Do you find that your dog has made a minefield out of your yard? The American Kennel Club notes that while certain breeds, particularly terriers, tend to dig more because it’s in their genes, dogs also dig as an outlet for frustration when they are left alone outside in the backyard. Digging provides something to do when an active, intelligent dog is bored out of his mind.

This is a common issue that dog owners face, but it can be fixed with a little time and planning. To help dog owners keep their yards intact, the AKC shares the following tips:

- Providing mental and physical stimulation through daily play and training sessions is the best thing you can do for a bored dog. The AKC Canine Good Citizen program is a great place to start by teaching your dog how to sit and stay down on command. Also, make sure that your four-legged friend gets plenty of exercise to release his energy.

- Try making a digging pit in your yard that is basically an acceptable place for your dog to dig. Burying bones or favorite toys will help your dog learn that this place is an approved area.

- When it is hot outside, dogs will dig to try to expose cool earth for them to lay on and lower their body temperature. You can avoid this by bringing your dog inside so that he doesn’t have to handle the heat on his own when it’s very warm out. If you don’t want to give your dog access to your whole house while you’re gone, designate a climate-controlled area with water and toys for your pooch to stay.

- Try to remove temptations in your yard. The more temptations your dog has in the yard, the harder it is to resist digging. If you have a garden, remove fresh dirt from your dog’s reach with a fence or some sort of covering. Don’t let your dog see you digging and gardening, as this can reinforce that bad behavior. In addition, remove any bones or objects your dog has buried in the yard as well as any attractive smells.