There are 2 extreme schools of thought when it comes to a dog digging holes in your garden: one, that a dog is a dog and he's going to dig, and he should be allowed to express his true doggy nature whenever and wherever he wants; and two, that a flowerbed is reserved for flowers, and if that dog even sets foot in it he's in big trouble.

I fall right in between - it is a normal part of who a dog is that wants to dig and is therefore okay to allow this occasionally. However, there is not a good explanation why dogs and plants cannot live harmoniously in a yard. They will require some time and teaching by you.

If you're reading this article, you've probably already got a dog digging problem and it's too late for you to find out that certain dogs like Huskies, Malamutes, and Terriers are notorious diggers. If by chance you're just doing some research and are about to head off to the shelter to see who's available, you may want to keep these breeds in the back of your mind as possible candidates for dog digging problems.

Let's start with why dogs dig.

1. Lack of exercise. Digging is a good way to burn off nervous energy.

2. Boredom. Bored dogs need a job to do, and digging holes can quite often fit the bill.

3. World travelers. Some dogs want to see what is on the other side of the fence. So there digging is a means of escape. These dogs are much harder to train no matter how much working out and jobs you give them.

Then how do we make them stop?

Obviously, you can get busy with dogs, getting them out and about. Or give him something constructive to do if he's bored, like a toy to play with. Better still combine the two, and play fetch.

Use a natural deterrent. Dogs hate to dig where there is their own poop - even if they occasionally eat it! (For more information on dog poop-eating, visit the website below) If it can be arranged for there to be dog poop where he likes to dig, that might help.

OK, so what if this doesn't do the trick? You are going to find a place where he can dig! Then you teach him to dig in that spot only. You can do this, even if your yard is not too big or you just can't bear to see holes in your precious lawn.

Posted under Dogs