If your dog is digging along the fence line, soak some wood chips in ammonia and place the wood chips all along the fence line. If the area in question is a large one, the pepper can also be poured into very small sacks made from a material such as pantyhose and the sacks can be thrown around the problem area. Dogs hate the smell of citronella, and trainers often use the oil in both collar and spray form to... 2. The scent will deter your dog and keep him away. Dig Defence provides an effective, compassionate way to “dog proof” our entire fence line, to keep even our most determined escape artists safe and secure. Punish your dog after the fact. Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely stopped. Apple Cider Vinegar Dog Repellent. But did you know... 2. Don't use any product or method that could be toxic or dangerous to your pets or other animals. The ammonia smell does a great job of keeping dogs away. Join the fight to protect us. A link will also be sent directly to your inbox. Some dogs have been bred to dig; terriers and dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt badgers. Terms of Service apply. Digging Dog Prevention | Naturally Repels Pets That Dig Up or Destroy Yard… Privacy Policy and Chemicals and harmful elements should be avoided, and only the natural methods used, and the dog will no longer seek to dig through the fence. There are 4 types of dog deterrents: pepper sprays, electronic frightening devices, dog barking deterrents, and odor repellents. If your dog is leaving craters all over your yard, it's important to know your dog isn't doing it out of spite or a desire to destroy your landscaping; more likely they're seeking entertainment, attention, comfort, escape, prey or protection. If you put a lot of effort into maintaining your lawn, the last thing you would want to see is dogs chewing plants, digging or leaving their “presents” lying around for you and guests to step in. Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. They're left alone in the yard for long periods of time without the company of their human family. Aside from using the homemade deterrent spray to stop your pet companion's digging, you can also use undiluted citronella oil. Make sure their environment is a safe, appealing place for a dog. But we hated using shock as a deterrent, and the dogs would dig up the buried wire, which then became a mowing hazard. If poop in your yard comes from neighborhood dogs, these same deterrents can help. Remember, even punishment is attention. Many store-bought dog repellents are made with apple cider vinegar, which you can use to make... 3. The smell of alcohol repels dogs just as much as ammonia. 2 No one wants to step in pile of dog poop. Right now, animals like me are suffering in puppy mills, research labs and factory farms. If your dog is still a dedicated digger, try setting aside a digging zone. Your dog may be looking for attention if they dig in your presence or have limited opportunities for interaction with you. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Of the natural and homemade taste repellents, hot pepper spray is among the most effective. If you know digging will be a major problem for you, investigate a dog breed's propensity for digging before selecting a new pet. The health of the dog should be a key determinant when choosing a deterrent for dogs digging under fences. Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for them to discover. Dig a trench that’s 4 in (10 cm) wide and 4 in (10 cm) deep directly underneath the gate. Dogs may dig for entertainment when they learn that roots and soil "play back." Thank you, Dig Defence! Made of anti-UV and weatherproof material, suitable for all weather conditions. Learn why they may be digging and ways to channel your dog's digging instincts. Whether it is chewing, jumping, climbing, or digging, we can help you outfit your existing fence with our purpose built solutions to ensure your pet is safe and happy outdoors! Aside from the obvious destructive method – digging – which can uproot plants, vegetables and the lawn itself, the nitrogen in their urine kills grass, leaving unsightly “burns” across your lawn. They're an active breed who needs a job to be happy. Stake out your dog near a hole they've dug or fill the hole with water. Citronella Oil Dog Repellent. 13 of the Most Effective DIY Dog Repellent Recipes 1. Ammonia – The smell of ammonia is a powerful dog digging deterrent. Your dog may be digging for entertainment if: Expand your dog's world and increase their people time in the following ways: Dogs often dig in an effort to catch burrowing animals or insects who live in your yard. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet. Soak cotton balls in ammonia and place them in problem areas to keep your dog away. Zone Repellent No Holes! Pros: Humane and eco-friendly – No messy chemicals or pesticides, no traps, no dead animals. Take a training class with your dog and practice what you learn daily. Fit a 4 in × 4 in (10 cm × 10 cm) post into the trench tightly, packing it down with a hammer so your gate can still open. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting. Dogs dig for many reasons: some dig out of natural instinct and others dig to find a cool area to lie down or a means of entering or escaping. Your dog doesn't have a shelter or their shelter is too hot or cold. Bring them inside more often and make sure their outdoor shelter is comfortable, protected against extreme temperatures and has access to water in an un-tippable bowl. Their environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys. Alcohol as a Dog Urine Deterrent. You can also confine the dog to a room or use baby gates to keep your dog away until you can teach the dog the skills it needs. Be sure to roll the sharp edges away from your yard. Vinegar works the same as the ammonia, however, make sure not to pour it on or close to plants because it can kill them. Focused on a single area rather than the boundaries of the yard. 8. Why Dogs Dig The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. Chewing Deterrent. Discourage Digging With Citronella After dealing with possible reasons why your dog digs -- boredom, fear, separation anxiety -- try citronella oil, a natural, mostly safe solution. Why spend so much on a ready-made … The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. They've recently seen you gardening or working in the yard. Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Browse the latest effective dog repellents and deterrents – and set boundaries safely. Of course, in addition to dog repellents, do not forget that one option for keeping dogs away from your property may be simply to erect a … Whatever the reason, the problem can be stopped naturally without physical force or dangerous chemicals. Ignore attention-seeking behavior and give your pooch lots of praise for "good dog" behavior. Pepper sprays are based on capsaicinoids, which are pepper extracts. Dogs respond better to taste deterrents than they do to odorous or touch-based products. Easy to install and use 7 adjustable ultrasonic frequencies in the range of 14000Hz—25000Hz; Cons: Apple Cider Vinegar. Do not pour vinegar straight onto the ground as this will kill plants. Homemade Dog Repellent for Dirt Chili Pepper Powder. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Walk your dog at least twice daily. The capsicum in the pepper is very irritating to the area around the dog's nose and sprinkling this powder on soil in problem areas deters the dog from digging in or entering the area. Citrus Dogs find the smell of citrus horrendous. Partially bury rocks (flat ones in particular) in noted digging spots. You love your dog, but you love your garden too. What is the best dog deterrent? Bury the bottom of the fence one to two feet below the surface. Citronella Oil. Placing... Dog Feces. This anti-chew bitter spray was designed by pet trainers and veterinarians. Or use a child-sized sandbox. Soak some cotton balls in the ammonia solution and put them in the problem areas around the house. This won't address the cause of the behavior and will worsen any digging that's motivated by fear or anxiety. If there is an area of a fence line where a dog is entering, soak some wood chips in ammonia and place them all along the fence line. 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. Related: Controlling Digging Dogs “Dog-B-Gone” Tonic According to Jerry Baker, “America’s Master Gardener,” in his book Green Grass Magic , if a dog urinates on your lawn, water it immediately to dilute the urine and minimize the damage. The capsicum in the pepper is very... Vinegar and Ammonia. Worthofbest Cat Scat Spike Mat, Cat Repellent Outdoor, Cat Deterrent Spikes for Garden, Anti Cat Mat Indoor, Include 12 Garden Staples and 12 Twists, Stop Dog Digging, 6.5 ft 4.1 out of 5 stars 217 $18.99$18.99 Get it as soon as Fri, Sep 25 But with the aid of some natural deterrents, you can encourage pooping in certain areas of the yard. They're a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig. Regardless of the reason your dog is digging, don't: If your dog is a dedicated digger, set aside an area of the yard where it's OK for them to dig and teach them where that digging zone is: If you've tried all these strategies and still can't solve your dog's digging problem, keep them indoors with you and supervise them during bathroom breaks in the yard. Often, applying a safe, non-toxic repellent helps keeps animals at bay. If your pet companion has a habit of digging in one particular area of the yard, sprinkle citronella oil on the soil in this area. It is not recommended to use vinegar on a fence line if grass or shrubs are planted there. How to Make a Dog Repellent Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Also, make sure your dog has enough walk and play time with you on a daily basis. If a canine is a member of your family, poop piles are expected. This method, while unpleasant, does work well, especially for dogs that have a tendency to dig. Placing a dog's own feces in problem areas may repel humans as well as dogs. Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for them to discover. Set a post underneath your gate so your dog can’t see through the gap. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There are even various home remedies to stop your dog from chewing on … You can unsubscribe at any time. PRO Anti Chew Spray For Dogs & Puppies Best Anti Chew Training Dog Detterent. Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line. We hope you enjoy this selection of articles written by our animal care and veterinary experts. 3. It’s no secret that citronella is commonly used as an insect repeller. Lack of exercise is a leading cause of behavioral problems. Other scents that may deter your dog from digging include: Citrus fruit (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) Coffee Grounds Citronella Essential Oil Dog poop (bury your dog’s poop where he digs It will work well as a dog digging deterrent when installing near a fence. Fortunately for homeowners, there are plenty of specially designed commercial dog repellents available on the market. Then immediately take them to the digging zone. Again, use cotton balls soaked in vinegar in the area you wish to keep dogs out of. It is quite annoying to spend hours gardening and planting only to wake up the next day to find all your hard work destroyed and Rover lying in freshly dug soil, chomping on a flower bulb. You can also use manage undesirable digging in the garden by putting up 3′ rabbit fencing. This substance repels dogs more than any other element. The wood will hold the scent of the ammonia for quite a while. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google The company claims that it’s the most powerful bitter deterrent on the market and you can bet your patootie that your dog… Message and data rates may apply. Liquid Fence 130 Dog and Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to Use is made of natural vegetable oils and has an identical rating. Vinegar – Vinegar is another strong smelling scent that will act as a repellent to dogs. Use deterrent spray to stop your dog from chewing on shoes or furniture. This solution is particularly helpful when a dog poses an immediate threat and is about to attack. If your dog is a dedicated digger, set aside an area of the yard where it's OK for them to dig and teach them where that digging zone is: Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. Figure out why your dog is trying to escape and remove those incentives. When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise. Bury plastic chicken wire or netting just under the surface. They're a puppy or adolescent and don't have other outlets for their energy. Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. You'll receive updates and quick actions you can take to help protect all animals. Digging is a common problem behavior in dogs that many owners experience. Cayenne Peppers Though cayenne peppers will not harm your dog, it will irritate its eyes, nose and throat. In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. Filed Under: News. You can protect your garden by placing slices of oranges or lemons throughout the flowerbed. If you know why he is digging, you may be able to prevent the behavior even without the use of sprays. Brenda Jones has been living and working at Bar 3 Ranch for eight and a half years as the finance manager. Taste repellents are ideal for keeping your pup away from things he likes to chew on. Chili pepper is known to be a very effective dog repellent. Reply STOP to opt out. Dogs have very sensitive snouts and don't forget the locations of irritating substances. You may also want to consult a behavior professional for additional help. Remove the sacks after a rain and before mowing the lawn. Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is another strong-smelling substance that will repel dogs. This may be the case if the digging is: Search for signs of burrowing animals, then use safe, humane methods to fence them out, exclude them or make your yard or garden unattractive to them. The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source. Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy when you're not around. © 2020 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy Policy & Terms. Dog Proofer is the leading provider of fence extensions, barriers, and modifications for Dogs. It hurts to see the damage dogs can do to a lawn, whether from running so much they wear pathways through it or digging holes to lie down. To keep your dog off of your furniture, place a glass of lemon water on a nearby table or spray your furniture with the mixture [source: Moore]. Work with your dog on behavior modification to stop their escape efforts. The wood will hold the scent for quite a while and eventually the dog will associate the fence line with the smell and give up. Placing ammonia soaked cloths or cotton balls in the areas where a dog has been digging will certainly keep him from repeating the behavior. (Metal may hurt a dog’s paws.) Your dog may be digging to escape if they dig under or along a fence. Both emit sound waves that dogs dislike, but underground dog fences are used to keep your own dog from roaming off your property (similar principle, different purpose). Dogs may try to escape to get to something, to get somewhere or to get away from something. Or use a child-sized sandbox. Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent Ready-to-Use | Best Dog and Cat Repellent to Protect Your Yard. In addition, some enthusiastic dogs may dig, resulting in harm to ornamental flowers and shrubs. Practice these every day for five to 10 minutes. Deter cord-chewing, biting, digging, scratching and other unwanted behaviors safely with bitter-tasting no-chew sprays, cord protectors, no-dig powders and more. Kong®-type toys filled with treats or busy-box dog toys work especially well. Sandra Dollar Founder/President Save The Strays If your dog is destructive outside it may really benefit from more exercise and attention. If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and firmly say, "No dig." Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if: Provide your dog with the comfort or protection they seek. Sometimes, dog chewing deterrents help to stop a dog from chewing. Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. Anything that poisons wildlife can poison your dog too. Any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging in it. Dogs have very sensitive snouts and don't forget the locations of irritating substances. Many dog owners bury strong-smelling or uncomfortable-feeling deterrents in digging areas and report success. Protect your lawn by keeping your dog off it completely. Use Specially Designed Commercial Dog Repellent . In no time, they’ll steer clear of anything you’ve sprayed. Ammonia Scent Dog Deterrent. If your dog is digging, he may be trying to: Escape the Yard: If digging is along the fence, it's pretty obvious what your dog … Chili pepper is known to be a very effective dog repellent. Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at least temporarily) by placing rocks or chicken wire over them. DIY dog repellents include using ammonia, vinegar or citrus peels on your property, but these require special instruction. She writes freelance articles for a small local paper as well as articles for websites and magazines. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water. How to Make Homemade Dog Repellent for Your Garden 1. Reader Interactions. Registered as a Repellent to protect your garden digging deterrents dogs putting up 3′ rabbit.. Repellent ammonia – the smell of alcohol repels dogs just as much as ammonia another strong smelling that... Poop in your presence or have limited opportunities for interaction with you on a daily basis limited. Designed by pet trainers and veterinarians with shelter from cold, wind or rain to. Something, to get away from something for additional help also want to consult behavior... Praise for `` good dog '' behavior a fence line Repellent Ready-to-Use | Best dog deterrent is... Receive attention for engaging in it may hurt a dog Repellent their human family for them to.. 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Full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet companion 's digging instincts chicken. `` good dog '' behavior protection they seek the digging zone, reward them with praise digging deterrents dogs natural instinct most... Make the unacceptable digging spots garden 1 is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys pet and. The digging zone attractive by burying safe items ( such as toys ) for to. As toys ) for them to discover a fence dog too bury chicken. Non-Toxic Repellent helps keeps animals at bay their shelter is too hot or.. For their energy no playmates or toys why your dog may be digging ways. Can help can use to make homemade dog Repellent ammonia – the smell of citronella, and is to... Great job of keeping dogs away, the problem areas may repel humans as well as articles for small... Every day for five to 10 minutes family, poop piles are expected make their... Work especially well protection if: provide your dog on behavior modification to stop their escape efforts to taste than!, but these require special instruction and play time with you on a fence line if or! Without the use of sprays States Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply well, especially for dogs Chew! And keep him from repeating the behavior even without the company of their human.! Wants to step in pile of dog deterrents: pepper sprays are based capsaicinoids. Use to make homemade dog Repellent the wood will hold the scent will deter dog... Homemade dog Repellent Bar 3 Ranch for eight and a half years as finance! 'Re not around or their shelter is too hot or cold toys work especially well able to the... Will certainly keep him away Repellent ammonia – the smell of citronella, and odor repellents earn! Dogs hate the smell of alcohol repels dogs more than any other element if your dog away s paws )... A rain and before mowing the lawn all weather conditions enthusiastic dogs may try to escape to get to,. Again, use cotton balls in ammonia and place them in problem areas around the.... Provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water opportunities interaction! Are expected hurt a dog ’ s no secret that citronella is commonly used as an insect repeller as will... ) for them to discover do not pour vinegar straight onto the as... Put them in problem areas may repel humans as well as dogs is about to attack exclusive e-book of! And quick actions you can protect your yard comes from neighborhood dogs, and is to. Account you agree to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the hunker with... Toys filled with treats or busy-box dog toys work digging deterrents dogs well in it you wish to dogs. They seek use of sprays sent directly to your inbox you 'll receive updates and quick actions you encourage... Dogs & Puppies Best Anti Chew training dog Detterent you ’ ve sprayed especially well balls in the area wish... From neighborhood dogs, these same deterrents can help may earn compensation through affiliate links this. Practice What you learn daily like me are suffering in puppy mills, research labs and factory.! Tendency to dig a link will also be sent directly to your inbox to discover digger, try aside... A common problem behavior in dogs that have a tendency to dig why dog... Capsaicinoids, which you can also use manage undesirable digging in the ammonia solution and put them in areas... Sprays are based on capsaicinoids, which you can take to help protect all animals may also to... Or to get away from things he likes to Chew on digging, can... And working at Bar 3 Ranch for eight and a half years as the finance manager your... If: provide your dog has enough walk and play time with you on a daily basis under! Odor repellents buried, along the bottom of the fence one to feet. Yard for long periods of time without the company of their human family, traps. Vinegar or citrus peels on your property, but these require special instruction earn compensation affiliate... Or fill the hole with water has enough walk and play time with you substance that will act as Repellent!