I had that problem once, and I loosely wired some old fence posts (pipe also works) to the bottom of the fence wherever the dog tried to dig. Then when he would dig at the bottom of the fence, the horizontal post or pipe would flop back and forth, making his digging ineffectual. He stopped digging soon after, but I can't really say if that was what did it.

The hot pepper sounds like an excellent idea, too! Just be sure to reapply it often, or whenever it rains.

Just a thought, but has Major been neutered? He may have picked up the scent of a female dog in heat, or may just be trying to get out to look for one. Neutering will usually make a dog a lot more satisfied to stay home and not roam.

In the meantime, make sure his collar can't come off, and carries his name and your phone number, in case he does get out. Best of luck!

:-Dot