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\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Kate is a dog-loving content specialist with over a decade of canine-care experience. To stop your dog from digging under your fence, train it to stay away by firmly telling it No, and moving it away from the fence whenever you notice it digging. 30 January 2020. Once you have excluded all underlying behavior or medical problems and your dog is still digging, you will need something better. 18 March 2021. The next step is to patch up the bottom of the fence. Ornamental steel has the same see-through drawbacks as chain link or picket vinyl fencing, and for nervous or antisocial dogs, this may not be the best option. The name gives it away, but ornamental steel can be crafted to look beautiful. You can stop your dog from digging under the fence by redirecting to a sandbox, placing chicken wire under the fence, hammering another fence layer into the ground, or decorating your yard with dog-friendly bushes or heavy stones. The holes would be all over the place and not very deep. However, with a couple of creative solutions and training sessions, youll be able to keep Spot safe while he spends time in the yard. Steel is better equipped to withstand harsh Minnesota weather much more than iron is able to. Just make sure youre planting dog-friendly shrubs and discourage your dog from munching on the new garden. If your dog is attempting to escape out of fear, its essential to identify the source of your dogs worries so that he can confidently relax in the yard. It can be a tall order figuring out which type of fence to consider when setting up your back or front yard for safety, beauty, and security. } One solution would be to build a redundant fence which means a fence within a fence. "@context": "https://schema.org", You may be able to find a fast solution simply by discovering your pets motives. You should not try to prohibit this behavior as some dogs have the need to do it just like other dogs prefer sniffing over toys or even treats. Do Dogs Toenails Grow Back? Solid vinyl fencing can provide your dogs with the isolation they need to reduce anxiety and feel completely comfortable in their outdoor environment. Thankfully, with patience, creativity, and a little elbow grease, you can likely shore up your fence and keep your dog from digging his way to freedom. Those are going to be pretty tough to pull off on the gate, though you may be able to find a plastic flap that would work. Its important to cover up their craftsmanship before they get any inspiration to recreate more craters. ", Especially separation anxiety might cause digging when you leave your dog alone in the yard. With a little bit of work, your dog will safely stay in your yard and you can avoid unsightly holes! If your dog gets very stressed out by the outside world or gets into fence fights with other dogs then consider using a fence that is not see-through. K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. References. She is currently a professional dog walker and pet sitter, with previous experience working at the Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital in Manhattan. Some people line the bottom of their fence with chicken wire or chain link. With a look that replaces the beauty of traditional wooden fencing, vinyl provides a barrier that comes in both picket and solid options and a variety of different colors. Water isnt going to permanently fill the hole and might even encourage your dog to explore it further if hes fond of splashing or swimming. } If youve got a guarding dog breed for your family or if your dog undesirably patrols and guards a lot, you should choose a fence that is not see-through. The trench should have the exact width of your dogs digging holes. Some canine enrichment activities your dog may enjoy include: Creative landscaping like cleverly placed trees, rocks, and gravel can all help keep your canine confined. Keeping your pet occupied allows them to use up any energy they stored for hole digging. She continues with her self-appointed mission, her mini adventure, until finally, she unearths what shes been looking for. "acceptedAnswer": { If youre thinking about getting a new fence, call Northland Fence at (763) 316-4881 for more information. You have successfully joined our pup pack. There are many ways to keep them from secretly tunneling their way out of the confines of your backyard. Outdoor activities, long walks, and a little more quality time can make a world of difference. Anxiety in dogs would not only be displayed while digging. Most dogs wont make the connection between your anger and the hole they created. Others put boulders at the base of their fences to prevent escape. Your dog might be digging in an effort to become cooler or find a warm place to relax. They can be used as a replacement for a long leash while youre outside with your dog, but not when your four-footer is on his own. If you are generally okay with your dogs hunting then read the solutions down below. Without further ado, here are some super solutions that will help prevent your dog from digging under your fence. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Does your dog dig under the fence? Youll also find a great resource below. Dogs that love digging will need an outlet for that. Should You Get a 2nd Dog? Learn how to keep your dog from digging under the fence with these simple and effective methods. The vinyl black coating serves the same purpose. A couple of ways you can integrate more physical exercise into your dogs life include: If your pooch is digging in pursuit of prey, it may be a good idea to look into a privacy fence. (If this is a concern, vinyl fencing may be the way to go.). Capsicum spray can be purchased at pet stores or online. Using a dog-safe deterrent spray may help prevent your pooch from coming near your fence and therefore, trying to escape it. While its always best to opt for physical barriers first and foremost, some owners may be inclined to explore the possibilities of installing an invisible dog fence. Dominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. After all, there are many different things to consider. Here are a few fail-safe tricks you can try to cover up the base. The Complete Guide to Dog Separation Anxiety, 12 boredom busters to keep your dog entertained in the yard. "name": "Why does my dog keep digging holes under the fence? Although our canine companions might have a different opinion on this matter, fences are not just for decoration. Some of these solutions include vinegar, citrus oils, pepper, and pepper spray." You might even consider having an invisible fence in conjunction with a physical fence for extra security. If you are going to go this route, you need to spend plenty of time training your pooch how the invisible fence works to keep him safe. Along with this, traditional wood fencing has been known to become upright doggy chew toys in certain situations. If they dig in your presence after youve taught them not to, it might be a sign you and your pet need to spend some more quality time together. While scolding can be effective for deterring the dog in the moment, your dog may go right back to digging as soon as youre out of sight. The sandbox should be filled with loose sand or soil and placed in the shade. Or perhaps in the ground? Building two fences apart from each other with a nice walking space in between creates a safe place for both of the dogs so they wont encourage each other to dig. Providing your dog with a safe digging zone will keep him happy and your yard clean. How to Expand the Pack Safely! When not spending time with four-footers, she can usually be found crafting top-notch dog-care articles that pet parents can trust. Another option would be to drive tent stakes into the ground while connecting them to the bottom wire of the fence. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Just recently the renters that moved into the house next door got a terrier and he and my dog are destroying my fence. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. And, of course, pick a sturdy fence that stands strong against puppy paws. By Besides providing privacy, a fences purpose is to keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. In order to help your dog stay safe, its important to understand why he may seem determined to dig his way out of the backyard. },{ Right? Some of these solutions include vinegar, citrus oils, pepper, and pepper spray. However, the mesh technique enhances the strength of the steel wire, making it very difficult to break without using heavy construction tools. The only downside can be that chain link is see-through. Depending on your dogs needs, a pooch pool or an outdoor dog house can help him stay comfortable and prevent digging. That way, you can also correct undesired behavior if you catch your dog during the act. This is also known as "positive" punishment, since you're. I have a Australian Shepard, hunter, and blonde lab that I rescued from a shelter. Our fence-building materials include steel chain link, vinyl, and ornamental steel. Plant any shrubs or bushes in the area before filling it with rocks. 4 Comments. They might be bored or acting on instinct and seeking prey. There would be holes under the fence all around the yard. Others put boulders at the base of their fences to prevent escape. What do I do if its the gate though and has to be opened for mowing? Still, we suggest trying to secure your physical fence or troubleshooting your dogs escape patterns before resorting to an electric fence, as they can be quite risky and stressful for your dog. These solutions dont have to be permanent and can be removedat any time. Take the time to observe your dog outside are there any stimuli that send him into a digging fury? Chain-link fences are easy to install and one of the cheapest options out there. I am the founder of PawLeaks where I share weekly tips on dog training and behavior. Even if the fence is ignored completely, it should last for decades. Another upside of chain link is that it requires little to no maintenance. Theyll only learn to run away from you or attempt to hide what theyve done. A dog should be always supervised when being in the yard. If you are leaving your dog at home alone then rather crate him instead of leaving him outside. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Unlike inferior materials, vinyl doesnt rot, chip, fade, crack, or peel. Note that you may have to spend some time redirecting your four-footer to his approved digging spot before he gets the idea. Breeds with high prey drive include Terriers, Hounds, and hunting breeds like the Weimaraner. Your dog would really put in an effort and try to escape the yard to get back to you as quickly as possible. Tip: If you have a chain-link fence, attach the chicken wire with multipurpose wire or zipties. If your furry friend is too cold, make sure his dog house has some cozy bedding you might also want to send your canine out with a coat before heading out to the yard. Hey, Melissa. Oops! Sometimes, providing your dog with a safe space where he can dig will prevent him from needing to dig where he shouldnt. There are many options to put at the bottom of your fence to prevent escape. Shake the mixture and spray it onto your fence. However, all this will affect the lawn and vegetation surrounding it if you're not careful. Rubbing your dogs nose into the mess will not fix the problem. This isnt unnecessarily an issue you can fix overnight, but with a little patience and some of these strategies, youre sure to find a way to keep your sweetheart secure. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Dont use aggressive chemical repellents or poisons that could easily hurt your dog in any effort to deter digging. Burying or attaching a bit of chicken wire to the bottom of your fence provides an extra barrier that your dog wont be able to dig through. By burying chicken wire under the fence, you will discourage your dog from digging there. Why does my dog keep digging holes under the fence? I love the ideas of 2,3,4,5. Outdoor fabric or bamboo rolls can be purchased at home and garden stores. They may dig holes for attention. The best solution for this problem would be to work on solving separation anxiety which should eliminate the digging. I am installing a new fence on the one side in the next 2 weeks and instead of wood I am going with vinyl. "@type": "FAQPage", Youve probably already calculated the height for your dog who just loves to jump. Limiting them will cause more anxiety and boredom therefore, giving them new motivations to dig.