it is strong pepper when they sniff it it kinda like tickles there nose and they don't like the smell of it ...... it is not expensive eihter so it is a good thing I hope it work watch him close after you put it out and see if he still diggs since he is a puppy and that is the stage he is probully in right now it MIGHT not be strong enough but I think it will work just make sure you watch him closely after you put it out to make sure it works