Stop Puppy from Digging - Giving Puppies a Better Outlet than Digging

For many puppy owners, digging can quickly become a problem. For most dogs, the instinct to dig is bred right into their make-up. It can be difficult to stop a puppy from digging, but it can be done.
The first thing you need to do is try to figure out what the puppy is digging for. Is it boredom, to cool off, to bury bones, trying to escape or do they just dig because it is fun? The reason the puppy is digging can affect the way he is taught not to dig.

Many puppies dig to amuse themselves. When this occurs, the best thing to do is ignore the digging and find a distraction. Find toys for them to play with, become active in playing with them or take them for a walk. There is no need to scream or shout at them, simply remove them from the situation and get their attention focused elsewhere.

Give them lots of praise when they are playing, showing that digging gets you nothing, but playing like “this” gets you love and praise. This may seem too easy, but you have to remember that puppies are just young and they have a lot of curiosity and energy to explore with. It is up to their owners to make sure they find the appropriate ways to explore.

Many unwanted behaviors can happen due to puppies being bored and digging can be one of them. If you are gone all day and leave the puppy outside to his own devices, then digging may be what he comes up with. To stop puppy digging due to boredom, you need to find things for him to do while you are out. Toys that hide treats or food in them are a good way to keep him distracted.

There are many quite challenging ones available and they will give the puppy something to search for and “dig” for. In this way, you are controlling his natural tendencies in a way that you can deal with.
Walks are imperative to stop a puppy from digging. On a walk, he can get the mental stimulation and physical activity that he may be trying to satisfy by digging up your yard. Taking him on several walks may be the release he needs.

Another factor can be the puppy’s diet. Many puppy foods rely heavily on fillers and this can cause hyperactivity in a puppy. It may be that you need to switch to a better puppy food one that relies on protein as its base instead.