How to Stop a Dog from Digging Under the Fence

If you keep your dog in your yard and they get bored or want to hunt, they may try to dig underneath your fence. When your dog starts digging, you can either block the spot underneath your fence or put deterrents around the edge. With a little bit of work, your dog will safely stay in your yard and you can avoid unsightly holes!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Blocking the Area under the Fence

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1
Set a post underneath your gate so your dog can’t see through the gap. Dig a trench that’s 4 in (10 cm) wide and 4 in (10 cm) deep directly underneath the gate. Fit a 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) post into the trench tightly, packing it down with a hammer so your gate can still open. Drive 2 nails at a 50-degree angle through each side of the post into the sides of your gate. Fill any gaps in your trench with dirt.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Choose hardened landscaping posts meant for outdoor use so it doesn’t rot.
2
Bury chicken wire under your fence to make it uncomfortable for your dog to dig. Measure the total length of your fence with a tape measure so you know how much chicken wire to buy. Use a shovel to dig a trench that’s 1–2 ft (30–61 cm) deep and 1 ft (30 cm) wide around the bottom of your fence. Run the chicken wire in the trench and staple it to your fence to secure it. Once you surround your fence with the chicken wire, fill your trench back in with dirt.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Bend the chicken wire in half into an L-shape if you want it to extend slightly into your yard.
Tip: If you have a chain-link fence, attach the chicken wire with multipurpose wire or zipties.
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3
Landscape with rocks to add decoration to your yard that your dog can’t dig under. Use a shovel or hoe to remove your grass or current landscaping at least 1 ft (30 cm) from the edge of your fence. Lay down a layer of landscaping fabric so weeds can’t grow through your rocks. Fill the area with flat, smooth stones of various sizes so your dog can’t dig through them.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Plant any shrubs or bushes in the area before filling it with rocks.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Deterring Your Dog from the Fence

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1
Train your dog not to dig by scolding them when you notice it happening. Supervise your dog whenever you have them outside. If you notice your dog digging, clap or make a loud noise to startle them.^{[4]XExpert SourceBeverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & TrainerExpert Interview. 30 January 2020.} Don’t yell or raise your voice. Instead, use a firm tone and tell them no. Scold your dog each time they dig to condition them.^{[5]XResearch source}^{[6]XExpert SourceDominik Feichtner
Dog Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview. 18 March 2021.}
- Never hit your dog when you’re scolding them.
- If your dog still digs after telling them no multiple times, consider having them professionally trained.
- While scolding can be effective for deterring the dog in the moment, your dog may go right back to digging as soon as you’re out of sight. The most effective deterrents are remote ones that the dog doesn’t associate directly with you.
- This is also known as "positive" punishment, since you're adding a verbal cue to address the behavior.^{[7]XExpert SourceDominik Feichtner
  Dog Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview. 18 March 2021.}
2
Cover a see-through fence with outdoor fabric to stop your dog from seeing the other side. Your dog may be tempted to dig under the fence because it sees something on the other side that it wants. Buy a roll of landscaping fabric or bamboo equal to the length of your fences. Staple or nail the cover onto the fence so your dog can’t see through the other side.
- Outdoor fabric or bamboo rolls can be purchased at home and garden stores.
3
Put capsicum spray around your fence to deter your dog quickly. Capsicum is similar to a pepper spray that will steer your dog away from the fence. Use the spray to coat the bottom of your fence line and in any holes your dog has already dug. Let the spray dry around the fence for 1 hour before letting your dog back outside. When they get close to the fence, they’ll start sneezing and will stay clear of the area.
- Capsicum spray can be purchased at pet stores or online.
- Capsicum spray will cause slight irritation to your dog’s eyes and nose, but they will avoid the spot after.
- Reapply the capsicum spray every 2 weeks until your dog doesn’t go near your fence anymore.
Making Your Own Spray
Mix 1 tablespoon (6.4 g) of red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon (6.4 g) of black pepper in 1 US quart (950 mL) of water in a spray bottle. Add 5-6 drops of liquid dish soap. Shake the mixture and spray it onto your fence.
4
Place your dog’s droppings near common dig spots to keep your dog away from the fence. Collect your dog’s droppings from around your yard and place them in common spots where they tend to dig. Your dog will stop digging in that spot since they don’t want to paw through their own droppings.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Only use dog droppings in problem areas or holes your dog has already dug so you don’t fill your yard with waste.
5
Build a dig pit so your dog can still dig without damaging your yard. If your dog still wants to dig, make an area for them filled with sand or dirt where they can play freely.^{[9]XExpert SourceBeverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & TrainerExpert Interview. 30 January 2020.} Remove the grass or current landscaping in an area that’s 4 ft × 4 ft (1.2 m × 1.2 m) until you expose the soil underneath. Line the area with landscaping fabric and build a 6 in (15 cm) wall around the edge using bricks or landscaping stones. Cover the fabric with a layer of sand or dirt 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) deep so your dog can still dig without a chance of it escaping.^{[10]XResearch source}
- You can also use a toy sandbox if you don’t want to build your own digging area.
- Digging is a natural, instinctive behavior for many dogs. Giving them a designated digging area can help channel this instinct in a healthy and enriching way. Encourage appropriate digging behaviors by burying toys and treats in the designated digging spot.^{[11]XExpert SourceBeverly Ulbrich
  Dog Behaviorist & TrainerExpert Interview. 30 January 2020.}

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How do you discipline a dog that won't listen?
Dominik Feichtner
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist
Dominik Feichtner is a Professional Dog Trainer and Behaviorist and the Owner of The Dog Behaviorist NYC out of New York, New York. With over eight years of experience working with dogs, Dominik specializes in general obedience, behavior modification, and puppy training. His commitment to a balanced, common-sense approach led to his recognition as one of the “Best Dog Trainers in Brooklyn” and one of the “Best Dog Trainers in NYC” by Pooch and Harmony in 2020.
Dominik Feichtner
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist
Expert Answer
Try using some form of operant conditioning! OC falls into four quadrants: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment. "Positive" means that you're adding something to the dog's situation (e.g., a treat, a verbal "no"), while "negative" means that you're taking something away. Reinforcement means that you want the behavior to happen more frequently, while punishment means that you want the behavior to occur less often.
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What repels dogs from digging?
Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Beverly Ulbrich is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Founder of The Pooch Coach, a private dog training business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a Certified CGC (Canine Good Citizen) Evaluator by the American Kennel Club and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Humane Association and Rocket Dog Rescue. She has been voted the best private dog trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area 4 times by SF Chronicle and by Bay Woof, and she has won 4 "Top Dog Blog" awards. She has also been featured on TV as a dog behavior expert. Beverly has over 18 years of dog behavior training experience and specializes in dog aggression and anxiety training. She has a Master of Business Administration from Santa Clara University and a BS from Rutgers University.
Beverly Ulbrich
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Expert Answer
If a dog really likes to dig, you're best off giving them a place to dig. Try giving your dog a designated digging space, such as a sandbox with some bones buried in it to get them started. That way they know they have a space that they are allowed to dig, as opposed to your garden. You can also try stopping them from digging and redirecting them to another activity.
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Dogs often dig when they’re bored. Interact and play with your dog so they don’t have the energy to dig holes.^{[12]XResearch source}
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Supervise your dog when they’re outside so you can catch when they are digging or trying to escape.
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