Passing on a tip

We have two half grown pups now, 8 and 9 months old who love nothing more than to dig AND SLOP AROUND IN THE MUD IT MAKES!
I was watching Good Dog U on Animal Planet and the man had a great suggestion.
He suggested pinning either chicken wire or hardware cloth over the holes once they are filled in.
I had tried the chicken wire on my own. But the dogs got a hold of it and pulled it loose from the wire pegs. (little stinkers)
The hardware cloth is much sturdier and you can plant grass seed which will grow right through it. Also, if you peg it closely you can mow over it and keep it in place (with the chicken wire it got tangled in the mower)
So we are having a lot of rain these last two days and it is still standing (laying) in place.
It is much nicer than looking out and seeing a mud puddle and having the puppies come in with muddy feet.
I may have to underlay my entire yard with wire! LOL But it is at least stopping the digging.
Also suggested was giving them a raised bed filled with sand. I do not think I want to do that as I can just see it getting filled with all sorts of doodoo and maybe even attracting the male dogs to pee on it.