Problem behaviours
How to stop a dog digging under the fence
A trench along the back fence tells you something. Some dogs dig to reach a neighbour's dog or a rabbit on the other side, some dig to get out and roam, and some dig because the yard is the most interesting thing in a long, empty day. Each reason calls for a slightly different fix, but every one starts with a fence the dog cannot get under.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Secure the line first
Make the fence bottom dig-proof.
Until the escape route is closed, every attempt rehearses the habit and risks a dog loose near traffic. Lay galvanized wire mesh flat along the inside of the fence and pin or bury it, so paws hit metal instead of soil. Paving stones, a strip of large gravel, or a buried L-shaped wire footer along the base also work. Check corners and gaps under gates, where many dogs start.
While the fix goes in, keep yard time supervised and short, with the dog on a long line if needed. Do not leave a determined digger outside alone. Read the holes too: a trench under the side fence facing a neighbour's dog often points to social frustration, while scattered holes near a shed or deck can point to rodents underground. Note where and when the digging happens.
- Wire mesh pinned along base
- Gate gaps and corners checked
- Yard time supervised for now
- Digging spots and times noted
Outlets and skills
Give the digger a better job.
Boredom digging tends to ease when the day has more in it. Build a sandbox or mark a corner of loose soil, bury a toy or chew there while the dog watches, and celebrate every find. Add sniffing walks, food puzzles and short training sessions. A dog who has dug, sniffed and worked for breakfast has less reason to mine the fence line.
Teach a yard recall with markers and rewards, so you can call the dog away from the fence before the first scrape. Prey-driven digging, where the dog fixates on one gap, whines and trembles, is harder to interrupt and benefits from distraction training. If the digging is frantic, happens mainly when you leave, or comes with escapes, book a professional assessment; separation distress needs more than a stronger fence.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
Why is my dog digging under the fence all of a sudden?
A sudden change often has a trigger: a new dog next door, wildlife or rodents along the fence, or a shift in your dog's routine. Watch where and when it happens. If the digging comes with other changes in behaviour or health, check in with your vet.
What can I put along the fence to stop my dog digging?
Galvanized wire mesh laid flat and pinned along the inside, paving stones, or a buried wire footer all block paws. Avoid anything sharp or toxic. Walk the barrier regularly to look for new gaps.
Should I fill the holes with my dog's poop?
We would not. It is unpleasant, it does nothing about the reason your dog is digging, and many dogs simply dig somewhere else. Block the fence and give a legal dig spot instead.
Can training stop a dog from escaping the yard?
Training builds recall and calm around distractions, but no training replaces a secure fence. Our Functional Off-Leash program ($3,030 + GST) works on recall around distractions and off-leash manners. At a consultation we will say honestly if something smaller, like a private session, fits better.
Keep reading
Keep your dog in the yard
Book a consultation to talk through the digging, the fence and your dog, and get an honest recommendation.
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