Some dogs are natural diggers and will always dig under the fence to get out. Some will even exploit a weak point in a fence. There are many ways to keep a dog inside a fence, but not every way will work with every dog. The trick is to know your dog and to make sure the fence is completely secure.
Fence Exploiters
If you have a fence exploiter, walk the fence at least once a week. Look for weak spots in the fence. If a board is attached, but can be moved, the fence-exploiting dog will work the board until it comes loose. Change the board out if it is cracked or otherwise damaged. If the board is just loose, add more screws or nails to secure it.
Diggers - Natural Methods
If you have a digger, there are a few different methods to use, depending on your dog. Fill the hole with the dog's waste. This will deter most dogs from digging. If it deterred the dog from digging in that particular spot, fill the next spot with the dog's waste. If you find that the dog continues to dig, even right next to the original hole, you will need to take more extreme measures.
Diggers - Pavers
Place concrete pavers along the bottom of the fence. This method works for a dog that wants to get out, but doesn't have a high drive to get out. You can use various pavers, but whichever pavers you choose should lay flat. Do not use the pavers that stand upright and serve as an edging, as the dog will dig under them. The pavers should be at least 12-by-12 inches and should butt up against the fence.
Diggers - Chicken Wire Method
If you want a low maintenance method of keeping the dog from digging under the fence, or if the dog digs under the pavers, line the ground with chicken wire. Tack the chicken wire to the fence about 4 inches up from the ground. Bend the chicken wire at the ground and let it run out at least 20 inches from the bottom of the fence.
If the chicken wire has metal ends poking up, bend them down into the ground. You may have to weight it down with rocks or boards for a couple of weeks, until the grass starts to grow through it and it stays put on its own. As long as the chicken wire is flat against the ground, you will be able to mow right over it.
If the ground is bare dirt and you plan on doing some landscaping, put the chicken wire down, then sod over the top of it. Eventually, the dog will learn that digging through your new sod doesn't get it under the fence and it will stop digging.
