Tips on How to Keep Dogs from Digging Under the Fence
Is your dog digging under the fence and managing to escape? You may be wondering how to keep dogs from digging under the fence.
Unsurprisingly, dogs have an innate habit of digging up the ground; the reason can be many!
Dogs are playful, and there is a possibility that the reason behind your dog digging under the fence is just curiosity.
However, if this has been happening for a while now, you should inspect and take the desired measures to prevent it from happening.
In this blog, we shall examine the possible reasons behind such behavior of dogs. We’ll also look at the measures that can be employed to stop this.
Let’s begin!
Possible Reasons for Dogs to Dig Under the Fence
Before we delve into ‘How To Stop Dog From Digging Under Fence?’, let us inspect the reasons behind this behavior.
Though it is regarded as a part of their playful nature, sometimes this habit annoys you. Take a close look at your dog’s behavior and then consider the following things as the possibility of your dog digging up the fence.
1. Boredom
Dogs dig to satisfy the feeling of boredom. Dogs that are brainy and full of energy usually feel the need to dig when they are bored.
It is a way for them to stay happy. Dogs usually dig shallow holes when they are bored.
Alternatively, they might dig one or two deep digs near the fence.
2. Beating the Heat
In warmer countries, dogs dig up pits to find patches of cool dirt to lay in. It gives them respite from the heat.
This heating pattern usually appears in shaded areas as the soil is cooler.
After playing in the backyard, your dog might dig a little in the shade to relax.
Conversely, dogs dig holes to keep themselves warm during winter.
3. Feeling Anxious
Dogs get easily spooked by loud noises. They will try to escape if they cannot enter the house at such times.
Dogs dig the soil under the fence and try to hide somewhere else where there is no loud noise.
The anxiety felt by dogs can be due to separation from their masters, too. In that case, dogs try to escape to their masters.
4. Mating
Your dog may have located a mate in the vicinity. It tries to escape to mate. Sometimes, dogs like to wander in search of mates, too.
Your dog may be maturing and, hence, looking for a mate nearby.
5. Preying Instincts
Certain breeds of dogs have higher hunting instincts than others. Such breeds include Jack Russell Terriers, Beagles, Dachshunds, etc.
Following their prey and digging at multiple spots is a part of their hunting regime.
Some dogs like to follow squirrels, cats, or rabbits in the backyard. It can be done in a playful manner and for hunting purposes.
6. Pregnant Dog
A pregnant dog makes a ditch to give birth to puppies. This deep hole is called denning.
During pregnancy, a dog might dig several holes as a nesting instinct.
7. “Houdini Hound” Dog
The breeds that are prone to digging more than other breeds of dogs are classified under “Houdini hounds.”
This behavior among such dogs is no surprise, as many were bred for this purpose only.
Please look at the following list of dog breeds under “Houdini hounds.”
- Chow Chow
- Dachshund
- Jack Russell
- Siberian Husky
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bloodhound
- Malamute
8. Possibly Hiding Something
Dogs have an inherent habit of hiding some food for the future. Not all dogs will do so, but this is one of the possible reasons for digging the backyard.
For instance, a dog may hide a bone by burying it in the ground. Later, the dog will dig it out and savor it!
How Do You Stop a Dog from Digging Under the Fence?
There are several ways to prevent your dog from digging under the fence. Closely examine your dog’s behavior and conclude it.
After having some conclusive things on your notepad, you can begin with the specific solutions to keep your dog from digging under the fence.
Please take a look at the following solutions.
1. Give Them Company
Dogs are social animals. They get lonely if they are not given enough attention.
Take your dog out for a walk in the morning or the evening. This will help freshen up their mood.
Play games with your dog to have a better bond with them. This will be a cure for their boredom.
2. Dog Daycare
Sometimes, attending to every cue of your dog is not practical. You might have other commitments.
For instance, work-related commitments or going out with friends and family.
Daycare is filled with exciting activities for dogs. These activities aim to foster socialization and exercise among dogs.
Professionals give dogs the right care and affection.
3. Look After Their Comfort
One of the very first things you should look for is this. If your dog feels too hot or cold out in the backyard, it will start digging for comfort.
Also, look for cues in the surroundings that might scare your dog.
Once you have identified the cue, which might be heat, cold, or loud sounds, make sure to make things better for your dog.
4. Safe Dog Deterrents
You can use safe dog deterrents on the fence to prevent your dog from coming near the fence.
Such dog-safe deterrent sprays are easily available in the market and on Amazon.
Alternatively, you can use vinegar to protect your dog from the fence. Vinegar has a strong smell, and dogs are repelled by it.
So, you can buy a commercial product or use a DIY to ensure your dog stays away from the fence.
5. Increase Their Physical Exercise
Some breeds of dogs are more energetic than others. If they don’t exercise or exhaust themselves by playing with other dogs or their master, they have surplus energy.
This is an issue with the wittier breeds of dogs as well. As mentioned before, they tend to get bored easily.
Increasing their physical activity is the only way to utilize that surplus energy in such cases.
6. Make the Fence Dig-Proof
This method acts as a physical barrier to prevent digging.
To make the soil under the fence dig-proof, you can extend the fence a little deeper into the ground.
You can also make a cemented floor under the fence to prevent it from your dog.
If you have a chain-link fence, you may use big rocky structures as a physical deterrent for your dog.
7. Keep Supervising Your Dog
Some dogs need supervision before they can be left in the backyard alone. Try not to leave your dog unsupervised outdoors if it is too young.
Train your dog first, then leave them outside in the backyard or garden.
8. Give Your Dog an Area for Digging
Some habits are hard to cure, especially inherent to the animal’s nature.
Despite all your efforts, your dog has not stopped digging. Don’t worry!
Try instructing your dog to an area you don’t mind being dug. Redirect your dog to that area the next time you catch it digging under the fence.
Redirecting and training the dog may take time and effort, but it will resolve the problem quickly.
Things Not to Do While Preventing Your Dog from Digging
1. Do not hit/shout:Â Shouting or punishing your dogs can confuse them. If you happen to catch your dogs in the act, redirecting them to a digging area is always a better idea.
2. Do not leave your dog unsupervised:Â If your dogs are young or new to your house, it is advised not to leave them alone. Leaving dogs unsupervised can cause them to do these things out of curiosity or boredom.
3. Do not fill the ditch with water:Â Filling the hole with water is a temporary resort. It might worsen your situation if your dog loves splashing water and doing similar things. If you want to fill the hole, fill it with something that will last and prevent your dog from digging again.
4. Do not use toxic materials to keep your dog from digging:Â In the process of keeping your dog away from the fence, do use toxic materials to keep your dog away. Always use dog-friendly and non-toxic sprays and other materials.
Summing It Up
Dogs have an innate habit of digging up spaces. They can be digging up the backyard or the front yard playfully or just out of curiosity.
If they are trying to escape or digging under the fence, then it can be an issue that you need to pay attention to.
But before jumping to any conclusion, looking closely at your dog’s behavior is advised.
The digging behavior can have several implications besides escaping—boredom, heat, anxiety, pregnancy, or instinct to chase prey.
Some breeds of dogs have a heightened tendency to dig. So, if your dog belongs to one such breed, you can relax.
You can cater to your dog’s needs to counter this digging under-the-fence habit. Avoid scolding or punishing your dog, as it can adversely affect and confuse dogs.
If you think this blog was helpful, do leave your comments below!
