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Dog Digging

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  • 11-05-2008 10:34am
    #1
    robck1
    Registered Users Posts: 32 ✭


    Hi, we recently got a dog who has decided to dig at every possible opportunity. First we thought it may be down to boredom but even now when were outside playing with her she will just run off to an area and dig, dig, dig!

    Does anyone have any recommendations to get her to stop??
    Thanks


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    #2
    The Artist
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,676 ✭✭✭The Artist


    How To Stop Dogs
    From Digging

    One of the biggest frustrations that comes with dog ownership is trying to establish how to stop dogs from digging. Our dogs bring lots of joy into our lives, but excessive digging can certainly put a strain on the owner-dog relationship.

    dogsdigging.jpgHow To Stop Dogs From Digging


    Dogs dig for a number of reasons, it's important to keep in mind that your dog is not digging to spite you. If you don't clearly communicate to your dog that his digging is unacceptable, he won't even realize that he is doing anything wrong.

    Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?




    To learn how to stop dogs from digging holes it is crucial to determine the reason why your puppy or dog is digging in the first place. Below is a list of the most common reasons your dog may be digging:
    • He simply likes to dig!.
    • Your dog may just looking for some attention.
    • May be bored and digs for mental and physical stimulation.
    • If your dog is digging under the fence he may be trying to get out to search for a mate.
    • Dogs often dig in freshly turned dirt (like your rose bed!).
    • Dogs are often attracted to fertilized dirt - the smell of fertilizer is irresistible to some dogs.
    • To dig themselves a den - much as they would have in the wild.
    • For shelter, to cool themselves down or warm themselves up.
    • Some breeds are very prone to digging (terriers, labradors), it is instinctual and bred into them.
    • May be because your dog is hunting for some little critters that live in your garden.
    • For food storage purposes. While you and me prefer to use the fridge, our dogs think the garden will do just fine.
    How To Stop Dogs From Digging


    Whenever you are trying to change any behavior in your dog the golden rule is to be consistent! Make it very clear to your dog what is, and is not acceptable behavior.


    Once you have determined the likely reason your dog is digging, you must then find the solution. Below is a list of proven techniques. If applied correctly they will help to solve your dogs digging problems.

    • Give your dog lots of exercise, including heaps of physical and mental stimulation.
      dogdigging.jpg
    • If your dog is always digging in order to bury a bone, don't give bones! Substitute with chewing toys like rawhide bones.
    • Confine your dog when you can't supervise him. Place him in a crate or kennel run whenever you aren't around to spy on him. You'll need to do this until you have fixed the digging problem.
    • Blow up some balloons and bury them in the area your dog likes to dig. When he strikes a balloon, the noise of it popping startles your dog. In some cases the negative association this produces is enough to stop your dog from digging in the future.
    • If you are able to be around your dog for a couple of days, you could have some success with this method. Whenever your dog starts to dig, reprimand him and spray him with the hose.Again this method produces a negative association to your dog each time he digs. You must perform this reprimand every time your dog starts digging holes.
    • If your dog has a favorite spot he likes to dig you can bury some chicken wire just under the surface of this area. When your dog starts to dig he won't like the feeling of his paws scraping along the wire. I've used this method myself, and found that it worked well for my dalmation puppy.
    • This one doesn't sound very nice but is a very popular and effective way to stop your dog from digging. What you do is fill up the holes your dog has created, adding some of his poop (feces) to the filling. Most dogs are really put off by this and won't attempt to dig again. Some trainers advocate feeding your dog pineapple before performing this technique. Apparentlythe pineapple smells terrible when mixed with the poop.
    • Some dogs just copy what they see their owners doing. So if you're working away in the garden, suddenly your dog may be interested in doing the same! Such dogs may need to be confined while you are working in the garden.
    • If you've got the room a great solution for both you and your dogs is to provide them with a digging area. You can actually encourage your dog to dig in this designated area. Fillit with nice soft sand and bury some of your dogs favorite treats in it. Most dogs figure out that if they want to dig, they must go to this area. Check out this video which clearly shows how to create a digging area for your dog - Dog Digging Box.
    • If your dog is digging under the fence it may be worth filling in all the holes in and under the fence. This takes away the visual temptation your dog may be trying to get at.
    • If you take a trip down to your local Pet Shop you will find many commercial products that claim to help digging problems. They are effective for some dogs and may be worth a try if you can't manage the digging problem through training.


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