What was once an idyllic landscape is now a war zone with holes, ruined grass, and devastation to your vegetable garden.
Instantly you know who it is; it’s your Staffy who’s responsible! Do you know why your Staffy is so intent on destroying your lawn? Is there nothing you can do?
Yes, there is. Continue reading because we list the nine best ways to stop your Staffy from digging further down the article.
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Do Staffies Dig a Lot?
Staffies do have a reputation as diggers because they are, at heart, a terrier. But then again, many dog breeds love to dig holes.
There are several reasons for the habit, such as burying bones, for fun, they smell something interesting below the dirt, to relieve boredom, and sometimes a hole makes a cool place to lay in when it’s sweltering.
Why Is My Staffy Digging Holes?
In your garden or backyard, does your Staffy spend a lot of time by themself? Do you spend time with your dog and engage in playtime? Are you giving your Staffy frequent and quality exercise?
With their high activity levels, terriers need to be kept busy with enjoyable and mentally stimulating activities. If you don’t give your dog something interesting to occupy them, such as quality chew toys, Staffies will always find something else to pass the time. This may be why your Staffy is digging holes.
How to Stop a Staffy From Digging Holes: 9 Steps
Step 1
Start by securing your backyard or garden. You can do this by filling in the holes and placing large rocks on top of the areas your Staffy loves to dig. Put the stones on all the areas where your Staffy has been digging.
Step 2
Dogs prefer soft dirt for digging, so for the more extensive areas your Staffy has dug up, stretch chicken wire out and stake it down until your Staffy learns to divert their energy elsewhere.
Step 3
Staffies will find the location less appealing if sprinkled or sprayed with red pepper flakes, citronella, or a commercial dog repellent.
Step 4
Giving your Staffy frequent pedicures may not stop them from digging holes, but it could decrease the damage. So, ensure you cut your Staffy’s nails regularly.
Step 5
Enroll Staffies in obedience classes if you haven’t trained them already. Terriers, like other dogs, need a task to keep their minds busy, and they are renowned for their work ethic and boundless energy.
By teaching Staffies obedience, you will have more control over them, and they will have something to occupy their minds other than digging.
Step 6
You must positively use your Staffies extra energy. Take them for a long walk or a strenuous game of fetch in the morning if you need to leave them in the backyard while you are at work, for example.
Step 7
A large rawhide bone or a hollow, hard rubber toy filled with treats is a good choice for Staffies to occupy their time.
Step 8
Invest in a dog walker or a professional pet sitter. If you have friendly and trustworthy neighbours or family members, you might enlist their help to play fetch or take a long walk with your Staffy.
When Staffies are not bored and physically exhausted, they’re less likely to engage in any digging.
Step 9
As a last resort, fashion a play-dirt area for your Staffy. Get a hard plastic (nothing that tears easily) children’s pool, and fill it with dirt. Hide your Staffies favourite treats under the soil and let your Staffy find them by digging. Redirect your Staffy there whenever you are in the garden together until they get the message.
Conclusion
If you try all the above and your Staffy is still a problem digger, keep them inside with you and only let them go to the toilet when you’re with them. It would probably be an excellent idea to at least talk to a dog behaviourist.
