Stop Your Dog From Digging Under the Fence: A Florida Homeowner’s Guide

There is nothing quite like the panic of letting your dog out into the backyard, turning your back for thirty seconds, and spinning around to see a pair of hind legs disappearing under the fence line. It is a frustration that thousands of homeowners in Central Florida faces every year. You spend time and money maintaining your yard, only for Fido to turn it into an excavation site.

But why does this happen, and more importantly, how do you stop it before your pup escapes and runs loose through the neighborhood? Understanding the root cause is the first step to fixing the problem. Whether you have a determined Terrier or a bored Labrador, there are practical ways to secure your perimeter and keep your pet safe.

Why is my dog digging in the first place?

Dogs rarely dig without a reason. While it might look like they are just trying to ruin your grass, they are usually driven by instinct, physical needs, or emotions. In our area, the intense weather plays a massive role. With average summer temperatures in Orlando hovering between 90-95°F, dogs often dig to reach the cooler soil beneath the surface. That top layer of dirt is hot, but a few inches down, it feels like a natural air conditioner.

Other dogs dig because of what is happening on the other side of the barrier. The squirrels in Windermere or the lizards darting across sidewalks in Lake Nona are enticing triggers for dogs with high prey drives. If your current barrier isn't doing the job, you might need to look into a new fence installation that offers less visibility, like a solid vinyl privacy fence, to cut down on visual stimulation. If they can’t see the squirrel, they are less likely to try and tunnel toward it.

What are some immediate fixes to stop the digging?

Before you start pouring concrete or buying new materials, try addressing the behavioral side of things. If your dog is digging out of boredom, increasing their exercise is the most effective "quick fix." A tired dog is a good dog. A thirty-minute walk through the trails in Debary or a game of fetch before you leave them alone in the yard can drastically reduce that destructive energy.

Supervision is also critical. If you're in the yard with them, you can correct the behavior the moment it starts. You can also use safe deterrents. Some homeowners find success with motion-activated sprinklers near the trouble spots. The sudden spray of water startles the dog and breaks their focus, teaching them that the fence line is not a fun place to hang out.

If you have tried these adjustments and the dirt is still flying, you likely need a physical modification to your barrier. This is often where homeowners start calling fence contractors in Orlando Florida to ask about reinforcing the bottom of their perimeter.

How can I reinforce my fence to prevent escape?

For the dedicated escape artist, you need physical barriers that make digging impossible. There are three main ways to do this that vary in cost and effort.

1. The L-Footer Method

This is a highly effective technique involving chicken wire or hardware cloth. You dig a trench about a foot deep along the base of your fence. You attach the wire to the bottom of the fence and bend it out into an "L" shape pointing into your yard. Furthermore, you then bury it. When your dog tries to dig near the fence, they hit the wire mesh and have to stop. It creates a false floor that they cannot get through.

2. Concrete Footing

Adding a concrete footer is the heavy-duty solution. This involves pouring concrete along the base of the fence line. It is incredibly effective but labor-intensive. In Orange County, permit costs for fence modifications can range from $200 to $500 depending on the project scope, so you must factor that into your budget. This is a permanent solution that stops even the most determined diggers.

3. Landscaping Barriers

Sometimes, heavy landscaping rocks or dense shrubbery along the fence line are enough to keep a dog back. If they cannot stand comfortably right next to the fence, they cannot get the leverage they need to dig.

If your fence is already old or damaged, simply reinforcing it might not be enough. Rotting wood or bent aluminum makes it easier for dogs to push through weak spots. In these cases, professional fence repair is necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the barrier. A patch job on a failing fence usually just buys you a few weeks before your dog finds the next weak link.

Does training really work for diggers?

Training is a long-term solution that works best when paired with the physical barriers mentioned above. The "leave it" command is your best friend here. Practice in the yard on a leash. When your dog approaches the fence or starts to sniff at the dirt, give the command. When they look away or come back to you, reward them heavily with treats.

This matters because you're changing their association with the fence. Instead of the fence being a barrier to frustration, staying away from it becomes a source of rewards. It takes consistency, but over time, many dogs learn that the center of the yard is where the fun happens, not the edges.

When should I call a professional?

Sometimes, digging is a symptom of severe separation anxiety. If your dog is tearing up the ground, hurting their paws, or panting frantically while digging, no amount of chicken wire will solve the emotional root of the problem. In those cases, consulting a vet or animal behaviorist is the right move.

However, if the issue is strictly about containment and your current setup is failing, it's time to bring in the pros. Many fence contractors in Orlando Florida see this issue daily. The sandy soil in Volusia and Seminole counties is easy to move, making our area particularly prone to fence-line escapes. A professional can assess whether your fence needs a tension wire at the bottom (common for chain link) or if a rot board needs to be installed to close the gap between the pickets and the ground.

Secure your yard and your peace of mind

Stopping a dog from digging takes a mix of patience, physical reinforcement, and sometimes a little professional help. You want your dog to be safe and your yard to remain intact. Whether it's adding an L-footer or upgrading to a more secure fence style, taking action now prevents the heartbreak of a lost pet later.

If you're struggling to keep your pet contained or need advice on the best fencing materials for dogs, we are here to help. As one of the most trusted fence contractors in Orlando Florida, we understand the unique challenges of local soil and determined pets.

Ready to secure your perimeter? Contact Byers Fence today at (386) 457-2045 to discuss your options. We will help you keep your best friend safe and sound right where they belong.