Another way to reinforce this behavior is to bury treats or a favorite toy before allowing the dog to roam about the yard, so that when you direct him or her to the correct space, they will be pleasantly rewarded with their digging by finding a prize. It is also important to keep the dog out of unacceptable areas, such as a favorite flower or vegetable garden. Fencing is a good method of keeping the dog away from places you would not like the dog to dig, while allowing them access to acceptable digging places. You can also bury stones or wire mesh in the unacceptable area to prevent your dog from wanting to dig there. If you would like your dog to stop digging altogether, you first must figure out what is stimulating the digging behavior.
Dogs often dig because they are bored and are looking for something mentally stimulating to do.
Obedience training is another good way to engage your dog in mentally stimulating activities. Give your dog toys that he or she likes when you leave for work and remove them when you get home, so that the dog does not get used to having the toys around constantly, but sees them as a special part of his or her time without you. You should also rotate your toy mixture frequently to keep the dog stimulated. Interactive toys, such as Buster Cubes and stuffed Kongs, are great alternatives to digging as they give the dog something challenging to work through while you are not home. A nylabone soaked in chicken broth is also a great treat for a dog.