Dog Problems - Digging

Are your dogs digging up your lawn and flower beds? Sometimes dogs can be annoying diggers, as it is typical of animal behavior. Different dogs dig for different reasons, so before you go looking for solutions, it’s important to determine why your dog digs in the first place.

Many of the reasons for digging are often breed dependent. Heavy-coated, spitz-type dogs, such as sled dogs and chow chows, dig cooling pits during hot weather to make themselves more comfortable. Earth dogs—those bred to tunnel underground to dispatch prey, such as short-legged terriers and dachshunds—are simply obeying their natural impulses as they dig up the yard to find gophers, moles or other “vermin.” Scent hounds (beagles, bassets and coonhounds) and unneutered males of any breed type often dig along fence lines because the lures of small game, food or females in heat are especially strong.

However, if the digging is driving you mad, there are ways to curb it:

1. Most often, digging comes from a lack of exercise. If you can get your dog tired out, chances are they'll be left with little energy for digging.

2. Be careful when you do your gardening. Freshly turned soil is very tempting to a digger. Try to keep your dog out of sight when you're working, as sometimes they will 'mimic' your digging actions.

3. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, then digging may be a reaction to the temperature. A dog lying in a freshly dug hole on a summer day indicates a need to be cool. Perhaps you could find a cool spot for your dog, perhaps under a tree. In the winter, digging may be a need to find a warmer spot. Maybe by providing your dog with a warm sheltered spot instead, you will divert them.

4. Some experts contend that some animals are just perpetual diggers. If this is your case, you might just consider allotting a portion of your yard as your pet's digging area. You can do this by overturning and softening (perhaps using sand) a 3 x 5 area in your yard. To pique their interest, try burying some of their favorite toys in the area as well. Hopefully, this will become their favorite spot.

5. When you are unable to supervise your dog enclose him on something he can't dig such as concrete or wood. If he is unable to dig he will gradually eliminate the habit.

6. When supervising him if you should see him start to dig try to scare him by rushing at him and shouting NO!

7. If he does manage to dig a hole unobserved, fill the hole with water and take him to it pushing his head in until he gasps then release him, this creates a bad association with digging.

8. Remember prevention is better than cure, if you don't let him start a habit you won't have to cure him of it.