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As ridiculous as it sounds, dogs have the tendency to get addicted to digging. They love digging random holes in the dirt and then rolling themselves in them as a game. Adorable right? Wrong. Today we are going to discover some home remedies to stop your dog from digging in the dirt.
These adorable furry pals will ruin your entire lawn, so you can erase “garden landscaping” from your bucket list for the year. Either that, or you can take things in hand and make use of the following home remedies to stop your dog from digging in the dirt. Before jumping into the home remedies, let’s take a quick look at the reasons.
6 Reasons Why Do Dogs Dig In The Dirt
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- They like doing it because they’re bored and have become addicted to it.
- They aren’t getting enough attention from you.
- Your dog is overly excited or anxious because of something.
- Your yard is full of rodents, and your dog is trying to get rid of them.
- They are feeling very hot and, hence, are digging up the cool ground to sit inside the hole.
- Your surroundings aren’t protected. You need to plant more trees or maybe fence your house to make your dog feel more secure and sheltered from the rest of the world.
Now we can jump right in!
6 Home Remedies To Stop Dogs Digging In The Dirt
1. Splash Your Dog With Water
Well, there are a lot of ways to stop your dog from digging in the dirt, but water is by far the best dog-digging repellent. Dogs may like to swim and maybe get used to taking baths, but no one likes to be splashed with water out of nowhere.
There is, however, no need to be harsh.To avoid injuring your dog, make sure the flow or power of the water is sudden but not harsh.Remember, you’re not splashing water on your dog to punish them, but to create fear in them.
So, every time your dog starts to dig a hole, you splash it with water from behind it. Make sure they see what you are splashing them with. This is because they will start recognising it as a warning and stop right in their tracks. It’s preferable to catch them ahead of time rather than in the middle of the digging.
Eventually, your dog will decide that digging up holes in the lawn is not worth getting soaked.
2. Sprinkle Coffee Grounds In The Garden
As a dog owner, you must be aware of the fact that if there is anything that a dog absolutely detests, it is bitter smells and tastes.
There is nothing more bitter on the planet than coffee grounds, which you can easily find in your kitchen.Hence, another effective method for this problem would be to sprinkle your lawn with coffee grounds to stop dogs from digging.
However, do not overdo it, as coffee is not recommended for your dog’s consumption. If your poor dog ends up consuming coffee grounds out of curiosity, then you will have to declare a state of emergency. Sprinkle them far away in a small quantity, and spread them well enough.
So even if your dog ends up consuming the coffee grounds, it won’t be haphazard.
Okay, but how do I stop the dog from digging holes in the same spot? We have the solution for you. Keep on reading to find out!
3. Use Citrus Fruits To Repel Your Dog
In terms of bitterness, citrus fruits stand next to coffee grounds. You can either keep a citrus fruit plant around the specific area to stop your dog from digging in the same spot.
The bitterness of the orange juice will keep your dog from digging a hole in the same spot. Moreover, you can also mix it with coffee if your dog is a resilient litter mate. This power combination will undoubtedly work its magic.
4. Make It Spicy!
Dogs are not fans of anything spicy. They do not like the taste or smell of anything spicy. Hence, you can use spices to keep dogs from digging holes in your lawn. To make the spicy solution, you need equal parts of crushed or powdered spices and powdered mustard.
Then you can spread it all over your lawn. This solution works best in places with dry climates, as there is no rain to dilute or wash off this spicy repellent.
5. Have You Heard Of The Marigold Solution?
Marigold is a flower whose smell really puts off various animals but especially dogs. You can either plant them at various random spots and kill two birds with one stone, such as (i) warding off your dogs from digging holes in your lawn and (ii) making your lawn look beautiful by adding these bold flowers.
Plant them next to your pepper plant to keep your dog from digging up the peppers.
Not only will the marigold solution repel your dog, but it will also repel various lawn pests such as squash bugs, aphids, whiteflies, and bean beetles. See? It is definitely a great home remedy and investment.
6. Distract Your Dog
Another effective home remedy to stop your dog from digging holes in your lawn is to distract them from it. You can do this by either handing them their favourite toy or by making a sudden noise like popping a balloon.
However, we personally recommend the first option, as it is better than the latter’s harsh awakening. Your dog will definitely decide that playing with their favourite toy is better than digging in the dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a dog to start digging?
Dogs may start digging due to a variety of reasons including boredom, seeking comfort or protection, hunting, or it might simply be part of their breed’s nature.
How can I stop my dog from digging under the fence?
You can stop your dog from digging under the fence by burying chicken wire at the base of the fence, placing large rocks at the base, or installing an L-footer.
Can I use vinegar to stop my dog from digging?
Yes, dogs generally dislike the smell of vinegar. Spray a mix of water and vinegar around the areas where your dog usually digs.
Will cayenne pepper stop my dog from digging?
Cayenne pepper could be a deterrent as dogs avoid spicy scents. However, it may cause discomfort if it gets in their eyes or nose, so it’s not the most recommended method.
Does ignoring a digging dog help?
Ignoring the digging behavior won’t help since it doesn’t address the root cause. Instead, try to understand why your dog is digging and address those needs.
Is it harmful for dogs to eat dirt?
Eating dirt occasionally isn’t typically harmful to dogs, but if done excessively, it can indicate a dietary deficiency or lead to ingestion of harmful substances in the soil.
How can I distract my dog from digging?
Distracting your dog from digging can be accomplished by providing them with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, like regular walks, playtime, or puzzle toys.
Can professional training help to stop a dog from digging?
Yes, professional training can be beneficial in teaching your dog appropriate behaviors and discouraging unwanted ones like digging.
Is it possible to completely stop a dog from digging?
While you might not be able to completely stop a dog from digging due to their instinctual nature, you can definitely manage and significantly decrease this behavior.
Are there certain breeds more prone to digging?
Yes, certain breeds like Terriers, Dachshunds, and Siberian Huskies are more prone to digging due to their historical roles in hunting and working in various terrains.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are various home remedies that can stop your dog from digging up dirt in your lawn. You should always be kind and take a deterrent approach instead of a punishing approach.
Moreover, you should also pay attention to the reasons behind your dog’s digging, as resolving those issues would naturally resolve the issue at hand. All in all, it is definitely your duty to keep your dog well-behaved. We hope to make it easier for you. Happy dog parenting!
By the wway if read my other article, Why Do Do Eat Dirt?
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