How to Keep Dogs from Digging Under Fence

In today's modern world, many of us own dogs. But what are the best ways to keep them from digging under the fence and escaping?

Understanding the Behavior

Dogs may dig for several reasons. It could be a natural instinct, a way to escape, to find cooler ground in hot weather, or even due to anxiety or boredom. Recognizing the root cause of the digging is essential in addressing the issue effectively.

1. Natural Instincts: Many dog breeds have a natural instinct to dig. It's part of their genetic makeup and can be attributed to their ancestral behavior.
2. Escape Efforts: Dogs may try to dig under a fence to escape an area. This could be due to curiosity, seeking another animal, or wanting to explore the outside world.
3. Comfort Seeking: In hot weather, dogs might dig to create a cooler spot to lie in.
4. Anxiety or Boredom: Dogs left alone for long periods might dig due to anxiety or boredom. It's a way for them to expend energy and entertain themselves.

Strategies to Prevent Digging

Once the reason behind the digging is understood, several strategies can be implemented to discourage this behavior.

1. Proper Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. Dogs that are well-exercised and mentally engaged are less likely to dig out of boredom or anxiety.
2. Supervised Outdoor Time: Supervise your dog when they are outdoors. This allows you to redirect their digging behavior as soon as it starts.
3. Create a Designated Digging Area: Allocate a specific area in your yard where your dog is allowed to dig. Encourage digging in this area by burying toys or treats for them to find.
4. Use Deterrents: There are various deterrents available to discourage dogs from digging. These include:

• Physical Barriers: Install chicken wire or a similar barrier at the base of the fence, bending it in an L-shape so it lies on the ground and extends into the yard. The feeling of the wire under their paws can deter dogs from digging further.
• Commercial Products: There are commercial products available, such as no-digging sprays, which can help deter dogs from specific areas.
• Natural Repellents: Some owners use natural repellents like citrus peels or vinegar around the fence line.

Enhance Fence Security: If your dog is digging to escape, reinforcing the fence may be necessary. This can include:

• Burying the Fence Deeper: Extend the depth of your fence a few feet into the ground. This makes it more difficult for your dog to dig under it.
• Concrete Footer: Pouring a concrete footer along the fence line can effectively prevent digging.
• Rock Borders: Placing large rocks or boulders along the base of the fence can discourage digging. Pavers and retaining wall bricks can be a great looking solution too!
• No-Dig Fence Border: Pounding in a strip of metal no-dig fencing into the ground along the fence line. These can be purchased at any box home supply store.

Addressing Separation Anxiety: If your dog’s digging is due to anxiety, especially when left alone, consider training and behavior modification techniques. Sometimes, professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist is needed.

• Regular Check-Ups: Ensure your dog is regularly checked by a veterinarian. Sometimes, digging can be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Training Your Dog

Training plays a crucial role in preventing unwanted digging. Consistent training and positive reinforcement can teach your dog that digging in inappropriate areas is not allowed.

1. Command Training: Teach your dog commands like 'leave it' or 'no dig' to stop them in the act.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog when they obey these commands or when they dig in the designated area only.
3. Distraction Techniques: When you see your dog starting to dig, distract them with a toy or engage them in a different activity.

The Result

Preventing a dog from digging under a fence requires a combination of understanding the behavior, implementing physical deterrents, and consistent training. It’s essential to address the root cause, whether it's boredom, anxiety, or just a natural instinct. By providing adequate exercise, creating a designated digging area, using deterrents, reinforcing the fence, and regular training, you can effectively keep your dog safely within the boundaries of your yard while also catering to their natural instincts in a controlled manner. Remember, patience and consistency are key in modifying any dog behavior.

How to Stop Dogs From Digging Under Fence

The Easy Fix

We know that many reading this article simply want a quick fix. For that, we recommend installing a no-dig fence border (pounded into the ground) or paver bricks. Either of these solutions will close the gap and prevent even large dogs from digging. Depending on the total size of your yard, this could cost you a few hundred bucks at a minimum.

If you are in the market for a new fence and have questions about your dog digging under the fence, please book a consultation with one of our trained fence experts.