Digging is a behavior that comes all too naturally to dogs and they dig for a variety of reasons: to relieve boredom, to get cool, to escape, to bury a bone, to find a bone or just for the sheer pleasure of digging. Some breeds are more prone to digging; terriers for example use digging to catch their prey. Unfortunately, digging can be a hard habit to break, but with persistence and patience it can be done.
There are a couple of sure-fire solutions to the digging problem...
1)never let the dog outside or 2)pave your yard! Of course, most people want a more practical solution! The first step in curbing your dog's digging habit is to determine why the dog is digging. If boredom is the culprit, his digging may be stopped by simply ensuring that he gets more exercise. A vigorous play session once or twice a day or a long walk may do the trick. Also, providing the dog with plenty of toys and chews may keep his mind off digging. Some toys are designed so that you can slip a treat inside. Your dog could spend hours trying to get the treat out. It is a fun way to provide the mental stimulation that a bored dog lacks. Doing obedience training with your dog is another way to provide both exercise and mental stimulation. Work with the dog several times a week and you will have a more calm, less bored dog--one less likely to dig a crater the size of a Volkswagen in your lawn!If your dog is digging to create a cool spot in which to rest, try putting a kiddie pool in the yard with fresh water. He may choose a dip over a dig. Be sure that he has a shady spot and access to plenty of water. Dogs can suffer from heat exhaustion--don't leave him out if the sun is beating down on him
.Next is the "surprise" method. Dogs are very clever--if they receive a correction for a bad behavior, they can quickly learn that they should not continue that behavior when you are around...but if you are NOT around--watch out! The idea is to give them a correction without them knowing where it came from. You are, in essence, tricking them into thinking that you can see them at all times. It is not an easy task, but if you can pull it off, it is very effective. First, take a soda can and put 5-6 pennies inside and tape up the hole. This little device is amazingly loud when shaken. Next stake out your dog's favorite digging spot. Stay out of sight in order to maintain the element of surprise. Now, wait until the dirt flies. As soon as you see the dog start to dig, throw the can near him. The idea is to startle him, NOT to hit him. Usually 2 or 3 time is all it takes to convince the dog that you are all-knowing and all-seeing and he will abandon his destructive hobby. A variation of this method is to use the garden hose and give the dog a water blast when you catch him. This will only work, of course, if your dog does not like the hose. My Cattle Dog would think that it was a reward and dig all the more!
Another method is the "if you can't beat them, join them" method. If the dog is determined to continue his digging ways, it may be to everyone's benefit to allow him to dig--but only in a "dig zone". You can donate a section of your yard to the dog for the purpose of digging. The section needs to be just large enough to dig a respectable hole, but can be bigger if you choose. Fill the area with soft soil or sand and take the dog over and try to get him interested! You can bury some treats there for him to find or get down in the dirt and act like you might like to dig there too! He will soon get the idea. Every so often sneak out and bury more treats for the dog to keep him interested in that spot.
Thanks to
these sites for the great dog graphics!:
