Digging is one of those canine behaviors that is normal. Dogs dig – it's that simple. They bury things, they get curious about something underground like a spider, or mouse, whatever – they're going to dig. In the Tucson area, dogs will often dig to seek the cooler, lower ground – the same as wild Sonora Desert animals like the Gila Monsters and scorpions do. Inasmuch as dogs dig as a normal part of their behavior, they are good at it. Some dogs are very good at it, and watching them brings to mind the excavating efficiency of a backhoe. The point of this paragraph is to let you know that simply because your dog digs, there's nothing 'wrong' with it.

Problem digging, or unwanted digging, is different than normal behavior. There are endless ways this problem demonstrates itself, and just about as many reasons for this undesirable behavior to occur. Sometimes, for example, the dog is merely attempting to get attention. Sometimes it is bored. And so forth.

No matter the reason for the unwanted digging, you want to stop it, which seriously perplexes most people. How do you stop it? It usually occurs when you are at work, or asleep – and you can't even catch the dog doing it. You just come home one day and Rover has dug a hole suitable for the basement of a new house. Most people know that if you go to the hole and yell at the dog, you'll only get confused, apathetic doggie stares – but never stop the behavior. Ergo, people go nuts trying to determine how to stop the digging.

You'll start with a trip to the hardware store where you'll buy two items: landscaping spikes and galvanized, twisted wire that's about 1/8" in diameter. It must be twisted wire, not single-strand, and it should be galvanized so it doesn't rust. It should not be plastic coated, like clothes lines are. Single strand wire or wire smaller than 1/8" in diameter may cause your dog unwanted injury – so don't use it. If you have a moderate problem in one or two areas of your yard, 8 spikes and 100' of wire will be plenty. If you have more spots, you may need more supplies. No worries – it's all cheap. While your problem digger likely prefers a spot or two in your yard – usually someplace you care about greatly – he or she may want to expand their digging area once you start this cure. That's okay, the cure will win – every time!

Now you should refer to the diagram…Click Here

Drive one spike into the ground to a depth of about ¾ of its length – in the appropriate location. Now, wrap the wire around the spike, just below the head, three times. Now twist it to lock it in place. Now, drive the spike all the way down to where the head is at least at ground level, or slightly below.

Go to the location for the next spike and drive it into the ground just over ¾ of its length deep. You'll want it secure enough in the ground to hold against the force you're about to apply. Pull the wire tight to it, and wrap and twist it the way you did the first spike. Cut the wire off to an appropriate length and then drive the spike the same way you did the first one. Do this wherever the dog digs, and it will stop digging ASAP! As Rover tries to dig, his nails and the base of his paws will hit the wire, thus causing a very uncomfortable sensation. At first, he might think it's one of those desert rocks or roots, and he'll try harder. This will stop very quickly as he realizes that he cannot possibly 'beat' the wire. Be sure to keep an eye on your dogs front paws during this training program, to be sure he isn't being self destructive, which is a different behavioral issue all together.

If your dog finds new locations in the yard to dig, put down another set. If the dog doesn't revisit an area you've spiked for at least two weeks, you can pull those spikes and use them elsewhere.

This method works almost instantly on dogs that have not been problem diggers for very long. If your dog has been doing this for years, then you may have to put down many spikes in many locations. (see the diagram "serious problem dog configuration".)

This is a very humane, and absolute method of training the dog not to dig unnecessarily. One of the best things about it is that it is invisible. When you first put the wire down, it will be visible, but in a few hours it will hunker down tight to the ground and not be in view.

As with any training, telling your dog that your happy is always good. So when you come home tomorrow night, and there are no new holes, walk around and intermittently praise the dog.

Voila – no more unwanted digging!