How To Keep Dogs From Digging Under Fence

If you’re a dog owner, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced the frustration that comes with your dog digging under your fence. Dogs are natural diggers and they can often find a way to get out, no matter how sturdy your fence may be.

In most cases, they want attention or it’s simply boredom on the dog’s part.

So, how to keep dogs from digging under the fence? Fortunately, there are some things you can do, while still keeping them safe and sound in their yard.

Read on, as we’ll discuss some of the most effective methods, and what NOT to do to keep your dog from digging under the fence.

Why Does Your Dog Keep Digging Holes Under the Fence – 5 Reasons

They Are Bored

If your dog is left alone in the backyard with nothing to do, they will likely get bored and start digging.

It’s natural for dogs to want to dig, so you’ll need to provide them with some type of stimulation if you want to keep them from getting bored and potentially destructive.

They Want Attention

Dogs are social animals and they crave attention. If you’re constantly busy and don’t have much time to spend with your dog, they may start digging under the fence as a way to get your attention.

This is especially true if they see you spending time with other people or animals outside of the home.

They Like To Seek Out Prey

Another common reason dogs dig under fences is to get to the other side where they can chase after small animals or birds. Dogs are curious creatures and if they see something on the other side of the fence that they want, they’ll dig until they get to it.

This instinct is difficult to overcome, but you can try to redirect their attention by providing them with toys that satisfy their need to chew and hunt.

They Are Trying To Escape

If your dog is unhappy with its current situation, they may try to escape by digging under the fence. This could be due to a number of factors, such as boredom, lack of attention, or even fear.

It’s important to make sure your dog is happy and safe in their home so they don’t feel the need to escape.

They Want To Bury Something

Dogs like to bury things, whether it’s a bone or a toy. If they find a spot outside of the fence that they want to bury something in, they may start digging under the fence to get to it.

Divert their attention by providing them with a sandbox or other digging area inside the fence. This will give them a designated spot to dig.

How To Keep Dogs From Digging Under Fence – 10 Strategies

Trying to keep your dog from digging under the fence can be a frustrating and often difficult task, but there are some things you can do to deter them.

Here are 10 strategies that work effectively:

#1 – Find The Reason Why Your Dog Digging

The first step is to find out why your dog is digging in the first place. As we mentioned, it could be due to boredom, attention-seeking, or a number of other factors.

Once you know why they’re doing it, you’ll be able to better address the issue.

If they’re bored, try to provide them with more stimulation, such as toys, playtime, and training. If they’re attention-seeking, make sure to spend more time with them.

And if they’re trying to escape, try to make their home more comfortable and safe.

#2 – Provide Your Dog Another Safe Place For Digging

One of the best ways to keep your dog from digging under the fence is to provide them with another safe place to dig.

This could be in the form of a sandbox, a small pool, or even a designated spot in the yard where it’s okay for them to dig.

This will give them a place to satisfy their need to dig without damaging your property.

#3 – Use Chicken Wire To Prevent Your Dog From Digging Under The Fence

If you’re having trouble keeping your dog from digging under the fence, you may want to try using chicken wire.

This is a type of wire that’s specifically designed to keep animals from digging. You can find it at most hardware stores.

To use it, simply bury it around the perimeter of your fence, making sure that the chicken wire is at least 6 inches underground.

This will create a barrier that your dog won’t be able to dig through.

#4 – Fill Existing Holes

If your dog has already dug a few holes under the fence, you can fill them in with chicken wire or dirt.

This will prevent your dog from being able to use those holes to escape.

To do this, simply dig out the hole until it’s about 6 inches deep. Then, place chicken wire over the hole and fill it in with dirt.

#5 – Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise

One of the best ways to keep your dog from digging under the fence is to make sure they’re getting enough exercise.

Dogs that are bored or have a lot of energy are more likely to start digging.

So, take them for regular walks, runs, or play sessions. This will help burn off some of their excess energy and keep them from getting bored.

#6 – Train Your Dog To Stop Digging On Command

If you catch your dog in the act of digging, you can train them to stop on command.

To do this, simply say “no” or “stop” in a stern voice. If they obey, give them a treat.

With time and patience, your dog will learn that they should only dig when you give them the okay.

#7 – Try Smelly But Dog-safe Deterrent Spray

If you’re having trouble keeping your dog from digging under the fence, you may want to try using a smelly but dog-safe deterrent spray.

There are a number of these sprays on the market that are designed to keep dogs away from certain areas.

Simply spray the perimeter of your fence with the deterrent and it should help keep your dog away.

#8 – Make Your Fence Escape-proof (Even Add Wireless Dog Fence If Possible)

If your dog is digging under the fence in an attempt to escape, you’ll need to make your fence escape-proof.

To do this, you may need to add a wire mesh or chicken wire to the bottom of the fence.

You may also want to consider adding a wireless dog fence. This type of fence uses a collar to keep your dog within a certain area.

If they try to cross the boundary, they’ll receive a mild shock.

While it may seem harsh, it’s very effective at keeping dogs from escaping.

#9 – Supervise Your Dog When You Are Out

If you’re going to be away from home for a while, it’s important to supervise your dog.

This means keeping them in a secure area, such as a crate or a fenced-in yard. If they’re left unsupervised, they may start digging under the fence in an attempt to escape.

#10 – Put New Landscaping Features Like Bushes, Rocks, Or Trees

If you’re having trouble keeping your dog from digging under the fence, you may want to try adding some new landscaping features around the perimeter.

This could include bushes, rocks, or trees.

Not only will this help keep your dog away from the fence, but it will also add some visual interest to your yard.

What NOT To Do To Keep Your Dog From Digging Under Fence

While there are several things you can do to keep your dog from digging under the fence, there are also a few things you should avoid doing.

Here is what NOT to do:

Don’t Show Anger By Raising Your Voice

You might think that getting angry with your dog will make them stop digging, but it does the opposite.

If you shout at your dog or hit them, they’ll only become anxious or scared of you and will start digging to get away from you.

So, it’s important to remain calm and avoid reacting negatively.

Don’t Punish Him After The Act

If you find your dog has already dug a hole under the fence, punishing them will only make things worse.

Instead of punishing them, try to figure out what made them dig in the first place.

Was it boredom? Lack of exercise? Anxiety? Once you know the cause, you can take steps to address it.

Punishing your dog will only make them fear you and could cause them to start digging more.

Don’t Fill The Hole With Water

If you find a hole that your dog has dug, you may be tempted to fill it with water.

However, this is not a good idea.

Your dog will only see the water as another reason to dig and will likely just make another hole next to it. They may also see it as a game and start digging just to make the water spill out.

So, avoid filling holes with water and opt for another method of deterring your dog from digging.

Don’t Chain Him

Chaining up your dog is not a good solution to the problem.

Not only is it inhumane, but it will also likely make your dog anxious and stressed. This could lead to them digging more in an attempt to escape.

If you need to leave your dog alone for a period of time, it’s best to crate them or put them in a fenced-in area.

This will allow them to have some space to move around without being able to escape.

Don’t Leave Him Unsupervised

Leaving your dog unsupervised is asking for trouble.

If they’re left alone, they may start digging under the fence in an attempt to escape. So, it’s important to always supervise your dog, especially if you’ll be away from home for a while.

This means keeping them in a secure area, such as a crate or a fenced-in yard.

Don’t Use Aggressive Chemical Repellents

There are a lot of commercial repellents on the market that contain chemicals that can be harmful to your dog.

So, avoid using these products and opt for a more natural solution, such as cayenne pepper or citrus peels.

These repellents will deter your dog from digging without being harmful to them.

Conclusion

If you have a dog that likes to dig under the fence, there are several things you can do to deter them.

Try adding some new landscaping features around the perimeter of your yard, such as bushes, rocks, or trees. Or simply use some chicken wire to reinforce the bottom of the fence.

You can also try using a natural repellent, such as cayenne pepper or citrus peels.

However, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you can simply punish your dog after they’ve already dug a hole. This will only make things worse and could cause them to start digging more.

So, be sure to take preventive measures and remember that positive reinforcement is always the best method for dealing with your dog.

How do you stop your dog from digging under the fence?