Digging
Digging is a normal behavior for most dogs, but may occur for widely varying reasons. Many breeds of dogs were actually bred for the purpose of digging. If you have a dog that is a born digger (many terriers for example), it may be easier to provide an area where your dog can dig to her heart’s content instead of trying to deny instinctual behaviors..jpg)
Other reasons dog may dig:
- For attention
- To hunt prey
- For comfort or protection
- To regulate their temperature
- To escape from the yard
- For entertainment because of boredom or frustration
For attention: Any behavior can become an attention getting behavior if the dog has learned he gets attention while performing the behavior.
Some things you can do to prevent unwanted digging:
- Keep interesting toys in the yard, and offer stuffed KONGS and other long-lasting treats. Rotate the toys frequently so the dog does not become bored with the toys.
- Increase exercise and training sessions outside of the yard to keep her physically and mentally stimulated.
- Be sure to check your yard for grubs, moles and other underground animals that may be stimulating your dog to dig
- Offer a dog house or other suitable shelter from the elements.
- Place a hard surface (garbage can lid or piece of plywood) over the hole and cover with dirt
- Provide an acceptable place to dig with loose dirt and sand, and make other areas of the yard unattractive for digging
You can also place “Snappy Trainers” over the area. Snappy Trainers look like mousetraps with a large flap or paddle. When tripped they spring closed, make a noise while flipping over in the air, and startle, but do not harm your pet. Snappy Trainers can be placed on counter tops, furniture, garbage cans, or any area that you are trying to train your dog to stay away from.
