12 WAYS TO END EXCAVATIONS

Your dog digs ditches... but you want him to ditch digging. If life with your pet seems like a regular hole-y war and you think your pet's digging is the pits... try these tips.

1) MAKE HIS PAWS POOPED. A well-exercised dog is much less likely to dig because he's already used up all that energy. You could see a marked difference in the digging.

2) PLAY IT COOL. If your dog digs overtime during the warm months, he might be looking for a cool place to rest. The earth is a great insulator and many dogs seem to know this instinctively, and they'll dig a nice cool hole to lie in. As soon as the hole warms up, of course, your dog will often get the urge to dig deeper... or to start another hole. To keep your yard from looking like a minefield, make sure your hot­diggety dog has plenty of water and can cool off inside when it's hot out. When he's outside, let him have access to a spot that's cool, shaded and damp, such as beneath the porch or under a large, leafy tree.

3) TRY A WARMER APPROACH. Just as your dog digs to keep cool in summer, he may use the same strategy to stay warm in winter. The insulative qualities of the earth work both ways. Make sure your dog can come inside when it's cold. If he is not allowed in the house, provide him with a sheltered place outside where he can be warm and cozy.

4) GARDEN ALONE. When your dog sees you digging away in the garden, he may say to himself "What fun!" and return later to try it on his own. Some dogs do copy when their owners dig. So you may want to leave your pet inside when you're doing your own digging outside.

5) STOP THE OFFENSE WITH A FENCE. We tend to forget the obvious, but a fence can do a fine job of keeping your dog from sensitive areas in your garden or yard. Just make sure the fence is tall enough so your dog can't easily scale it in pursuit of a good dig. Chicken wire on strong support posts is relatively inexpensive and can be quite effective. If your dog is digging in order to get out of his yard or pen, you may need an escape-proof fence. Some experts recommend erecting a fence that extends several feet into the ground.

6) DIMINISH HIS DRIVE. Your dog may not feel the urge to tunnel out if he doesn't feel the urge to mate. Neutering or spaying your dog may be all you need to prevent escape digging.

7) STAGE A COVERUP. Spreading canvas or another kind of heavy cloth and weighing it down with bricks is an easy way to stop your dog from digging where he shouldn't. Or you can lay chain link fencing flat on top of his digging ground. What you want to do is interfere with habit. Once your dog has forgotten the joys of digging, you may be able to safely remove the coverings.

8) CREATE A WORK STOPPAGE. The next time you spot your four-legged backhoe excavating the backyard, tell him "No!" in a loud, sharp voice. If that doesn't stop him, clap your hands loudly, blow an air horn or make some noise to startle him. Giving a headstrong pooch a spritz of water from a spray bottle can work too.

9) GIVE HIM THE CAN. Taking a pop can, drink it first, than put pennies or small stones in the can and seal the can opening with tape. When you catch your dog digging throw the can towards him (NOT AT HIM) to startle him.

10) GIVE HIM A DISTRACTION. Once your dog obeys your command to stop digging, praise him immediately. Then get him involved with another activity, like fetching a ball or chewing a favorite toy. This will teach him that there's something that is interesting to do other than digging.

11) POO POO. Some say to put your dog's feces in the hole your dog just dug and cover it up again.

12) GIVE HIM A HOLE TO CALL HIS OWN. Experts admit there are some dogs that love digging so much they just won't quit. In these cases it's best to provide an outlet for the digging or it will be a constant battle. Give the dig-meister his own digging pit. . . a comfortable shaded area about three feet wide, six feet long and two feet deep. While your pooch is watching, loosen up the soil... you can even add sand if the dirt is excessively hard.. .and bury a few of his toys an inch or two down. Then encourage him to dig. You may have to get down on your hands and knees and paw at the dirt yourself...your neighbors may think you're crazy...but that's okay. Once your dog joins you, tell him "Dig... dig... dig... dig!" Then bury his toys a little deeper and encourage him to dig some more. Eventually, all you'll have to say is "Dig!" and he'll run to his pit for a happy dirt-fest.