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Dogs dig for a variety of
reasons -- to bury or recover bones, dig up prey,
to make cooling pits and even as means of escape
from a boring environment. But the main reason is
that it is FUN. Digging passes the time of day
when there is nothing better to do.
We
have to remember that it is not always possible to
take the "dogginess" out of the dog. However we
can have a nice lawn and a dog too, by using a
little thought.
You
need to observe your dog and try to figure out WHY
he is digging. Then find the solution. If he is
hot, buy him a childs pool for the yard, or bring
him inside in the heat of the day. Is he perhaps
digging because he is a high-energy dog without
enough outlets for that energy? Figure out ways to
give him more exercise and mental stimulation -- a
tired dog is a good dog! (See my exercise
article.)
Is
he bored or lonely? Digging can be a
tension-reliever for the dog. Make sure he is
treated like a member of the family, and not left
outside with nothing to do for long periods of
time. Bored dogs will eventually find something to
do, which will probably not meet with our
approval!
A
few dogs never have the desire to dig. (If you're
still reading this, your dog probably isn't one of
them!) Some dogs can be persuaded not to dig, but
you need to be very consistent. While working on
this problem, do not leave the dog in the yard by
himself. Go out with the dog, and if he starts to
dig, go calmly to him and give a firm verbal
correction-- "No dig!" Try not to run at him, or
you might just end up with a different problem-- a
dog that plays keep away. A well-aimed and
well-timed "super soaker" water spray might work--
you will need to catch the dog in the act. Be
aware your dog might learn only that it is not
safe to dig while you are in the yard!
Do
NOT scold your dog for a hole after the fact. He
will not understand. He might look "guilty" but he
is only responding to your voice and body language
at the time.
For
some dogs, it seems like digging is very
self-rewarding (remember it is an instinctual
activity). If you can't stop the digging, you can
at least control where the dog digs -- you don't
have to give him the whole yard. Confine him to a
run or pen when you can't watch him, and provide
him with some safe interesting chew items, like
stuffed Kongs.
A
good idea for a dog addicted to digging is to make
a special digging place somewhere in the yard,
just for the dog. You can fence off a section of
the yard, or use a child's pool filled with sand.
Bury a few treats and toys, then take the dog
there, and help him dig, praising him when he digs
there. Every now and then hide a tidbit when he
isn't looking-- to the dog it will be like playing
the lottery!
If
your dog has any tendency toward digging, never
let him observe you doing any planting or
gardening. Many dogs will go right to the area
they have seen you dig up.
This
is just the beginning of the training section of
this site.....look for more to come!
Training
& Breeding Links | 
