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How do you stop a dog digging in the garden?

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The more we fill the holes, the more our Ruby (Border Collie, one year old) likes to dig them out. Unfortunately we've been restricting their access to our front yard, which, while successful, is a shame for them. We tried filling the holes with her poo and then dirt on the top. It worked for a little while but I imagine the smell has now neutralised so doesn't have the same effect! - Jennifer4054

 

I’m a dog lover but not a trainer. However, I’ve taken a couple of pooches to Obedience School, and there’s a fair amount of information around to help with training dogs.

 

Generally this problem involves young, active dogs and boredom. 

 

My immediate thought would be to create a restricted space outside for the dogs when you’re not home to supervise them. That at least would limit some of the damage. Will require commitment and training. - Mathy

 

I had a problem with my greyhound digging holes in the back lawn. They weren't little holes they were craters! Fortunately he always dug right next to the back verandah, so I allocated an area for him to dig. I set up a bordered area, like a sandpit sort of thing where he had been digging. I just used some 190x35 timber beams to form a border and stacked them to the ground. I had no sooner finished making it, when he went straight to it and started increasing the size of his crater! Ever since then, he hasn't dug anywhere else in the back lawn and he just loves to lie in his hole! - Prof

 

Your dogs need more active exercise, I have a Siberian husky which used to dig my yard non-stop. What made her stop digging was longer walks and I mean walks or jogs, and not unleashing them at dog park, they need discipline and guidance.

 

Step 1: take them for a good 30-45 minute walk, jog.

 

Step 2: walk or jog again afternoon.

 

Step 3 if needed: invest in a dog backpack (https://ezydog.com.au/backpacks/) similar to these, and fill each pocket with a can of beans or bottled water.

 

This will automatically make your dog walk more focused and will feel like it's working like a labourer.

 

I used this method, now my husky does not dig any holes after I used the backpack on her.

Note: us as humans go crazy if we are locked inside a room, or surrounded by walls 8-12 hrs a day, so same for dogs. Once they’re out, they release toxic energy by digging, or chewing etc. - MikeM84
 

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