spray to stop dogs from digging

Spray to Stop Dogs from Digging: Effective Solutions for Protecting Your Yard

Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can quickly become a nuisance when your furry friend starts destroying your lawn and landscape. As a dog owner, you want to protect your yard without having to deter your pup from doing something that comes naturally to them. The good news is that there are safe, effective sprays you can use to keep your dog from digging in unwanted areas.

In this article we’ll cover the top sprays to stop dog digging tips for using them properly, and alternative solutions beyond deterrent sprays. With some effort and consistency, you can train your dog to only dig in designated spots. Let’s get started!

Why Dogs Dig and How to Stop It

Before jumping into the best deterrent sprays, it helps to understand why dogs dig in the first place. Here are some of the top reasons behind this behavior:

• Boredom – Dogs may dig to pass the time when they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation. Providing interactive toys and daily walks can help curb boredom digging.

• Nesting – Female dogs may dig holes to create nests for their young. This is a natural maternal instinct.

• Comfort – On hot days, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. Ensure they have shady spots and water on hot days.

• Prey drive – The sight, sound, or smell of something underground can trigger a dog’s natural prey drive. This explains why many dogs dig along fences.

• Separation anxiety – Dogs with separation anxiety may dig to escape when left alone. Easing their anxiety can reduce escape attempts.

• Fun – For some dogs, digging is simply an entertaining pastime. Set aside an acceptable dirt pit to keep them happily engaged.

No matter the reason, spraying deterrents can help dogs associate unpleasant sensations with digging in off-limit spots. Here are the most recommended sprays for stopping dog digging fast.

Top 5 Sprays to Stop Dogs from Digging

1. Bitter Apple Spray

Bitter apple spray is a popular solution for deterring chewing and licking behaviors in dogs. The bitter taste helps curb the desire to dig in areas where it’s sprayed.

To use bitter apple spray properly:

• Spray it directly onto areas where your dog digs.

• Reapply after heavy rain or watering.

• Keep it away from your dog’s eyes and mouth.

• Test on small patches of grass first.

For best results, spray problem areas daily for 1-2 weeks to break the digging habit. Bitter apple spray is safe for dogs and plants.

1. Citrus Peel Spray

Dogs dislike the strong citrus smell of orange and lemon peels. Create a simple citrus spray by boiling citrus peels in water and spraying the liquid in your garden.

To make a citrus peel spray:

• Add peels of 4 lemons or 8 oranges to 2 cups water in a pot.

• Bring to a boil, then turn off heat. Let stand 30 minutes as it cools.

• Strain out the peels and pour the citrus water into a spray bottle.

• Spray this citrus solution onto any areas where dogs are digging.

Reapply the natural citrus spray after rain. It’s safe for gardens when used properly. The scent fades faster than commercial sprays.

1. Vinegar Spray

Vinegar is another household item that makes an effective, pet-safe digging deterrent. The strong scent of vinegar makes dogs less likely to dig where it’s sprayed. Make a 50/50 dilution of vinegar and water for best results.

To use a vinegar spray:

• Fill spray bottle halfway with white vinegar.

• Fill the rest with water and shake well to mix.

• Test on a small patch of grass first to check for discoloration.

• If grass is fine, spray vinegar solution on digging spots.

Reapply vinegar spray daily for 1-2 weeks until digging stops. It may fade faster than bitter apple sprays.

1. Chili Pepper Spray

For a more potent smell deterrent, chili pepper powder mixed with water makes a strong digging deterrent spray. However, take care using chili powder, as it can irritate a dog’s sensitive nose if inhaled directly.

To make a chili pepper spray:

• Add 2-3 tablespoons chili powder to 2 cups water.

• Allow it to sit for 24 hours so the chili fully infuses the water.

• Strain out the powder and transfer the chili water to a spray bottle.

• Spray chili solution around the perimeter of digging zones.

This spray fades faster than commercial products, so reapply every 2-3 days. Make sure your dog doesn’t have direct contact.

1. Commercial Dog Repellent Sprays

For longer-lasting convenience, commercial dog repellent sprays are very effective. Look for EPA-registered products made specifically for deterring dogs. Many contain natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, and peppermint oil.

When using commercial dog repellent sprays:

• Read labels carefully and follow all instructions.

• Avoid sprays with harsh chemicals if possible.

• Apply the spray throughout digging zones.

• Reapply as directed, usually every 7-10 days.

Two top-rated commercial brands are Havahart and Grannick’s Bitter Apple. Both effectively stop digging with natural plant-derived formulas.

How to Apply Deterrent Sprays for Best Results

For any dog digging spray to work properly, be sure to follow these tips:

• Completely saturate digging zones – Don’t just spray the surface. Soak at least 2 inches down into the soil. This prevents dogs from simply digging below the sprayed layer.

• Apply daily for 1-2 weeks – It takes consistency and repetition to break a digging habit. Stick with daily applications for fast results.

• Reapply after rain/watering – Natural sprays fade faster when wet. Reapply after heavy rain or lawn watering.

• Use a spray shield – This protects desirable plants from being inadvertently sprayed.

• Adjust nozzle to wide mist or stream setting – Narrow nozzles clog more easily.

• Store sprays properly – Keep them sealed and at moderate temperatures to preserve shelf life.

By using dog deterrent sprays diligently, most dogs stop digging within two weeks or less. However, every dog’s personality is different. Certain dogs or high-drive breeds may not be phased by smells alone. In these cases, combining sprays with additional deterrents is recommended.

Extra Solutions Beyond Sprays

For dogs that need more than smelly sprays, here are some added techniques to make areas extremely unappealing for digging:

• Apply chicken wire under mulch or soil – Dogs dislike digging through an uncomfortable wire barrier.

• Use natural stones, pine cones, sticks – Scatter irritating textures that make digging unrewarding.

• Install low fencing – Short 12-18 inch fencing blocks access to tempting areas.

• Motion-activated sprinklers – These startle dogs away when they enter a protected zone.

• Scat mats – Plastic mats with knobs deliver harmless static shocks. They are removable when not needed.

• Ultrasonic devices – These emit high-frequency sounds when motion is detected. They deter digging without harm.

Combining two or more deterrents amplifies your arsenal against stubborn digging. Just be sure to remove any discomfort deterrents (chicken wire, scat mats) when not actively training your dog.

Why Positive Reinforcement Works Best

While sprays and deterrents have their place in curbing digging, they should not be the only techniques used. For long-term success, focus more on rewarding good behavior than punishing bad behavior. Some positive training methods include:

• Designate a “dig zone” – Provide an acceptable outlet for natural digging instincts. Praise and reward when they use it.

• Use distraction and redirection – At the first sign of digging, interrupt, call your dog away, and engage them in another activity. Reward them for stopping.

• Increase walks, playtime, and chew toys – Make sure your dog gets sufficient physical and mental exercise to prevent boredom.

• Address underlying causes – If digging stems from separation anxiety, fear, etc., treat the source issue through calming techniques.

• Be patient and consistent – Changing behavior takes repetition and time. Stick with positive training for the healthiest long-term results.

The most successful long-term solution is training your dog what TO do rather than what NOT to do. Deterring sprays, barriers, and devices certainly help stop the damage in the short term. But you’ll gain the deepest success by addressing why your dog digs and providing acceptable outlets for their natural instincts.