While digging is a natural instinct for all dogs, some canines were specifically bred to dig. Terriers are the first group that comes to mind and one of their main jobs was to hunt and kill rodents which included digging them out of the ground. For example, our late dog (a lab-poodle mix) loved to dig in the garden. We discouraged him from doing so with a stop command (ours was a very basic “Nuh-uh!”), and then redirect him to other activities. It didn’t always work, though, so we kept him out of the garden area as much as possible – and never let him go in there alone or unattended. What Smells Deter Dogs from Digging in the Garden? Dogs share many similarities with wild animals, and being deterred by smells is one of those similarities. They despise the scent of chili peppers, garlic, lemon, limes, vinegar, and alcohol.

What I Love About It: This toy does a little bit of everything at a very budget-friendly price but my favorite feature is the adjustable “treat meter” that allows you to manage the difficulty of this toy! To stop a dog from digging in the garden, pull the dog’s focus away from digging. Do this by the methods listed below: However, this toy is beef flavored which will absolutely draw your dog to it but the food smell may encourage some digging dogs to bury it for safekeeping. Just keep in mind that if your dog regularly buries high-value items that you may want to look at some of the other options on this list. What I Wish It Had: These may not work as well for smaller dogs. Although the toy does come in several sizes, smaller dogs may be able to nose their way into the treat much faster than larger dogs. Also, you’ll have to continue buying treat rings for as long as you want to use the toy. For those dogs who love to dig, or whose breed or type means that they are just wired that way, punishment is unfair, damages your relationship and is often unsuccessful,' says Carolyn. 'Having an appropriate outlet for this behaviour that you are both happy with, however, is often the perfect solution that allows the whole family to enjoy time in the garden.' How do I stop my dog from digging when stressed?The plastic base and hard outer shell, paired with the heavy-duty fabric flaps, make this an excellent digging alternative for even the most aggressive diggers. Treat-Filled Muffin Tin: Fill the compartments of a muffin tin with treats, cover them with tennis balls, and let your dog dig them out. One such method is digging into the soil. The temperature is lower, just a few inches beneath the topsoil, and the dog will remain cool for a while.

What I Love About It: Like a few others on this list, this toy has a lot going for it. Part bouncy ball, chew toy, and puzzle it’s got several ways to appeal to dogs.

Diggers Gonna Dig!

What better toy for a dog that loves digging than one that simulates the dig! All without destroying your yard! You also want to make sure that as toys get heavy use, they don’t break down into small parts that can be swallow or form sharp edges. Best Toys for Dogs That Love To Dig

Remember to observe your dog's preferences and adjust the activities and toys accordingly. Conclusion Using Inappropriate Toys: Avoid using toys that are not specifically designed for digging, as they may not withstand your dog's digging behavior. There’s a plethora of reasons why dogs dig in the yard. This behavior is very similar to other digging behaviors observed in the wild. For example, dogs will often bury food leftovers under the ground. If you think your dog is digging to hide their valuables, it’s best to focus on toys that entertain more than anything else. Treat-flavored toys or bones could trigger your dog’s drive to hide food and bury food. Your Dog Is Bored and Digging Is Just Something To Do

Best toys for digging

Training a dog will not only make them feel less of a need to dig, but they will also listen better. A more disciplined dog will be easier to handle when it comes to digging. Tip #2 – Spend time with your dog and tire them out It’s a super simple brain game that encourages your dog to use their paws, nose, and muzzle to find treats within a mini-maze of fabric. It’s good for dogs that like to dig since it orients them towards the floor and uses some of the same instincts that drive digging. It is recommended to rotate the digging toys every few weeks to keep them interesting and prevent your dog from losing interest.