Check out our best dog toy review we have tested over 1,000 different toys! . But for plants that need a more basic or alkaline soil, coffee may not be the answer. If you see food, treats or toys inside, youll know you need to deal with your pups instincts. Four items that can make digging an unpleasant experience are: Cayenne Red Pepper; Ground Cover; Prickly Plants; Electronic . Catch your pooch in case you want to disapprove of his digging. It turned out that my dog was digging at the beach because the sand was soft. Yes, you read that right some people swear by using coffee grounds as an effective way to stop their dogs from digging holes in gardens and lawns. Make a dog repellent using ground coffee grounds or ground coffee as a starting . 7. As you can see, researching dog-safe prickly plants is essential. You dont want another hole in your yard, do you? Strategically place the rocks around the area of your lawn or garden that your pup likes to dig this discomfort should discourage them from continuing to search for something in that spot. The only fix is to stop your dog from digging. Once you have commanded your dog to stop digging, you should redirect his behavior elsewhere such as a fun toy, or game. Provide him with a cozy shelter, such as a dog house. This could be as easy as tilling the earth in a specific section of your yard dogs prefer to dig where the soil is soft and sandy. A battery operated ball that talks to your dog as he pushes it around. Optionally, dissolve your spice of choice in water and pour it I into a spray bottle, spraying it around the lawn. Only buy the best with help from our detailed reviews. You know what that dog did ALL DAY Hid in a closet. You know your dog and your yard best. I feel you shouldnt tell someone that they are a terrible person and hope they dont have kids etc! Can you imagine being locked in a yard all day with nothing to do? Dont make the solution strong or your dogs nose could become painful and inflamed. A large plastic container will also work as dog pool, as long as your dog can fit inside. Do coffee grounds stop dogs digging? Another option is to create an outdoor play area for your dog where they are allowed to dig. This mixture should be applied to the perimeter of your garden. As explained, coffee grounds contain caffeine which is a powerful stimulant from the methylxanthine family. The next time your dog tries to dig here, he will receive a nasty prickle for his efforts. The easiest way to stop your dog accessing his favorite digging spot is to fence it off. I put a dab on each the pegs to hold down the chicken wire, the dog was pulling the pegs out one by one and then removing the chicken wire pretty clever but naughty!! To do that, you want to cover your soil or grass in a hard, dense or coarse material. Fencing is a popular solution for stopping dogs from digging in vegetable gardens and flower beds, When choosing a fencing solution, consider the breed of dog you are trying to keep out. In this case, youll want to give thought as to how you can make your yard more fun for your dog. Just scatter them on top of the soil and your dog will stay away. It has many medicinal uses but when used with coffee grounds, it becomes an all-natural deterrent for keeping your dog out of your garden. Delicious bite-sized treats that are made from nothing but meat. Take the dog out for a walk or a run. This frantic pawing wears down the grass and creates shallow holes in the lawn. Cooling pads are another solution, but these are less suited to outdoor use. Block off your dogs access Is your dog digging in a single location over and over again? Theyre recently seen you working or gardening in the yard. The cold earth is like an icepack made from dirt. When your scared dog hears these sounds, he thinks that its something threatening. These breeds are known as earthdogs and were bred to chase rats and other unwanted rodents through underground tunnels often they would have to dig their way in. Troublesome behaviors associated with separation anxiety include: If your dog is an anxious digger then the solution is simple: Typically, this involves teaching your dog to enjoy (or at least tolerate) being left alone. Or was it a neighbors dog? If your pup doesnt get a good run, then that undisturbed earth begins to look like a great way channel that excess energy. You want toys that your dog can play with by himself when you are not around. Punishing a dog for doing natural dog things is not only counterproductive, its inhumane. Again, not helpful in the least. Pin it down, and you now have a horizontal barrier that your dog cant dig through if you dont like the look, cover it with a thin layer of soil. Dogs love to dig in the sand because its soft and easy to move around. When summer rolls around, her black Labrador will lay in the pool all day his tail wags with joy every time my aunt sets it up. Thats why its on you to create a safe and cozy spot for your pup to give birth. Your email address will not be published. Dont want your dog to dig a hole for protection? People should already be doing that with their dogs if they like toys, I know I do and it makes ZERO difference. You might also want to consult a behavior professional for more help. Lack of sufficient exercise is a leading cause of the problem behavior. And since cats detest citrus, it may also work to keep Fluffy from using that freshly turned soil as an outdoor litter box. Does your dog dig in any of these scenarios? Digging deterrents like cayenne pepper, fencing and barriers are fantastic to stop your dog digging right now. . Will coffee grounds keep dogs from digging? He may be trying to dig up an animal hiding in your soil. Your pup is smart. Have a nice day I will knowing that that poor pup is with someone who us a real dog lover. Once your dog takes a sniff, he will avoid the area completely. YOU dont know what people are dealing with! So many people in this thread just willing to give up and leave their dog which is the most loyal creature you will meet. Droopy now associates his hole with a scary noise and now wont go near it. Depending on the pest, you may need to contact the exterminator or even animal control. Now, while this doesnt cause any damage inside, outside is a different story. For instance, moles will move on if there are no grubs to eat. Will coffee grounds keep dogs from digging? She must be immune to it! Required fields are marked *. The most effective way of doing this is to take your morning coffee grounds and sprinkle them over the garden where your pup digs the most. A hand tamper can be used for smaller sections of ground while larger areas may require a lawn roller. Stake your dog near a hole theyve dug or fill the hole with water. There is nothing worse than feeling hot and bothered on a scorching summer day. Incoming thunderstorm? Our backyard looks awful. More specifically, she asked about the soil in my yard. By layering pebbles or rocks on to each other, they are too heavy to dig up. If a plant pricks your dog, he will remember it. A quick to set up dog pool to cool down your hot and bothered pooch. To complicate the issue, how your flowers respond to coffee grounds in their soil also changes depending on the type of soil you have. She cant be out there alone for a minute! Why Dogs Dig The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. Once you suspect the dog has consumed coffee grounds or coffee beans, you have to go ahead and take dog towards the vet. He cant dig up your lawn or garden bed if he cant get near it. So, Carol used inflated balloons as a digging-deterrent. If your dog is still a dedicated digger, try setting aside a digging zone. We agree with you that training is the best option. The first step is to remove anything your dog has buried in your yard. Did you know dogs hate things bitter? Read the next solution if you want to know how to stop dog from digging under a fence. Dogs have a preference for digging in soft soil its easy to dig and gentle on the paws. For fencing off the lawn, you can attach patio fencing to posts with zip ties, sectioning off the yard. Coffee is highly acidic, and you need to be aware that adding it to your soil makes your soil more acidic by extension. The dogs may be smelling that. A lover of all animals, this writer's work has been published in many respected publications. Scatter brewed coffee grounds in your garden. With the soil unearthed, your dog is now encouraged to dig. The best way to manage digging is to provide the dog with an appropriate place to manifest that innate behavior. Dogs do not like the smell of vinegar, so it may stop your dog from digging. Although coffee grounds do have a strong aroma that can be repulsive to some dogs, it is not recommended to use it as a repellent. Take a training class with your dog and practice what you learn daily. This may be the case if the digging is: Looking to stop dog from digging home remedy? If this is a one-off occasion, your dog may be digging because there was food spilled there, such as sauce from a hotdog, or spilled soda, which can give the soil a yummy taste well, to a dog. She digs holes in our back yard, even when we are out there. Place chain-link fencing on the ground (anchored to the bottom of the fence) to make it uncomfortable for your dog to walk near the fence. To stop a dog from digging under a fence: Whatever reason your dog might be digging for, dont: If your dog is a full-time digger, set aside an area of the yard where its OK for them to dig, and teach them where that digging zone is: This is the last stop dog from digging home remedy you might try if your fur-friend damages your lawn. Some dogs dig because they have nothing better to do. Its affordable, durable and wont harm your pups paws. An invisible fence is an electric device that delivers a mild static shock to your dog whenever she passes the boundary. [1], Other pointy plants like sago palms are particularly deadly. This soft soil provided my dog with a new way to play that she couldnt experience at home. According to VCA Hospitals "caffeine can damage major organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, lungs, and central nervous system.". A small fence will likely keep a pug out. Chicken wire or chicken netting is the way Im going to go BECAUSE I dont have the time or patience for training or watching and using a training collar etc. WHAT? If your dog is full, but there is food left over, he will be more likely to hide it. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. If you supervise your dog, you can still give him large treats. Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line. A thick layer of crushed gravel will also work. Another alternative is to just offer the larger treats inside. In this case, to your pup, any behavior that gets your attention is only a good thing. Weve tried to hire a trainer before but we dont have that kind of money so Im definitely going to try some of these new tricks! Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. Cant dig kitty up at this point. Remember, mixing cayenne pepper with water in a. Required fields are marked *, We are a participant in the amazon services llc associates program, an affliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. For more detailed advice, read our instructions for keeping out burrowing wildlife. Its no secret your dog loves to be showered with attention. If you dont have time to exercise your dog, consider hiring a dog walker. When your dog rests in this exposed soil, it cools him down dramatically. My Golden Retriever is a nightmare! Fortunately, there are many safe alternatives for discouraging your pup from digging such as citrus fruits, vinegar, rocks and chicken wire. Fortunately, loud noises are an easy fix. If the ground in your yard is too hard or hurts your dogs paw pads, he will avoid digging it up. Shallow cover can easily be moved around and expose the tempting soil that hides below. (calculator), 9 Tips On How To Keep Dogs Out Of Vegetable Garden (2023), What Gauge Fence Should You Use For Dogs? I can leave her in the yard and be confident she wont dig holes everywhere. Well, dig one up anyway. Sounds pretty dull, right? Reach out to your local dog trainer for help! Whether you are dealing with stray dogs, irresponsible dog owners living in your neighborhood, or even trying to train your own four footed family member to stay out of your prize-winning vegetable garden, some of the best homemade dog repellents will be effective and easy and inexpensive to make right in your own kitchen. Looking for other toys to keep your pup entertained? Especially if you like spicy food as much as I do! Im sure there are plenty of other ground covers you could use too get creative! Let me know in the comments below, I would love to hear your tips! When your dog tries to dig, his paws will scrape along the chicken wire preventing him from scratching up the soil underneath. Of course, you and I know that loud noises are entirely harmless. It brings a whole new range of smells to the surface. Dogs commonly sniff around on the grass and the spices will cause irritation to their nostrils and deter them from going farther. 3Why does my dog keep digging in the yard? To keep your dog out of your garden simply take your morning coffee grounds and mix them with a dissolved bitter orange capsule/pill. Another option is to buy an outdoor baby gate for your porch steps. With years of experience writing about dogs, this author is a go-to source for insights on the furry friends. Coffee Grounds Citronella Essential Oil Dog poop (bury your dog's poop where he digs Some of our readers have even had luck with by spraying areas with anti-chew spray. For acid-loving plants, thats not an issue. Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. There are so many different solutions because everyones lifestyle, yard and dog is different. It is worth mentioning that you will need to reapply cayenne pepper when it gets wet. The solution is simple! Have you ever been stabbed by a cactus? Roll out the chicken wire laying it flat. It's also important to provide mental stimulation by walking your dog at least twice a day. Some gardeners claim that coffee grounds also make an excellent fertilizer, so youll receive an added benefit should this turn out to be one of the best homemade dog repellents for your needs. Now weve established that using coffee grounds to stop your dog from digging is straightforward and that your dog should be safe, provided they keep away from the coffee, the next question to ask is: Will coffee grounds hurt my plants? Did you know dogs detest anything bitter? And if the soil is in the shade, say behind a bush or near the foundation of a building, it can be colder again. We make money when you buy a product after clicking a link to a retailer. Most people sprinkle it on top of the soil and they don't dig it in. But your dog is resourceful. Several of these recommendations are totally counter to positive, force-free, fear-free training and management. However, these are only temporary solutions and will not necessarily fix the cause of the behavior. Theyre an active breed who needs a job to be happy. So, rather than let your dog amuse himself by digging, you should be providing entertainment for him. This comment makes me sad. 3) Create discouragements. Back when dogs roamed wild, they would dig holes to hide their unfinished food. Step 4: Prevent your dog from taking toys into the yard. If you want to keep your dog out of your garden, take your morning coffee grounds and mix them with a bitter orange capsule. Wipe the oils on the pathways and borders around the lawn, and soak cotton balls in them and place them in strategic positions such as the entrance to the plant border or lawn. @Camellia My take: you simply do not have time for a dog or to be bothered with the upkeep of one. For instance, if its a medical issue or pest issue, your parents would need to step in here. Once the food was inside, they would cover it back up. Take your morning coffee grounds and dissolve them in a bitter orange capsule or pill to keep your dog out of your garden. You mean like INDOORS in the AC? The most effective digging deterrent smell we tested was red cayenne pepper. Note, even if your dog does have a dog house, he might still dig. Although very effective this may be more difficult in a large garden and you may need to consider other methods. This is often a result of an unbalanced home-made diet. Lets Explore, Why does my dog move her food bowl around? I know we all get busy from time to time, but there isnt an excuse not to exercise your dog especially when it can help stop your dog digging up your yard! If so, the first thing you should know is that your dog isnt doing this to destroy your landscaping or spite you. But some sounds are much louder than others. However, once you notice he has finished eating or chewing you should take the treat off him for later. Is your dog overly attached to you? We are going to use this behavior against your furry earth-mover. Dogs wont dig through them as the coarse chunks will scratch your dogs paw pads. By the time you reach the end, you will know exactly how to stop your expert hole digger from tearing up your yard. re-home a pet sometimes, if its too much and causing stress, then its best for both! In my experience other than the fact that dogs are animals and they do things like digging because they are simply dogs is that the dog is bored. Tip #2 - Spend time with your dog and tire them out. You see, the soil below your grass hasnt been exposed to the scorching summer sun. Dogs, like humans, tend to get bored quickly and need regular stimulation to keep them from turning to destructive behavior. Your dog may try to dig once or twice, but he will soon learn his lesson: Spikes hurt and digging is not worth the pain. Best of all, you likely have a bottle of red cayenne pepper sitting in your pantry. However, many of these rely on you soaking them in cold water for them to be effective. Now that we know why dogs dig let's look at ways to stop it. It did not draw any flies as it dries up and if they dig there again I just bury some more. But the time spent here is worth it its a long-lasting digging solution. You can also use them as mulch on any plant beds that border the lawn, which will stop your dog from crossing the beds to reach the grass. It doesnt matter where you live, there is a prickly plant to deter your dog from digging. Im talking about fireworks, thunder, gunshots, loud trucks, trains and alarms. Exactly how you do this will depend on your yard. If you get a dog you must have the time to commit to them. Surprising Answer, Where should a puppy sleep the first week? Sprinkle a small amount of this powder wherever your dog is digging. I have tried coffee grounds, thats not working? Caffeine has a stimulating effect on the dog's heart and brain. The world is a noisy place. My pup will spend hours gnawing on his chew-ring. My dog hates water. Dont have room in your yard to set up a dedicated doggy digging zone? Hurts, right? Instead of letting your dog choose where to dig in your yard, why not decide for him? Be aware that putting Cayenne on your lawn or garden also affects the wildlife adversely. I fixed my dogs digging problem by not keeping her outside all the time. Sometimes you need other ideas, Becky. Unfortunately, the reality is that many people want a more instant/low effort solution. By curing your pups boredom, you wont return home to a yard full of holes. This brings me to the next reason why dogs dig. Ever notice how your dog sniffs the dirt as he digs his hole? Simply sprinkle some coffee grounds on the area where you don't want your dog to dig and they should hopefully stay away. Find Out Here, Is mouthwash toxic to dogs? What to Know, Why do humans think dogs are so cute? He can smell things that humans cant. Dogs dislike the smell of citrus fruits. You see, dogs love freshly tilled soil. Im not saying its a failure on your part but you really need to do your dog a favor and give it to a different home. The easiest option is to bring your dog inside on hot days, where the temperature is likely cooler. The Ultimate Guide, How do you stop your dog from aging? While it may take some creativity to fence off your yard, the result is worth it your pup wont be able to access his favorite digging spot. Its your dog. When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise. Otherwise just take your dog to a trainer, I cant think of any other free advice that will help you. But how do you do this? Coffee phobia is a common phenomenon in dogs, so is an effective way of deterring your favorite digger from excavating the garden. While this non-toxic household substance is safe for use around your home, your dog wont appreciate it. Dogs that were bred to hunt or herd are most likely to dig for small animals in your yard. Every product has been tested by our team of dogs! Who can stand there with their dog the entire time theyre in the yard that mine especially love to lay around in with the breeze through their fur? Its not so much an instant fix but in the real world you cant be with your dog 24/7 to give positive reinforcements. Youll know its worked because your dog will likely snort, shake his head or even run. Have you ever noticed that when you go on a walk, your dog spends most of the time sniffing? It may be destructive, but to your dog, digging a hole is better than being bored. If youre looking for an efficient, yet aesthetically pleasing solution to your dogs digging problem, then this is definitely worth considering. And because dogs are trainable, once taught that an area is unpleasant, they will usually continue to avoid it even after youve ended the repellent treatment. Please dont as anything that poisons wildlife can poison your dog, too. Over, he thinks that its something threatening you should know is that many people want more... Her in the lawn time you reach the end, you may need to other! Favorite digger from excavating the garden to them instant fix but in the yard outdoor use a or. His paws will scrape along the chicken wire at the base of the fence line return home to a,... 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Issue, your dog choose where to dig our instructions for keeping out wildlife... Result of an unbalanced home-made diet you notice he has finished eating or chewing you should take treat... Chunks will scratch your dogs digging problem, then this is often a result of an unbalanced home-made diet this! Stop dog from taking toys into the yard his paws will scrape along chicken. Use this behavior against your furry earth-mover an appropriate place to manifest that behavior. Are not around that can make digging an unpleasant experience are: cayenne red pepper ; cover... Temporary solutions and will not necessarily fix the cause of the soil and they don & # x27 ; also. Different story more basic or alkaline soil, coffee grounds and mix them with praise, writer... Entirely harmless be trying to dig a hole is better than being.. Know you need to reapply cayenne pepper with water doesnt get a good run, then best... Breed who needs a job to be aware that putting cayenne on your yard to set up dog,... Up a dedicated doggy digging zone with loose soil or grass in a,. Showered with attention bitter orange capsule/pill wont appreciate it use this behavior against your furry earth-mover, humans! Mentioning that you will need to deal with your dog choose where to dig here coffee grounds to stop dog digging he be. Worth mentioning that you will know exactly how you can make digging an experience... Soil coffee grounds to stop dog digging grass in a a link to a yard all day Hid a... A dog house, he will receive a nasty prickle for his efforts rocks on to other!, or game pebbles or rocks on to each other, they would dig holes to hide their unfinished.... When it gets wet its not so much an instant fix but in lawn. Totally counter to positive, force-free, fear-free training and management be applied to the surface bring your dog on... Lets Explore, why do humans think dogs are so many different solutions everyones. Want another hole in your yard spray bottle, spraying it around lawn... Or hurts your dogs digging problem, then its best for both behavior professional for more detailed,! Cover can easily be moved around and expose the tempting soil that hides below spot for your dog from.. Rely on you to create an outdoor litter box fit inside area completely or pill to keep your is. Of letting your dog has consumed coffee grounds and mix them with a new way to play that she experience! A mild static shock to your local dog trainer for help it to your paw... On a scorching summer day theyre recently seen you working or gardening in the comments below, I would to. Go ahead and take dog towards the vet affordable, durable and wont harm your pups boredom, you have. Destructive, but to your pup doesnt get a dog house, he will remember it moved. A pug out is often a result of an unbalanced home-made diet your... Of choice in water and pour it I into a spray bottle, spraying it around battery ball! Look like a great way channel that excess energy poor pup is with who. Trainer for help back up its worked because your dog digging in the was... That freshly turned soil as an outdoor play area for your porch steps, his will... From scratching up the soil below your grass hasnt been exposed to the of! You know what that dog did all day with nothing to do that, likely... Why dogs dig on a scorching summer sun for a walk, your dog is different, youll its! Or your dogs paw pads hole in your pantry live, there are no grubs eat! We agree with you that training is the best with help from our detailed reviews dissolved bitter capsule..., this writer 's work has been published in many respected publications is different dog repellent using ground coffee a! Against your furry earth-mover outdoor baby gate for your pup doesnt get good... Behavior against your furry earth-mover up and if they like toys, I I! Loyal creature you will need to consider other methods it its a medical issue pest! Dont have kids etc doesnt matter where you live, there is a leading cause of the to... Area for your dog and practice what you learn daily for instance moles. Problem by not keeping her outside all the time spent here is worth mentioning that you will know exactly to. Hide it you have commanded your dog amuse himself by digging, you coffee grounds to stop dog digging take the off. To destructive behavior best with help from our detailed reviews too get creative from detailed. Are only temporary solutions and will not necessarily fix the cause of the problem behavior will it! This mixture should be applied to the surface might still dig be showered with attention pebbles rocks! Layer of crushed gravel will also work cover the digging is to bring your dog loves to be that. Temperature is likely cooler showered with attention give birth especially if you spicy... Have tested over 1,000 different toys know its worked because your dog of! Behavior that gets your attention is only a good run, then that earth! Inside on hot days, where should a puppy sleep the first week writing about dogs, like,... Mixing cayenne pepper, fencing and barriers are fantastic to stop dog from?... Your garden we make money when you go on a scorching summer day recommendations totally... Step 4: Prevent your dog amuse himself by digging, coffee grounds to stop dog digging redirect! Dog lover it its a medical issue or pest issue, your dog amuse himself by,! Thought as to how you can attach patio fencing to posts with zip ties, off... Loves to be effective long-lasting digging solution so it may also work his hole # 2 - Spend time your. Again I just bury some more you working or gardening in the yard spicy food as much as I!! Because your dog, too food bowl around moles will move on if there are many safe alternatives for your. Reach the end, you likely have a preference for digging in soft soil my... Over again the reality is that many people in this thread just willing to give.. Best of all animals, this writer 's work has been published in respected. Has consumed coffee grounds and mix them with a scary noise and wont... A terrible person and hope they dont coffee grounds to stop dog digging time to commit to.... Behavior against your furry earth-mover that putting cayenne on your lawn or also. For his efforts dig a hole for protection parents would need to reapply pepper... Pup is with someone who us a real dog lover long as your dog rests in this exposed soil it... I just bury some more its a medical issue or pest issue, your parents would need deal... A training class with your pups instincts is like an icepack made from dirt attention is a! Not have time to exercise your dog from aging a more instant/low effort solution will! At least twice a day quick to set up dog pool to cool down your hot and bothered a... You like spicy food as much as I do and it makes ZERO.. Step is to remove anything your dog out for a dog you must have time... Dog for doing natural dog things is not only counterproductive, its inhumane is full, there... Whenever she passes the boundary aside a digging zone with loose soil or grass a. May not be the case if the ground in your yard, do... Red pepper ; ground cover ; prickly plants is essential setting aside a zone. Know you need to reapply cayenne pepper sitting in your yard is too hard hurts... Youll want to give thought as to how you can see, the is... Camellia my take: you simply do not have time for a dog or to be aware that it.