Holes dug by dogs are a common source of frustration for many owners. Addressing this issue requires a two-part approach: physically repairing the damage and implementing strategies to prevent future excavations. Successfully tackling this issue restores the look of the lawn while addressing the underlying behavioral motivations for digging.
Assessing the Dig Site
Before attempting to fill a hole, conduct a thorough safety check of the site. A primary concern is the potential presence of buried utility lines, such as gas, electric, or irrigation pipes, particularly when a hole is deep or near a property boundary. Call the national “811” service or your local utility notification center to have underground lines marked before inserting any tools deep into the earth.
Checking the hole’s contents can offer clues about the dog’s motivation for digging. If the hole contains remnants of a bone, a favorite toy, or signs of small burrowing animals, the dog was likely motivated by caching, play, or prey drive. Observing these factors helps inform the long-term prevention strategy after the hole is repaired.
Step-by-Step Refilling Techniques
The physical repair of a dog-dug hole requires replacing the displaced soil and ensuring proper compaction to avoid future settling. Begin by clearing any loose debris, rocks, or organic material from the hole, using a shovel to create a clean, stable edge. Since the excavated soil is typically scattered and insufficient to refill the cavity, new topsoil or a mixture of topsoil and compost is needed to complete the repair.
Start filling the hole with the new soil mixture in layers, adding no more than a few inches at a time. The key to preventing the area from sinking later is thorough compaction of each layer, which can be achieved by stepping on the soil or tamping it down with a tool. After compacting a layer, lightly water the soil to help eliminate air pockets and encourage the fine particles to settle closely together.
Continue this process of layering, compacting, and watering until the soil level is slightly below the surrounding grade. If you plan to reseed the area, fill the hole completely with soil, lightly pack the final layer, and then spread the grass seed over the surface. For patching with sod, fill the hole up to a depth equal to the thickness of the sod piece, allowing the new turf to sit flush with the existing lawn. Regardless of the finishing method, the repaired area should be kept moist for the next few weeks to allow the new turf or seed to establish a strong root system.
Strategies to Deter Future Digging
Addressing the underlying cause of the digging is the most effective way to prevent future holes. Often, digging is a symptom of boredom, excess energy, or a need to regulate body temperature. Increasing a dog’s daily physical activity through longer walks or intense play sessions can help channel pent-up energy away from destructive digging.
Mental stimulation is equally important, so incorporating puzzle toys, chew items, or scent games into the dog’s routine can keep their mind occupied. For dogs who dig to stay cool in warm weather, providing shaded areas, a dog house, or a shallow water source can offer a more appropriate way to regulate their temperature.
Physical Barriers and Deterrents
Physical barriers can be used to protect specific spots where the dog repeatedly digs. One method involves burying chicken wire or large, flat stones just beneath the soil surface in the problem area, making the sensation of digging uncomfortable. Safe, natural deterrents can also be employed, as many dogs dislike the smell of substances like citrus peels, cayenne pepper, or a vinegar and water solution, which can be lightly applied to the area.
Designated Digging Zone
Creating a designated “digging zone,” such as a sandbox filled with loose soil, can satisfy the natural instinct to dig in a controlled environment. Encourage the dog to use this area by burying treats or toys within the zone.