Destructive Dog Digging

All dogs dig occasionally. Some breeds of dogs enjoy digging more than others. The problem
arises when the dog is digging in our favorite garden, or trying to dig under a fence ostensibly to escape the
confines of the yard.
If digging is a concern and you have not chosen a dog to have as a pet you may want to limit your
choices to breeds that are less likely to dig, thus preserving a cherished garden . Terriers, Huskies, and
Malamutes are among the breeds that seem to really enjoy digging. However, all dogs are individually unique
and may enjoy digging regardless of their breed.
Why Dogs Dig
A dog may dig because of a lack of exercise. Digging is a good way to burn off the calories
and abundant energy. A dog may be bored and wants a job to complete. Digging can fulfill an uneventful
day and provide evidence of time energetically spent. Some dogs are just "Steve McQueen in Stalag 13" and
have to escape. They may be getting all the attention and food necessary but the confines of a yard is just
too much to bare. For a "Steve McQueen" escape artist it is not digging that's the reward but the exhilaration
of escaping. A dog that is suffering from separation anxiety may dig to find you and stop the
loneliness.
Destructive Dog Digging
Minimizing a Dogs Digging
Digging can be controlled or at least minimized. The reasons for the digging often provide
the answer to stop the activity. A dog that needs exercise needs to be provided more opportunities for
walks. A dog that is bored should be given toys to occupy his attention.
A dog that is being supervised in the yard cannot dig as he will not have the opportunity.
Dogs do NOT want to dig anywhere there is dog poop. Digging where there is poop offends them as they do not want to
soil their paws. This is even true of dogs that "eat poop".
If the dog is digging in your garden plant a few roses strategically through the
garden. After receiving the retribution of a couple of thorns in his face he will think twice before
digging there again. Another answer may be solved during preparation of the garden area. When
preparing the garden with top soil place chicken wire on the ground then cover with a few inches of top
soil. This will have little or no effect on the plants. The dog will get the message quickly the
first or second time he tries to dig. He will quickly get the idea that it hurts to dig
there.
Digging is Natural
Digging is a natural part of a dogs normal activity. Don't try to stop it completely.
Stopping it totally is not good for the dog and a losing proposition for you. Digging to a dog that enjoys
digging will not stop. Digging is part of him.
Give the dog an area where it is appropriate for him to dig. If you don't have a hidden
corner of your yard that does not have plants or cement, give him a sandbox. The sandbox can be placed
anywhere within your yard even on top of a cement patio.
Training to Dig in Sandbox
If your dog begins digging in an inappropriate area, immediately reprimand him and show him the
approved sandbox. You may want to add a few choice bones inside the sandbox for him to find. When
digging in the sandbox praise him. The close time proximity between reprimanding for digging outside of the
sandbox and praise reward for digging inside the sandbox will get the message home and understood.

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