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.

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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