The Cocker Spaniel is a breed of dog that loves digging. They are popular for digging holes, creating dens, and digging holes to bury their toys.
They dig for fun to see what’s buried underneath because digging helps them release energy and have fun. If you are the proud owner of this dog breed, chances are they will dig up your garden now and then.
Digging can be distracting, tiring, and annoying. They probably get bored easily and dig holes to entertain themselves. But digging holes in your garden could also lead to health hazards like digging around electrical wires or gas lines. So how do you stop your Cocker Spaniel from digging up the garden? Let’s find out.
9 Tricks To Stop My Cocker Spaniel From Digging Up The Garden
There are several steps you can take to stop your Cocker Spaniel from digging up the garden. Use a fence to keep your dog contained in one area. This will help train your dog not to dig by rewarding them when they stop digging.
For example, you could throw a ball for your dog when they stop digging or give them a treat in the mouth when they stop digging. Here are 9 tricks below:
1. Create A Digging Barrier
Cocker Spaniel dogs are natural diggers and can easily damage your garden soil. To protect your plants from this, you must create a digging barrier. This barrier could be anything from a raised bed to a fence. Once you have created the barrier, you must make sure that your Cocker Spaniel isn’t allowed to dig through it.
If your dog can dig through the barrier, you must take appropriate measures to stop him from digging further. By creating a digging barrier and keeping your dog away from the garden, you can ensure that your plants stay safe and healthy.
2. Cover The Area With Bad Smells
One of the easiest ways to stop your Cocker Spaniel from digging up the garden is to cover the area with bad smells. Using scents such as garlic or onion can help deter your dog from digging. You can also try spraying the area with a repellent spray or sprinkling cedar chips on the ground to ward off your dog’s interest in digging.
If all else fails, installing a garden fence surrounding your yard would be a good idea to keep your dog out. These steps will help ensure that you and your pets stay safe and comfortable in the garden.
3. Create A Super Fun Dig-Pit
Cocker Spaniels are naturally inclined to dig and play in the dirt. So, creating a safe and fun environment is important for them. One way to do this is by installing a fence around your garden or putting up signs that clearly state the no-no, such as “Danger” and “No.”
Another tip is to install a sandbox in your backyard. This can provide your Cocker Spaniel with a safe place to dig without damaging your lawn or garden. However, if digging up the garden isn’t an option for you and your Cocker Spaniel, consider investing in a dig-pit.
These holes are specially designed in the ground that dogs cannot dig out of. They are perfect for providing your Cocker Spaniel with a safe space to play and dig without ruining your lawn or garden.
4. Scare Your Dog With A Balloon
A great way to stop your dog from digging up the garden is to scare them with a balloon. Blow up the balloon and tie it to a stick, so it is visible to your dog. When your dog starts digging in the garden, release the balloon and watch as it floats down into the soil.
This will distract your dog and teach them that digging in the garden is not allowed. Repeat this procedure several times throughout the day until your dog learns that digging in the garden is not acceptable behavior.
5. Train Your Dog
Cocker Spaniels are known for their digging and destruction habits, so it is important to train them early on. There are several tricks you can use to stop your dog from digging up the garden. Some common techniques include using a fence to keep your dog in one area, using a positive reinforcement system, and rewarding your dog when they stop digging.
It is important to be consistent with your training tactics and ensure they are effective. By training your Cocker Spaniel early on, you can help prevent damage to your lawn and promote a healthy and happy relationship between you and your dog.
6. Exercise Your Dog
Keeping your Cocker Spaniel occupied and reducing their desire to dig up the garden can be challenging. However, there are several tricks you can use to help achieve this goal. Exercise your dog by playing fetch, running in a circle, or tug of war.
Providing them with toys they can play with indoors or outdoors will also help keep them entertained. If digging up the garden is becoming a problem, take measures to prevent your Cocker Spaniel from digging in the first place. By following these tips, you can reduce the chance of your Cocker Spaniel digging up the garden and ruining your plants.
7. Distract Your Dog
If digging up the garden is becoming a problem, you may want to consider distraction as a solution. You can try playing with your dog for long periods or providing them with toys they cannot destroy. By distracting your dog from its destructive tendencies, you can help reduce the damage it can cause.
8. Give Your Dog Toys
There are a variety of toys that you can use to keep your cocker spaniel occupied and away from the garden. Some of the best options include Kongs, tennis balls, and Frisbees. It is important to give your dog enough toys to keep them entertained but not so many that they become destructive.
If your dog starts digging up the garden, try using a treat as a motivator to stop them. Instead of rewarding them immediately after they dig up the soil, use it as a motivator between digging sessions.
This will help reduce the overall motivation for digging up the garden. Using these tricks to stop your cocker spaniel from digging up the garden, you can ensure that they have plenty of fun and exercise without damaging your outdoor spaces.
9. Use An Uncomfortable Ground Cover
Cocker Spaniels are famous for their digging skills, but there are ways to discourage them from digging up the garden. One way to do this is to use an uncomfortable ground cover that the dog will find difficult to dig through. An effective ground cover for this purpose is rabbit fleece.
Alternatively, you can place rocks or small logs near the garden to make digging difficult. If these measures fail, you may need to fence off the garden.
Tips For Preventing A Cocker Spaniel From Digging Up The Garden
Cocking Spaniels are known for digging holes in the garden, but training a dog not to dig up the soil can be challenging. After all, dogs love to dig, so it’s easy for them to get started. Training a dog to stay inside the garden boundaries may also be difficult. However, there are several tips you can use to keep your Cocker Spaniel from digging up the garden.
Start by training your Cocker Spaniel from a young age not to dig up the soil. This will help curb unwanted behavior and make it easier to manage when your dog is older. Also, use a fence to keep your Cocker Spaniel inside the garden boundaries. This will help prevent your dog from digging holes that could damage plants or cause injury.
Finally, keep the garden clean and debris-free so the Cocker Spaniel cannot find items to dig up. Additionally, provide toys and other distractions for your Cocker Spaniel when it is outside the garden. This will help prevent unwanted behavior and keep your dog occupied while avoiding holes in the ground.
Finally, monitor your Cocker Spaniel’s behavior and adjust your fencing or other tactics. Following these tips and making small adjustments as needed, you can successfully train your Cocker Spaniel not to dig up the soil.
Conclusion
It’s a sad but true fact that digging is a common habit among Cocker Spaniels. You’ve probably noticed your dog digging up the garden or even digging holes in the yard. Now that you’re armed with hacks to stop your Cocker Spaniel from digging, go ahead and try them out.
As mentioned above, how do you stop your Cocker Spaniel from digging up your garden? So, now you know how to stop your Cocker Spaniel from digging up the garden. You just need to be creative and resourceful enough to find a solution for your dog.
Remember, dogs are just trying to dig holes, and holes aren’t their fault. If you’re tired of cleaning up holes all over the place, we suggest you try these tricks and see if they work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Stop My Dog From Digging In The Garden?
If your dog still digs in the garden, one of the best ways to stop them from doing so is to train them not to. Start by teaching them basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come when called. If your dog continues to dig, you can use a fence to keep them contained in one garden area.
What Repels Dogs From Digging?
Some popular deterrents that have worked for some people include sprinklers that water the area around the dig, loud noises like thunder or a dog whistle, and scents like chicken carcasses or onion fumes.
Why Is My Cocker Spaniel So Destructive?
Cocker spaniels can be destructive because of their natural digging instincts. To keep them from digging in the garden, you’ll need to train them with obedience commands and provide them with toys and other distractions when they’re outside the garden.
Why Do Dogs Dig In The Garden?
Since cocker spaniels are typically curious dogs who love to explore their environment, they may dig in the garden for various reasons. These reasons include boredom, seeking refuge from other animals or people, and establishing territory.
How Do I Choose A Good Pet Fence For My Cocker Spaniel?
When choosing the best pet fence for your cocker spaniel, it is important to consider the size of your dog, the type of soil you live in, and the fence’s strength.