How do I stop my dog from digging up the yard?

As stated before, your dog should not be left alone in the yard to get into trouble. Some dogs have a stronger drive to dig than others, but for many they are digging because of boredom and not enough exercise. Exercise is key, especially in those first few years to keep your dog from expending his energy in destructive ways such as digging. Your dog may also be digging a spot to lie in. Dirt is cool in the summer and a snow den is shelter from the wind and cold during in the winter. If she is digging as a source of entertainment, you can divert the destruction and give her her own dirt or sand pile in a corner of the yard. Bury toys, bones and treats in it and lead her to it at first. If you keep it interesting, this will be her favorite place to dig and it will keep her from digging up your shrubbery or flowers if you supervise her and direct her to her own pile of dirt.