We all know the frustration that comes with a dog digging its way out of the yard! It can be an absolute nightmare, and it’s even worse when you don’t want to break the bank trying to fix it.
Well, here are 10 cheap ways to keep your pup from digging under the fence…and what NOT to do.
5 Cheapest Solutions To Stop A Dog From Digging
- Make sure you have a sturdy fence foundation
- Bury The Bottom Portion of The Fence
- Remove any sight behind the fence
- Wire The Bottom of The Fence
- Provide more exercise to your dog
Why do dogs dig under the fence?
Maybe your pup’s got an itch to wander and explore, or he’s looking for a sweet escape from the everyday ruckus.
Whatever it is, understanding why dogs dig under the fence can help you prevent further digging. Here are some of the most common reasons:
- Boredom: Is your dog a bored brainiac? Smart breeds border collies, poodles, and German shepherds need to keep them interested. If the pup’s been stuck with the same toys (or none at all!) for too long, he just may be digging to find a little excitement.
- Can’t Resist the Call of Prey: When your pup spots a squirrel and gets an urge he just can’t shake, some dogs are more likely to take flight than others. Sighthounds, scent hounds, and terriers have a particularly hard time staying put when they see something on the other side of their fence. So if you find yourself needing fence repairs every now and again, you know why!
- Unneutered male: Ah, Nature. Unfixed male dogs will do anything to find a female in heat, even if it means digging right under the fence! Yep, escape’s on their mind when they get a whiff of that irresistible smell. So, to avoid this little hiccup you might want to invest in spay and neuter services.
- Protection: Your dog is too protective! Guardian breeds, especially, can bolt if they sense any kind of danger. That could spell trouble for all of us, so watch out!
10 cheap methods that keep dogs from digging under the fence:
So, how do they do it? They’re experts at digging, dogs are naturally pretty good at making an escape plan via their digging skills. Fences don’t stand a chance when it comes to a determined pup.
Here are 10 cheap methods you can try to prevent your pup from digging his way out. Let’s dig into the details.
Make sure you have a sturdy fence foundation
Don’t try to cut corners when it comes to getting a sturdy fence foundation! Sure, dirt might seem like the cheap option, but trust us, your pup’s gonna be tunneling right on outta there if you go down that road.
Opt for bricks or concrete as they won’t move around as easily. And make sure the fence is sunk at least one-third of its height into the ground, so it’s more stable.
Don’t forget to run sturdy metal stakes along the bottom too, as they will help brace your fence against any escape attempts! Plus, these materials should last you a good long while and save you some cash in the long run.
Some cheap alternatives are to use gravel, stones, bricks, or even wood chips. Make sure it’s packed down tight and it should help keep your pup from digging out.
Bury The Bottom Portion of The Fence
Even simpler, is burying your current fence deeper into the ground. Digging a trench and burying the bottom portion of your fence could be a cheap option if you’re not looking to replace it.
As long as the top of your fence is tall enough, this should do just fine in keeping your pup from digging its way out. Just make sure that you update the height so they can’t jump over, just in case.
Don’t forget to pack the soil down tight too! Your pup might be crafty enough to feel out any loose spots and start tunneling their way out again.
Remove any sight behind the fence
Removing any sight behind the fence could also deter your pup from escaping if they’re inclined to do so. Dogs get curious when they see something new and exciting, including other animals or people that might be lurking around the area beyond the fence line.
If there’s nothing worth sniffing out back there, your pup is less likely to try and dig its way out. So, make sure your fence line is clear of any distractions and your pup won’t have the itch to escape!
5 materials that you can use to cover sight holes:
- Cardboard
- Fabric
- Plywood
- Fence slats
- Lattice panels
Wire The Bottom of The Fence
Removing any sight behind the fence could also deter your pup from escaping if they’re inclined to do so. Dogs get curious when they see something new and exciting, including other animals or people that might be lurking around the area beyond the fence line.
If there’s nothing worth sniffing out back there, your pup is less likely to try and dig its way out. So, make sure your fence line is clear of any distractions and your pup won’t have the itch to escape!
Provide more exercise
Maybe your pup’s feeling cooped up and wants to explore the great beyond, no wonder they’re digging! To solve this problem without breaking the bank, why not tire them out with a little exercise?
Take your pup on walks to different places, let them meet some furry friends, give them some interactive toys and games. Have a game of fetch with them or whatever they like, let your pup have fun and hopefully stop the digging!
Dog-Safe Digging Deterrents
You may sigh if you hear the word deterrents, but they can be worth a shot if your pup won’t stay away from under the fence.
The effectiveness of deterrents depends mostly on the dog, but diluted vinegar or a pet-safe spray could be a cheap way to keep your pal from digging.
Just remember to test out a small portion of the fence first, as these solutions could discolor wood or other materials. Hey, if nothing else works, it’s worth a try!
Add some new garden features
You can spruce up your landscape with a few cleverly placed trees, rocks, and gravel to deter your pup from digging out. Plant some dog-friendly shrubs, that’ll keep ’em contained!
And remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive. You can definitely create a nice-looking landscape on the cheap.
Investigate your dog's digging
It’s essential to get to the root of your pup’s digging problem. Is it an escape attempt? A desire to bury some treasure? Or something else entirely? A doggy cam can figure out what’s really going on.
And, at the very least, you’ll have some funny footage of their digging antics! So start snooping around and get to the bottom of this burrowing mystery!
Neuter / Spay Your Dog
As we said before, unneutered dogs are so desperate to find a mate that nothing can keep them in your yard!
But there’s an easy solution: get them neutered or spayed! This will avoid your dog from digging to their lover and there are also plenty of other benefits, like:
3 Benefits Of Neutering Your Dog
- Lowering risk of cancer
- Preventing dog overpopulation
- Saving you money in the long run through less vet visits and medical bills
Sure, it’s not the cheapest option, but it will, however, save you money in the long run.
Make sure he has a restful place
Make sure your pup’s got a nice, comfy spot in the yard to relax and kick back. It may be due to a lack of security or comfort that they’re trying to escape. Deck out their area with blankets, toys, and plenty of shade, so they don’t feel the need to jet off for some excitement outside the fence.
What NOT To Do to Stop Digging Dogs
It’s just as important to know what not to do when it comes to keeping your pup from digging under the fence. To make sure you’re not making any mistakes, here are a few things you should definitely avoid:
Don’t Punish Your Dog
No scolding your pup long after a digging incident, it won’t do any good! If you catch him in the act, tell him “no” and redirect him to something else. But don’t expect that punishment later will help: he’ll just be confused and none the wiser.
As seen in a study on plus one, negative reinforcement may have a negative impact on your dog’s health.
Don’t Use Anything That Could Hurt Your Dog
No way Jose! You should never use aggressive chemicals and sharp objects to keep your pup from digging, that’s just not on. Stick to the gentler methods outlined here, you don’t want to risk hurting your pup.
Don’t Fill The Hole With Water
Some might think that filling the hole with water will stop the digging, but it won’t it could even make your dog want to explore further if they’re a fan of playing in puddles. So don’t just put water in the hole, take some time to use our 10 tips to actually fix the problem.
Final thoughts – Where’s my dog?
Wrapping it up, there is no need to break the bank on keeping your dog from escaping. There are plenty of low-cost options that don’t require a ton of effort (as seen above).
A little bit of work now could save you from a lot of trouble (and heartache) in the future, right?
Is your dog also digging in other parts of the garden? Then you may want to read our article on cheap ways to cover dirt in your backyard!
