How To Stop Your Dog From Digging Holes In Your Garden

  First, I need to figure out when he is digging. Since I know the dog and his lifestyle, I can rule out several factors such as boredom or puppyhood or gophers, etc...
I noticed that every time he would start digging holes he was in the yard playing with a friend's dog, unsupervised.
So, I first need to MAKE SURE that it was ACTUALLY MY DOG that was the perpetrator. A quick look at his feet would suggest that it was.
Next, I needed to figure out if he would dig ANY TIME he was left alone in the yard or if it was only when another dog was present.
To figure this out, I simply left the dog in the yard alone with access to the rose garden several times... and came back to find that he had not dug.
So... it stands to reason that the only time my dog is digging in the yard is when there is another dog in the yard. (Who knows why? There could be a million unexplained reasons that only the dog knows. All I need in order to fix the behavior is knowledge of the dog and the circumstances).
Now, I know that to fix any behavior problem I need to make the dog experience a NEGATIVE ASSOCIATION with the actual ACT of doing that behavior. In this case, digging in the garden.
And he needs to experience that same negative association EVERY TIME HE DIGS!
In this case, I must be 100% diligent to never leave Forbes unsupervised in the yard when there is another dog in the yard.
Of course, if he was digging by himself, then I'd need to confine him to a kennel run where he cannot dig when I'm not supervising him. Or if there is another dog visiting then I will need to bring Forbes inside, put him in the kennel run, or use the presence of the other dog as a "set up."
The next step is to make sure that he associates that negative (correction) just as he starts to dig.
There are two ways I can do this: The Lazy Man's Way and the Old Fashioned Way. Both methods are based on the same principle.
The Old Fashioned Way to make sure that the dog gets a motivational negative association when he digs is to:
Step 1.) Leave a pinch collar and tab (one foot leash) on the dog when he's outside in the yard with another dog.
Step 2.) Bury hardware mesh or chicken wire in the spot where he's been digging. The chicken wire should be buried two to three inches below the surface. Dogs don't like scraping their paws against this stuff. So, right off the bat you've got an immediate negative association.
Step 3.) Spy on him and just wait until he start to dig.
Step 4.) As soon as he begins to dig, yell "No No No!" as you run outside and give the dog a correction. As long as you continue to say "No no no" as you run to the dog, the dog WILL still associate the correction with the behavior.
Step 5.) Be 100% consistent until you are 100% sure that the dog isn't digging any more.
The Lazy Man's Way to fix this problem behavior is to use a remote electronic collar (e-collar). Everything else remains the same. (Click on the link above to read about my recommendations for buying a remote electronic training collar).
When using the e-collar for this behavior, I'd turn the setting up to the high level. Your goal is to create absolute avoidance to this behavior (digging in the garden). And you want him to think that the dirt just jumped up and bit him! Usually if you correct the dog with the electronic collar for this type of behavior, you've only got to do it twice before the dog decides that it's in his best interest to leave your garden alone.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click below):
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

About the Author

Author, “Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!“ which you can read more about at:
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq

 Adam G. Katz

More Articles 

Dogs - Wonderful Companions - Wendy Yeager
Dogs Are Man's Best Friend Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They were the first wild animal to be tamed. Ancient man probably brought home cub wolves to raise as pets. The pet wolves were also useful in driving away bears and...

Create A Gift Basket For A Dog Lover! - Donna Hamer
The choice of what gift to give your family and friends can often be a difficult one. One of the best gifts that you can give is a gift basket. A gift basket is that one present that comes in many shapes, themes and of course price ranges. A gift...

How To Choose A Professional Dog Trainer - Adam G Katz
1.) Versatility— A good dog trainer will use techniques and training styles which are compatible with your dog’s temperament. Every dog is different, and some dogs respond better to certain approaches. What works for a Rottweiler won’t necessarily...

Why dogs bark - Cindy Frendo
Picture this, you're walking in the park, minding your own business when suddenly a dog comes up to you and starts barking. You start to panic because there is no reason for this dog to be barking at you. Why is this dog barking? Dogs...

Treating Your Dog For Dehydration - Kirsten Hawkins
Dehydration in dogs can be a serious matter. Whether caused by illness, exposure to heat, or a simple lack of fluid intake, dehydration must be addressed immediately and, left untreated, can cause multiple health problems including organ failure and...

Dogs are Heroes - Rex Ryan
Heroism and courage are probably the most profound traits that endear dogs so deeply into the hearts and minds of mankind. Every day, humans all over the world are rescued by heroic dogs, often at great risk to the dog’s life. No other animal...

Heartworm Treatment for cats and dogs - Niall Kennedy
The treatment for heartworms is different for cats and dogs. Do not ever give medicine intended for a cat to your dog or vice versa. Once your pet has heartworms the treatment is not easy. You want to rid your pet of heartworms but many factors...

How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth--and Get Him to Like It - Valerie Goettsch
We brush our own teeth daily, but sometimes we forget our dogs need regular tooth cleaning too. Just like humans, poor dental hygiene can lead to health problems and tooth decay in our furry friends. According to research, by the time your dog is...

Your Dog's Health; Why Dog Breath is No Laughing Matter - Carolyn Schweitzer
Your dogs health is important to you. You show her how important by keeping her well fed and groomed, making sure she gets plenty of exercise and providing a collection of fun, safe toys for her entertainment. You don't skimp on the quality of his...

Dog Grooming - John Moore
Dog Grooming & Routine Care All dogs need regular grooming. It improves the appearance of short coated dogs, and is essential for those with long coats. It also does much to stop unwanted hair on the furniture and carpets. Start as soon as you...