.

Try to figure out why the dog is digging. For many, this is boredom due to lack of exercise, so correcting the problems means increasing mental and physical exercise for the dog. Alternatively, for a hardened digger, provide the dog with a well-demarcated area where he is allowed to dig and train him to use this.

Yes, they do; however, if you give a Lab plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, it helps prevent excessive digging born out of boredom.

I don't recommend onions as a method of repelling them. Some dogs may attempt to eat it, and onions are poisonous to dogs when ingested. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions causes a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is characterized by damage to the red blood cells. Onion toxicity can cause the red blood cells circulating through your pet's body to burst.

In areas where your dog is digging put orange peels (or something your dog dislikes) to stop their digging. Also, as it says above, you can add a sandbox for your dog to dig in.

Yes. Dog boots are the perfect idea, because they are very strong and slow the digging process.

As long as your dog has all his shots to protect against rabies, worms, ticks or fleas, no, playing in the grass shouldn't hurt him.

Every time your puppy has lunch dinner or breakfast take him outside for about 15 minutes take him out every two hours to do toilet time.

My suggestion is to put a net on top of the rocks, that way your dog won't be able to reach. Have you ever tried cutting your dogs nails? They may be long and is a reason why your dog is digging up everything you put down.

If you have given your dog a bone, treat, etc., and put it in a bowl, then it's harder for them to eat. They also like to consume food in an open and more natural environment.

It may be because he hasn't been around enough animals but he has been around people instead. You can try to gently socialize your pup and reward him when he doesn't bark.

You should probably try to get the moles removed. Some dog breed were meant to catch moles and other creatures like that.

Put hot sauce around the border of your flower beds and in the spot they dig. Reapply after a rain. The digging stopped immediately for me. I only had to apply the hot sauce for a few weeks. It has been 4 months and my dog hasn't gone back in my gardens.

You could try to be outside with your dog when they go toilet or watch them from a bedroom window or something to catch them in the act.

I believe that if you read the package instructions you will find that it is not legal to leave mothballs outside. Mothballs are highly toxic and could have a very undesirable outcome for your puppy.

Not in my experience. I tried it on my dog, but she kept right on digging. My other dog also tried to eat it.

You can spray water on your dog to stop your dogs from digging. You can also put some juice in the spots that are often dug up.

Show the dog that you are her boss. Talk in firm words and tell her to come. If she does come, reward her by talking nicely and giving her a treat. Be consistent, and she'll gradually respond better.

Make a fenced in area with shade, food, water and a place she CAN dig.

My dog used to do this as a puppy. I found that when I put the water up off the floor (on top of a box that is at a height that allowed him to still access the water), he soon stopped.

Ask your neighbor to better control their dog. If they do nothing to remedy the problem or stop the dog, then bill your neighbor for any damage, including your time, to repair it. They are legally responsible for their dog's behavior, so keep a record if they don't do anything, so you can inform the local municipality or even take them to the small claims court if it comes to that.

Your dog is most likely hot and likes the cool soil. Offer a hard plastic kiddie pool for your dog to cool off in, or a shaded area and plenty of fresh drinking water.

Use what your dog dislikes, for example, my dog hates lemons so would place a lemon.