Dogs dig because of a number of reasons and to put an end to your dog's destruction of your backyard requires that you understand why your dog is digging in the first place.
Digging For Prey: Some dogs dig to root out prey such as snakes, gophers and even bugs.
When they do this, they are acting instinctively and not out of a malicious desire to upset you.
Some dogs will even try to dig out buried trash and dead animals and proudly present you with the results of their "hunting".
Due to their keen senses of smell and hearing, dogs can detect things underground and a good indication that your dog is digging for prey is if the dog is digging by the roots of a tree or in a specific area.
Dogs that dig to get at some coveted "buried treasure" can be persistent and putting an end to this type of digging can be quite difficult.
If your dog is digging to root out gophers or moles, your best option is to get rid of the prey.
Ask your local garden shop for advice on how to get rid of grubs as these are a mole's favorite food.
If you get rid of the mole's food source they will eventually move away.
Never try to poison these animals or your dog may end up ingesting the poison.
If getting rid of garden pest isn't a feasible option you should consider fencing off an area of the yard to restrict your dog's access.
Try to provide the run with a concrete or wooden floor to prevent your dog from digging his way out of the run.
Always make sure you give your dog ample exercise before placing him in the run.
Taking your dog on daily walks will not only provide him with the exercise he needs, but it is also a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Digging For Shelter: Some dogs dig to make a shelter for themselves.
Dogs are originally den animals and digging a shelter is a natural thing for them.
You can usually differentiate prey digging from shelter digging by the size of the hole.
If the hole is large enough for the dog to lie in this generally means it was dug for shelter purposes.
Dogs will dig a hole to lie in during hot weather.
They seek the cool, moist earth to escape intense heat.
In winter dogs will dig to provide themselves a shelter from the wind and rain.
If your dog is digging a shelter you should provide him with an appropriately placed dog house.
The dog house should be placed close to the home in a shaded place.
In cold weather areas the doghouse should be insulated to provide sufficient warmth for the dog.
Some dogs dig shelters even when provided with a doghouse and this usually means the location of the doghouse is unsuitable.
For example a dog that digs under a porch does so because he wants to be as close as possible to his owners, if this is the case then placing the doghouse closer to the home may prevent further digging.
If you live in a hot part of the nation you should provide your dog with sufficient shade.
An insulated doghouse in a shaded area near the house is an ideal location for your doghouse.
Provide your dog with a wading pool filled with fresh water.
Water loving dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Newfoundland's will especially appreciate a wading pool.
Always make sure fresh, clean drinking water is freely available for your dog.