Extinguish the Behavior

To do this, you must supervise your dog in the yard. Either with you out there or while watching through a window. When your dog begins to dig, you must interrupt the behavior with something the dog will want to avoid. A loud noise, your voice, a soaking with a hose. If you are not adverse to using a remote training collar that can administer a small electrical correction via a remote control device, this is the best way to stop digging since the dog will think the correction is coming from the behavior rather than you. Tritronics and Innotek make such devices. Consult a qualified trainer or behaviorist for proper usage.

Redirect the Behavior

If your dog loves to dig and you don't mind that except that your yard is a mess, create a Digging Place in a remote area of the yard. Take your dog there and let him see you bury a treat or bone slightly under the surface. Encourage the dog to dig it up and praise. Do this each day. Bury fun things for your dog to find. Remember to correct the dog if he digs anywhere but the special place. We are hoping that your dog will dig only in the Digging Place since only there does he get reinforcement (finding neat things) and receives no corrections. Note that escaping behavior will not be satisfied by this method.