Is Your Dog Digging Under the Fence? Is There a Solution?

We know that dogs love digging, and if they can escape the yard, you’d be sure to see the dog digging under fence so that they can go exploring for the day. It can’t always be deemed one of the many dog behavioral problems related to constant digging. These can include a lack of mental stimulation, separation anxiety, or sheer boredom.

However, it may require a little thought to correct the issue, such as watching dog’s behavior when you are not there (via a camera) or installing a chain-link fence or even an electric fence.

As mentioned, there are various reasons a dog tends to dig under the fence but with the correct training for dog behavior problems and understanding, you can avert their attention to something more constructive. So, what are the main reasons dogs dig under the fence? Here we will take a look at this canine behavior so you can find solutions.

Why Do Dogs Dig?

Dogs have a natural instinct to seek out prey as they have a high sense of smell. Sometimes, when they smell something beyond the fence, they want to get to it quickly. Therefore, they start digging not to escape your property, but because they smell something they want on the other side.

The Chase

Canines love to chase. It’s like a fun game to them and when they see moving targets. They want to get to them so they can chase. If your dog can see to the other side of the fence, they’re prone to digging under it to get to their target. This can be:

How to Fix the Problem

You can buy electronic toys for your dogs to chase such as toy cars. You can play catch and throw balls & frisbees for them to chase. This will keep their focus off outside elements.

Furthermore, you can also train them to only chase a certain object. Use snacks for your training to reward for the right behavior, as they love treats.

Boredom

Dogs get bored fairly quickly, and when they see something that’s of interest to them, they may want to go and play. If you don’t keep your dogs active enough, they’ll most likely want to go outside the fence to seek entertainment.

How to Fix the Problem

It’s important that your dog is always kept entertained. If they’re cooped up in a yard all day, they’ll need toys and activities to keep them busy. Do certain activities with them that they’ll enjoy so they stay stimulated.

Exploring

Is your dog in a small yard? They love to explore and use their senses to smell and taste different outside elements. Their scent is all over your back yard so sometimes they want to explore something completely different.

Also, a change of scenery is what your dog craves, and if they’re not going out for regular walks, they may want to get out to explore the outside world.

How to Fix the Problem

Take your dog out for walks regularly. They enjoy the time they spend with you outside. You can also take them with you on fishing trips and hikes. Give them a change of scenery so they don’t revert to bad behavior because of boredom.

Marking Their Territory

As mentioned before, your dog has a keen sense of smell. They can tell when other dogs have been lurking around the property. Most dogs are extremely territorial and they don’t like smelling other dogs’ scent around their living space.

This space is usually measured from the place the dog sleeps, meaning the dog house or possibly a dog bed.

Dogs will usually dig under the fence to mark their territory on the outside so that other dogs won’t come into their living space.

How to Fix the Problem

Letting your dogs explore the outside of the fence is a great way for them to mark their territory. Take them for a walk around the property and let them do their business where they need to.

Other Animals Provoke a Chase

Depending on where you live and the sort of animals that run around your area, sometimes these animals can provoke your dog to chase them. These animals may be small enough to get through fences and run fairly quickly.

Additionally, animals such as rabbits can make their way into your property by digging a small hole. Your dog can chase the rabbit and start digging under the fence to get to it. Other such animals include:

How to Fix the Problem

Teach your pet to be friendly with other animals. You can do this by introducing them to other animals when they’re young.

Additionally, canines are easy to train if you have the right system and you start when they’re puppies.

Dog Breed

When a dog is a certain breed like a terrier, their natural instinct is to dig. Sometimes, they can dig all over the yard and other times it can be under the fence. You can take precautions and build a sturdier fence around your property so your pet doesn’t get out and hurt itself.

How to Fix the Problem

You can change the behavior of almost any breed. All you have to do is give them the correct training. Perhaps train them to only dig in one spot in your yard so they can continue doing what they instinctively want to do.

Procreation

Again, this is part of a canine’s natural instinct: to procreate. When there are female dogs in the area that are on heat, and you have male dogs, they’ll want to escape the yard to find the female & mate.

How to Fix the Problem

Distract your pet by going on regular walks and keeping them inside for short periods of time.

Final Thoughts

Having a pet can be a challenge but a dog is a man’s best friend and without one, you wouldn’t have anything to keep you on your toes.

Pets can show the strangest behaviors sometimes but with the right love and care, your pet will be happy & comfortable in their environment. Give them the right amount of attention and different activities for them to do & they’ll probably stop the dog from digging under the fence in due time.

The most important thing is to understand your pet and what they need. Make dog care decisions based on this knowledge and everything else will fall into place.