What are some ideas to deter a dog from digging?

Dogs often dig to release energy, so it's important for owners to channel that energy into other forms of exercise. Some examples include increasing the number of walks per day, playing fetch more often and keeping interesting toys in the yard for the dog to play with.

To deter a dog from digging, it is important to find the root of the cause. Dogs may dig to release energy, hunt prey or to escape. A dog with pent up energy needs more exercise. If a dog is digging to hunt animals that burrow, an owner should look for safe, humane ways of getting those animals from the yard. Installing chicken wire beneath the base of a fence should help deter a dog that's digging to escape.