How to Stop Dog Digging Under Fence | Barrier & Training Fix

For the full breakdown, see our best Fence For Dogs That Dig guide.

That tunnel under the fence line usually has one of three causes: boredom, escape instinct, or a critter on the other side. The fix that sticks attacks all three at once — block the tunnel physically, give the dog something better to do, and drain the excess energy that fuels the digging in the first place. Below are the proven steps, starting with what the ground needs.

Physical Barrier Fixes That Stop the Digging

The most reliable method is installing a barrier the dog cannot claw through or under. The goal is to extend the fence line below ground so tunneling hits solid material.

Three barrier options work well for most yards:

• Buried wire mesh. Dig a trench 12 to 18 inches deep along the fence base. Lay galvanized hardware cloth or welded wire (about 14 gauge, 1–2 inch openings) so it forms an L-shape — vertical against the fence and bent inward about 12 inches along the yard floor. Attach the top to the fence with U-shaped staples for wood fences or cable ties for metal fences. Roll any sharp edges away from the yard so the dog cannot contact the points.
• Large rocks or pavers. Partially bury a row of heavy rocks or concrete pavers along the fence line. A 12- to 24-inch-wide band of large river rock inside the fence makes the ground uncomfortable to dig while looking intentional.
• Compacted gravel or a concrete curb. A narrow concrete footer or a 4-inch layer of tamped gravel below the fence eliminates soft digging soil entirely. This option is permanent but requires more labor initially.

If you buy a new fence or replace your existing one, look for a design suited to dogs — the right fence for dogs that dig includes a pre-built barrier footing or deep-set posts that make tunneling much harder from the start.

Training a Dog to Stop Digging at the Fence

Barriers work best when paired with a clear “leave it” cue. Start inside where there are no distractions. Say “No dig” or “Leave it” while the dog is calm, then reward with a treat. Repeat until the dog looks to you when it hears the cue.

During supervised yard time, watch for the first scratch. Interrupt immediately with the cue and redirect the dog to an approved digging zone — a child-sized sandbox or a loose-soil patch in a corner of the yard. Bury safe toys or bones there so the dog learns the spot is rewarding. Reward the dog each time it digs in the approved area.

Management and Deterrents That Help

Boredom and excess energy drive most fence-line digging. and add active play sessions to drain the energy that would otherwise go into tunneling. A tired dog is far less likely to dig.

If the dog can see people, animals, or movement through a chain-link or see-through fence, those visual triggers often spark digging. Attach waterproof fabric or privacy slats to block the view. This alone can stop the behavior for many dogs.

Motion-activated sprinklers placed along the fence line startle the dog when it approaches the digging zone. For short-term training, pet-safe deterrent sprays (capsicum-based or vinegar) can be applied to baseboards or the first inch of soil, but some may stain wood fences and need reapplication after rain.

Common Mistakes That Keep the Problem Going

• Only filling the hole. Without a barrier and training, the dog will re-dig the same spot within hours. Fill existing holes, then install the physical block.
• Unsafe deterrents. Sharp-edged mesh must have its cut edges rolled away from the yard. Chicken wire and hardware cloth can cut paws and noses if installed carelessly.
• Unsupervised yard time. If other strategies are still in progress, keep the dog indoors on a leash-and-harness schedule and only go outside for supervised bathroom breaks until the barrier and training are in place.