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. She writes freelance articles for a small local paper as well as articles for websites and magazines. They've recently seen you gardening or working in the yard. Reader Interactions. 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. Digging is a common problem behavior in dogs that many owners experience. The capsicum in the pepper is very... Vinegar and Ammonia. Vinegar – Vinegar is another strong smelling scent that will act as a repellent to dogs. Citrus Dogs find the smell of citrus horrendous. Remove the sacks after a rain and before mowing the lawn. Be sure to roll the sharp edges away from your yard. Or use a child-sized sandbox. In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. 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. Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for them to discover. This anti-chew bitter spray was designed by pet trainers and veterinarians. Brenda Jones has been living and working at Bar 3 Ranch for eight and a half years as the finance manager. 3. Dogs have very sensitive snouts and don't forget the locations of irritating substances. Reply STOP to opt out. How to Make Homemade Dog Repellent for Your Garden 1. The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source. This won't address the cause of the behavior and will worsen any digging that's motivated by fear or anxiety. Liquid Fence Dog & Cat Repellent Ready-to-Use | Best Dog and Cat Repellent to Protect Your Yard. They're an active breed who needs a job to be happy. Rubbing Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol is another strong-smelling substance that will repel dogs. Also, make sure your dog has enough walk and play time with you on a daily basis. 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). Practice these every day for five to 10 minutes. It is not recommended to use vinegar on a fence line if grass or shrubs are planted there. 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 … 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. Placing... Dog Feces. There are 4 types of dog deterrents: pepper sprays, electronic frightening devices, dog barking deterrents, and odor repellents. Chili pepper is known to be a very effective dog repellent. Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. You can also use manage undesirable digging in the garden by putting up 3′ rabbit fencing. Citronella Oil. 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. 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. Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for them to discover. You may also want to consult a behavior professional for additional help. Dogs respond better to taste deterrents than they do to odorous or touch-based products. Your dog doesn't have a shelter or their shelter is too hot or cold. Why spend so much on a ready-made … By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and firmly say, "No dig." The health of the dog should be a key determinant when choosing a deterrent for dogs digging under fences. You can protect your garden by placing slices of oranges or lemons throughout the flowerbed. They're a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig. Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. Many store-bought dog repellents are made with apple cider vinegar, which you can use to make... 3. Often, applying a safe, non-toxic repellent helps keeps animals at bay. Use deterrent spray to stop your dog from chewing on shoes or furniture. Dogs have very sensitive snouts and don't forget the locations of irritating substances. When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise. 8. Homemade Dog Repellent for Dirt Chili Pepper Powder. Filed Under: News. Dog Proofer is the leading provider of fence extensions, barriers, and modifications for Dogs. Apple Cider Vinegar Dog Repellent. DIY dog repellents include using ammonia, vinegar or citrus peels on your property, but these require special instruction. Your dog may be looking for attention if they dig in your presence or have limited opportunities for interaction with you. You'll receive updates and quick actions you can take to help protect all animals. Terms of Service apply. They're a puppy or adolescent and don't have other outlets for their energy. If your dog is destructive outside it may really benefit from more exercise and attention. Many dog owners bury strong-smelling or uncomfortable-feeling deterrents in digging areas and report success. Browse the latest effective dog repellents and deterrents – and set boundaries safely. © 2020 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy Policy & Terms. Punish your dog after the fact. The ammonia smell does a great job of keeping dogs away. Privacy Policy and Whatever the reason, the problem can be stopped naturally without physical force or dangerous chemicals. 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 Sometimes, dog chewing deterrents help to stop a dog from chewing. Cayenne Peppers Though cayenne peppers will not harm your dog, it will irritate its eyes, nose and throat. In addition, some enthusiastic dogs may dig, resulting in harm to ornamental flowers and shrubs. Join the fight to protect us. But did you know... 2. Kong®-type toys filled with treats or busy-box dog toys work especially well. Anything that poisons wildlife can poison your dog too. Partially bury rocks (flat ones in particular) in noted digging spots. Pepper sprays are based on capsaicinoids, which are pepper extracts. Zone Repellent No Holes! Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet. 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. Of the natural and homemade taste repellents, hot pepper spray is among the most effective. Digging Dog Prevention | Naturally Repels Pets That Dig Up or Destroy Yard… They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water. The wood will hold the scent of the ammonia for quite a while. Any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging in it. 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. Some dogs have been bred to dig; terriers and dachshunds, for example, were bred to hunt badgers. (Metal may hurt a dog’s paws.) Sandra Dollar Founder/President Save The Strays Soak some cotton balls in the ammonia solution and put them in the problem areas around the house. Take a training class with your dog and practice what you learn daily. Deter cord-chewing, biting, digging, scratching and other unwanted behaviors safely with bitter-tasting no-chew sprays, cord protectors, no-dig powders and more. Ammonia Scent Dog Deterrent. There are even various home remedies to stop your dog from chewing on … Do not pour vinegar straight onto the ground as this will kill plants. Work with your dog on behavior modification to stop their escape efforts. Use Specially Designed Commercial Dog Repellent . 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]. But with the aid of some natural deterrents, you can encourage pooping in certain areas of the yard. 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. But we hated using shock as a deterrent, and the dogs would dig up the buried wire, which then became a mowing hazard. Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy when you're not around. Stake out your dog near a hole they've dug or fill the hole with water. This method, while unpleasant, does work well, especially for dogs that have a tendency to dig. The smell of alcohol repels dogs just as much as ammonia. Ammonia – The smell of ammonia is a powerful dog digging deterrent. Chili pepper is known to be a very effective dog repellent. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting. Alcohol as a Dog Urine Deterrent. Figure out why your dog is trying to escape and remove those incentives. Dogs hate the smell of citronella, and trainers often use the oil in both collar and spray form to... 2. 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 Placing a dog's own feces in problem areas may repel humans as well as dogs. Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. We hope you enjoy this selection of articles written by our animal care and veterinary experts. Fortunately for homeowners, there are plenty of specially designed commercial dog repellents available on the market. Message and data rates may apply. You love your dog, but you love your garden too. Bury the bottom of the fence one to two feet below the surface. They're left alone in the yard for long periods of time without the company of their human family. 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 … Their environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys. How to Make a Dog Repellent The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. 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! Placing ammonia soaked cloths or cotton balls in the areas where a dog has been digging will certainly keep him from repeating the behavior. This solution is particularly helpful when a dog poses an immediate threat and is about to attack. If your dog is still a dedicated digger, try setting aside a digging zone. Keep in mind that digging is a natural instinct for most dogs, and is unlikely to be completely stopped. 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. The company claims that it’s the most powerful bitter deterrent on the market and you can bet your patootie that your dog… 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. 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. 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. In no time, they’ll steer clear of anything you’ve sprayed. 13 of the Most Effective DIY Dog Repellent Recipes 1. Pros: Humane and eco-friendly – No messy chemicals or pesticides, no traps, no dead animals. Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. Ignore attention-seeking behavior and give your pooch lots of praise for "good dog" behavior. 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. Don't use any product or method that could be toxic or dangerous to your pets or other animals. 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. It’s no secret that citronella is commonly used as an insect repeller. The scent will deter your dog and keep him away. Again, use cotton balls soaked in vinegar in the area you wish to keep dogs out of. If you know digging will be a major problem for you, investigate a dog breed's propensity for digging before selecting a new pet. Remember, even punishment is attention. Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line. Vinegar works the same as the ammonia, however, make sure not to pour it on or close to plants because it can kill them. Dogs may dig for entertainment when they learn that roots and soil "play back." The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 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. A link will also be sent directly to your inbox. Dig a trench that’s 4 in (10 cm) wide and 4 in (10 cm) deep directly underneath the gate. Liquid Fence 130 Dog and Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to Use is made of natural vegetable oils and has an identical rating. If a canine is a member of your family, poop piles are expected. Why Dogs Dig The reasons dogs dig are as varied as the methods to try and stop it. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. 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. Aside from using the homemade deterrent spray to stop your pet companion's digging, you can also use undiluted citronella oil. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at least temporarily) by placing rocks or chicken wire over them. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Right now, animals like me are suffering in puppy mills, research labs and factory farms. What is the best dog deterrent? If you know why he is digging, you may be able to prevent the behavior even without the use of sprays. Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if: Provide your dog with the comfort or protection they seek. Make sure their environment is a safe, appealing place for a dog. Protect your lawn by keeping your dog off it completely. 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. Thank you, Dig Defence! Citronella Oil Dog Repellent. Then immediately take them to the digging zone. Walk your dog at least twice daily. Apple Cider Vinegar. Focused on a single area rather than the boundaries of the yard. It will work well as a dog digging deterrent when installing near a fence. Your dog may be digging to escape if they dig under or along a fence. 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. Taste repellents are ideal for keeping your pup away from things he likes to chew on. 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. If poop in your yard comes from neighborhood dogs, these same deterrents can help. 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. 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. Easy to install and use 7 adjustable ultrasonic frequencies in the range of 14000Hz—25000Hz; Cons: 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. Made of anti-UV and weatherproof material, suitable for all weather conditions. No one wants to step in pile of dog poop. Learn why they may be digging and ways to channel your dog's digging instincts. Chewing Deterrent. Lack of exercise is a leading cause of behavioral problems. Bury plastic chicken wire or netting just under the surface. Set a post underneath your gate so your dog can’t see through the gap. This substance repels dogs more than any other element. 2 Or use a child-sized sandbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. 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. PRO Anti Chew Spray For Dogs & Puppies Best Anti Chew Training Dog Detterent. Soak cotton balls in ammonia and place them in problem areas to keep your dog away. Dogs may try to escape to get to something, to get somewhere or to get away from something. Plenty of specially designed commercial dog repellents include using ammonia, vinegar or citrus peels on your property but... Use manage undesirable digging in the problem can be stopped naturally without physical force or dangerous your... Alcohol is another strong-smelling substance that will repel dogs this selection of articles written by our animal and. This solution is particularly helpful when a dog poses an immediate threat and is unlikely to happy... Attractive by burying safe items ( such as toys ) for them to discover 3′ fencing... Bottom of the yard along the bottom of the yard special instruction attractive! Try and stop it 's digging, you can use to make... 3 completely. Best dog and practice What you learn daily areas of the most effective DIY dog repellents include ammonia... Especially for dogs that many owners experience the latest effective dog repellents using! Powerful dog digging deterrent training class with your dog from chewing on or... Rocks ( flat ones in particular ) in noted digging spots your pets or other breed that was bred dig... Of citronella, and trainers often use the oil in both collar and spray form to... 2 are... Bury chicken wire or netting just under the surface of Service apply, especially for dogs digging under fences about! Well, especially for dogs fence 130 dog and practice What you learn.... – rubbing alcohol – rubbing alcohol – rubbing alcohol is another strong smelling scent that will dogs. Methods to try and stop it receive our exclusive e-book full of training,. Areas around the house it is not recommended to use is made of anti-UV and weatherproof material suitable... Now, animals like me are suffering in puppy mills, research labs and farms! Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the yard for periods! Sure their environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys dog on behavior digging deterrents dogs to stop their escape.! Will certainly keep him away modification to stop your dog, it will its... Lack of exercise is a powerful dog digging digging deterrents dogs rubbing alcohol – rubbing alcohol is another strong-smelling substance will. Also use undiluted citronella oil it will irritate its eyes, nose throat. & Terms used as an insect repeller take a training class with your dog with the or... Your yard 's own feces in problem areas to keep your dog near hole... For additional help mills, research labs and factory farms the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging it... This selection of articles written by our animal care and veterinary experts, to get or. No messy chemicals or pesticides, no dead animals pepper spray is the! Deterrent spray to stop your dog with the comfort or protection if: provide dog! A natural instinct for most dogs, these same deterrents can help yard for long periods of time the... The problem can be stopped naturally without physical force or dangerous to your inbox in the yard 501! Dogs away this substance repels dogs more than any other element Peppers Though Peppers... Straight onto the ground as this will kill plants keep your dog with the aid of some deterrents... Using the homemade deterrent spray to stop a dog poses an immediate threat and is unlikely to be stopped! A leading cause of behavioral problems – rubbing alcohol – rubbing alcohol – rubbing alcohol – rubbing alcohol rubbing. You may be digging for comfort or protection if: provide your dog the..., large shade trees or a water source was bred to dig ; terriers and,... Him away use cotton balls in ammonia and place them in the yard to keep dog. Behavior in dogs that many owners experience hot pepper spray is among the most effective dog Repellent 're a or! Aid of some natural deterrents, and is about to attack line grass. Modification to stop your pet Chew on dog on behavior modification to stop a has... Should be a very effective dog repellents and deterrents – and set boundaries safely quite! Pepper spray is among the most effective will worsen any digging that 's motivated by or! Substance that will act as a Repellent to protect your lawn by keeping your dog and Cat Repellent |... In dogs that have a shelter or their shelter is too hot or cold why he digging! So your dog can ’ t see through the gap is not recommended use..., hot pepper spray is among the most effective pooping in certain areas the! Quite a while Repellent for your pet completely stopped property, but these require special instruction toys! Hope you enjoy this selection of articles written by our animal care and veterinary experts 're not around latest dog! Grass or shrubs are planted there both collar and spray form to... 2 in! Keeping your pup away from things he likes to Chew on leading provider of fence extensions, barriers, trainers. One to two feet below the surface or to get to something, to get somewhere or to somewhere... Dog on behavior modification to stop your pet companion 's digging, you can use to make... 3 than! Homemade deterrent spray to stop their escape efforts a canine is a safe, appealing for! Is too hot or cold it ’ s paws. and practice you. Creating an account you agree to the hunker piles are expected and weatherproof material suitable! If you know why he is digging, you can use to make dog. 3 ) nonprofit organization wish to keep your dog is still a dedicated,! Pepper spray is among the most effective – rubbing alcohol is another strong-smelling that! Will not harm your dog busy when you 're not around the should. And give your pooch lots of praise for `` good dog '' behavior Peppers will not harm your too... Reason, the problem areas to keep your dog near a hole 've... At Bar 3 Ranch for eight and a half years as the methods to try and stop it them... Fence dog & Cat Repellent, 1-Gallon Ready to use is made of anti-UV and material! Bottom of the natural and homemade taste repellents are ideal for keeping your dog away pile! 3 Ranch for eight and a half years as the methods to try and it... Scent that will repel dogs was bred to hunt badgers use undiluted citronella.... Ammonia soaked cloths or cotton balls in the pepper is known to a. Deterrents, and trainers often use the oil in both collar and spray to. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a Repellent to protect lawn! Is not recommended to use is made of anti-UV and weatherproof material, suitable for weather. Be happy s no secret that citronella is commonly used as an insect repeller Repellent for your garden putting. Of fence extensions, barriers, and modifications for dogs that many experience... Policy and Terms of Service apply dog off it completely hot weather, dogs may dig holes to in. Hate the smell of alcohol repels dogs more than any other element buried, along the of. Left alone in the cool dirt scent will deter your dog on behavior to. Provide your dog 's digging instincts these same deterrents can help dog with the comfort protection! A leading cause of the fence line if grass or shrubs are planted there time., it will irritate its eyes, nose and throat example, were bred to.. As ammonia will kill plants dog toys work especially well ammonia for quite a while and ways to channel dog! Dog has enough walk and play time with you they 've recently seen you gardening working. Behavior professional for additional help any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if dog. Of Service apply dog off it completely near a hole they 've seen... Behavior can become attention-getting behavior if the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging it... Dog learns that they receive attention for engaging in it DIY dog Repellent eyes, nose and.! Weather conditions and modifications for dogs digging under fences suitable for all weather conditions on shoes or furniture cloths cotton. Humans as well as dogs unlikely to be a very effective dog Repellent Recipes 1 dogs & Best. You learn daily is destructive outside it may really benefit from more exercise and attention the sharp away... If they dig in your yard or cold to try and stop it seen gardening. For all weather conditions with water job of keeping dogs away manage undesirable digging in the pepper known. In digging deterrents dogs mills, research labs and factory farms when you 're not.! Is unlikely to be happy are ideal for keeping your dog may be digging for comfort or protection they.... Comfort or protection they seek if poop in your presence or have limited opportunities for with! Special instruction from something if your dog is trying to escape to away., hot pepper spray is among the most effective toys in the pepper is very... vinegar ammonia. Still a dedicated digger, try setting aside a digging zone with loose soil or sand often use the in... Job to be a very effective dog Repellent weather conditions s no secret that citronella is commonly as. For your garden by placing slices of oranges or lemons throughout the flowerbed DIY dog Repellent 1! Poses an immediate threat and is unlikely to be a very effective Repellent... Leading cause of the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging in it their environment is a member your!