When you find your dog playing somewhere they shouldn't, you might be able to deter them with a simple “No!” However, you won’t always be able to keep an eye on your furry friends when they’re out in the yard. When it comes to digging underneath the yard’s fence, you don’t want to risk your pet slipping out and running away. Luckily, there are several ways to dog-proof the barrier around your home.

3 Ways to Stop a Dog From Digging Under the Fence

1. Block the Opening

For a short-term solution, wedge a wooden plank or post in the gap between your fence and the ground. If they’re no longer able to see an escape, digging might not be a temptation for your pet.

Ask your fencing contractor to extend the structure underground. They will dig out a foot of soil, fix vertical posts onto the bottom rail, and put back the displaced soil. This way, even if the dog does continue to dig, they will only uncover more fencing they won’t be able to squeeze through.

2. Lay Chicken Wire

This wire netting is most often used to prevent chickens from escaping their coops, but it can also keep your dog from digging where they shouldn’t. Place a panel of the mesh along the bottom of your fence line, extending a couple of inches into the dirt. When your dog tries to dig, their paws will catch in the metal loops, and they won’t be able to dig past it.

3. Use Hardscaping Solutions

You can also use this challenge as a landscape design opportunity. Line your dog’s favorite area with plants in heavy clay pots. If you have a light-colored or wood fence, and are worried about discoloration, turn to hardscaping elements instead. You can line the bottom of the fence’s perimeter with smooth river rocks or jagged stone slabs—but make sure they’re too heavy for your pup to move out of the way. 

If your dog is making a habit of digging under the fence, reach out to Trudeau's Fence Company in Columbus, OH, for a solution. For over 25 years, they've been protecting properties and keeping loved ones safe with their high-quality fence installations. Whether you're interested in wood, vinyl, or ornamental steel, you can choose from a variety of attractive and functional boundaries for your home or business. Learn more about their installation offerings online, or call (614) 876-9944 for a free quote.