How to Stop Dogs From Digging Under a Fence
Dogs don’t need much of a reason to start digging—especially when the soil’s soft, the air smells like squirrel, and the other side of the fence seems like an adventure. Around Tampa Bay, we see this more than you’d think.
And when a dog wants out? They’ll go low before they go over.
Here’s how to stop that before it becomes a real problem.
Why Dogs Dig
Most dogs dig for one of three reasons:
- Boredom (nobody’s playing with me)
- Instinct (I smell something moving underground)
- Separation anxiety (you left me again)
In places like Wesley Chapel, Riverview, and Spring Hill, the soil is sandy and loose. That’s great for drainage—but also great for dogs. One quick paw-swipe and they’re halfway to freedom.
Add in wildlife traffic—like raccoons, rabbits, or even gopher tortoises—and you’ve got an irresistible target.
The Best Ways to Keep Dogs from Digging Under the Fence
1. Extend the Fence Below Ground
If you’re dealing with a determined digger, the most reliable solution is physical.
- Bury the bottom of your fence at least 12–18 inches deep.
- Or attach L-footing—that’s wire mesh laid flat at the base and buried outward. It trains dogs to stop when they hit resistance.
This works with chain link, wood, or vinyl fencing, though the materials and installation techniques will vary.
If you’re planning a new build, take a look at this post on proper fence post depth. Fence strength starts underground.
2. Add a Ground Barrier (No Digging Required)
Don’t want to tear up your yard? You can add a surface-level barrier:
- Concrete strips poured along the fence line
- Landscape edging or pavers
- Even gravel beds that make digging uncomfortable
This works well in low-lying areas where digging also leads to erosion—common across Hudson, Land O’ Lakes, and coastal yards like Hernando Beach.
3. Use Landscaping as a Natural Deterrent
Some dogs just don’t like pushing through plants.
Try:
- Dense shrubs or raised beds along the fence line
- Decorative rock or low thorny plants like juniper
- Even well-placed planter boxes
Need ideas? Here’s a guide to growing along your fence.
Just skip mulch alone—most dogs treat it like a toy.
4. Give Them Something Better to Do
Sometimes, the digging has nothing to do with the fence at all.
Try:
- Adding a “dig pit” filled with sand and toys
- Using puzzle feeders or rotating toys when you’re gone
- Going for early morning walks before the Florida heat kicks in
If you’ve got a high-energy breed like a husky, terrier, or heeler, this might be half the battle right here.
5. Check the Fence Type—and Age
Some fences are easier to dog-proof than others.
| Fence Type | Digging Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | High | Can warp, rot, and leave gaps |
| Chain Link | Moderate | Easy to reinforce with buried mesh |
| Vinyl | Low | Doesn’t warp, but check for gaps |
| Aluminum | Medium | Gaps at base unless properly leveled |
If yours is leaning or shifting, check out this post on fixing leaning fences. A dog might be taking advantage of weak points.
Don’t Forget About the Gate
It’s one of the most overlooked problem spots.
If there’s a big gap underneath, or if it swings unevenly, that could be the escape route. Solutions:
- Adjust the hinge or latch
- Add a concrete threshold
- Consider upgrading your fence gate altogether
Planning a Fence Install in the Tampa Bay Area?
If your current fence is leaning, rotting, or has gaps along the bottom, that might be part of the problem—not just the dog.
When you’re planning a replacement, it helps to think about:
- Add-ons like kickboards or buried mesh to discourage digging
- Fence type, since some hold up better in wet or sandy soil
- Bottom clearance, especially on sloped yards where gaps can form over time
Local Choice Fence installs fencing across Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough County, including areas like Brandon, Valrico, and Temple Terrace.
You can view the full service area here or explore fence types to find the right fit.
Need help estimating cost? Try our fence cost calculator.
Final Tip: You Might Need a Few Fixes at Once
No single solution works 100% of the time. For stubborn diggers, it often takes a combo of physical reinforcement and behavioral fixes.
But once they stop seeing an easy way out—or find something more interesting to do—you’ll probably see that digging behavior fade fast.
