The process of teaching your dog to stop digging is thankfully rather easy. Your flowers and garden can look healthy and happy even if you have a dog that loves to dig. If you follow certain steps, it really shouldn’t be that difficult.

The first thing you have to remember though is that your dog isn’t doing this on purpose, although it may feel that way. So, no matter what, make sure you don’t hit your dog.

Remember, abusing your dog will do more harm than good. Hitting has been proven to bring out more negative than positive effects.

A dog will dig for a multitude of reasons. Certain smells can provoke, as well as prevent, a dog to dig. This can be used to one’s advantage.

Dogs are different. Notice what kind of smells your particular dog isn’t a fan of. For example some dogs don’t like mouthwash. If that’s the case with your dog, dabble a little mouthwash around the lawn.

You dog will not find digging necessary if the smell is not appealing. It’s only natural that his interest would stop.

A great way to prevent further digging in a hole is to sabotage it. Don’t worry. I’m not talking about dynamite, or anything like. Next time your dog takes a poop, put some of it in the hole.

It’s proven that dogs dislike the feeling of poop on their feet, just like most people, I would assume.

This can be the most maddening thing for those that have canines: A dog that insists on barking constantly. All you want is some quiet time, but your dog could be less concerned about what you want!

Well – it’s not like the dog is barking on purpose just to upset you. You’ve got to start becoming more aware of the “dog’s barking trends”.

Try to be more attentive. What’s the cause of it? Is it something that’s really obvious which is setting him off or is it something more subtle? A lot of times a dog will bark when he sees someone they are not familiar with.

Dogs are territorial by nature, so they bark as a warning to safeguard their own space.

The most critical part of stopping the dog’s barking is to get informed. Identify the reason behind the barking and you can stop it before it starts. If the dog always goes nuts when the mailman comes, be ready for it.

Most mailmen deliver mail around the same time each day. Leash your dog when it gets to be that time of day. As the mail truck approaches, give a slight pull on the leash to let your dog know that you will not tolerate his barking behavior today. That will reinforce your message physically.

Even better, if you are outside, is to have a little water pistol handy. If you know what triggers your dogs bark, squirt him with water before he gets a chance to bark. He’ll soon figure out there are consequences for the barking.

Remember to use both positive and negative reinforcement with your dog. In addition to just punishing him for barking, praise him for not barking in a situation where he normally would.