How do I keep my dogs from digging holes in yard?

Now that the weather's turning the dogs will be outside more. They started this hobby of theirs right before winter and I had hoped it wouldn't continue but silly me should have known better. I've heard about freezing dog toys in a mix of water and chicken broth to keep them occupied but other than that I've got nothing. Please help. My backyard looks like I've been setting off explosives.

Thanks Dan

Dogs dig, it's in their blood. It's like asking a guy not to look at boobs on the internet, it's just not going to happen. So, the best way to maintain your sanity is to give them a place TO dig. A sandbox. A big one. Bury some prime toys in there before you let them out (preferably ones that will hold treats inside so they will smell them) and direct them to the sandbox as soon as you let them out. When they dig in another part of the yard, be ready with another toy and redirect them to the sandbox. Most dogs like it because it is easier to dig there, but some will continue to go to their old spots. Perhaps there is a vole or other burrowing critter that has captured their nose's attention.

passive aggressive verbal abuse?

Land mines.

Do you have moles? Some dogs really enjoy digging up moles.

EastCoastMoJo has a pretty good idea. Do that, then be ready with a empty pop can with a few dozen pennies in it. When the dogs dig where you don't want them to throw the can at them. Not to hit them, but hit the ground near them. It'll startle them and they'll stop. Then you can direct them to the oil dry supply (I mean sand box). I don't think it'll take too long with the pop can. I've used it to stop other behavior. It works.

I did find a dead mole in the yard. I'll try the sand box idea. Any others?

Take away their shovles?

Moles hate castor oil. There are granules and sprays that you can use to treat the yard. Once the moles are gone, the digging may not be an issue.

EastCoastMojo wrote: Moles hate castor oil. There are granules and sprays that you can use to treat the yard. Once the moles are gone, the digging may not be an issue.

Is that safe for the dogs?

I found putting their poop in their holes before refilling them stops repeat holes.

In reply to dankspeed: I'm sure there's some variance between products,but looking online does show some that are safe for pets. Here's one.

Throw some of ther own poop in there, has worked for my dogs and my dads dogs

cayenne pepper. Dogs go back to their old holes to dig again, they always sniff before they dig. Put cayenne in their holes, it will stop.

You will need to reapply the cayenne after it rains.

I did put their poop in the holes today while back there today. I'll the cayenne tomorrow.

Concrete.

Put them in the neighbors yard.

The poop trick worked for me too.

if they dig enough you can stop with the lawn cutting

JThw8 wrote: cayenne pepper. Dogs go back to their old holes to dig again, they always sniff before they dig. Put cayenne in their holes, it will stop.

Just for reference - don't substitute red pepper flakes if that's all you have. That E36 M3 sprouts. BTDT.

EastCoastMojo wrote: Dogs dig, it's in their blood.

I think that is varies by breed though. Some dogs dig like they are possessed any chance they get, others never seem to have any interest at all. My bird dogs never dug anything, but my sister's pit bulls practically dug a tunnel to Mexico. (From Oakland!)

JThw8 wrote: cayenne pepper. Dogs go back to their old holes to dig again, they always sniff before they dig. Put cayenne in their holes, it will stop.

This worked well for mine. If the wind is bad or if they just blow past it mix the pepper with dish soap. Vinegar also works and has the advantage of being more mild. If you have multiple dogs the poop trick doesn't always work if you toss the other dogs poop in the hole. No idea why though.

Pave the backyard? Makes more room to park cars.

Our dogs dig, too. In fact, they excel at it.