| Digging is
an instinctive behavior in all dogs. The most common reason dogs
dig is to bury or uncover bones or toys. On very warm days, some
dogs dig and lay in a hole to escape the heat. Some breeds, such
as terriers, were bred to dig up and kill rodents and other small
animals, and they certainly haven't lost the instinct. In many
cases, digging may be the dog's way of trying to escape confinement
or boredom. While we know digging
is instinctive in dogs, we often wish they wouldn't do it. Compulsive
diggers are frustrating. Their owners don't want to punish the
dog for doing what comes instinctively, but they also don't
want their yards to be filled with holes. Fortunately, there
are ways you can stop your dog from digging.
Before you can end this behavior, you need
to understand why dogs dig. If your dog digs only when left
alone for long periods of time, the dog is probably trying to
combat boredom. An exercise session before you leave will tire
the dog out so that he will sleep part of the time you are away
from home. Be sure to leave your dog plenty of toys that engage
his mind as well as his body, so that he can keep himself occupied
while he is alone. Pet supply stores have a large variety of
chew toys and dog games.
You may have to make an extra effort with compulsive
diggers. If your dog constantly digs in flowerbeds, you might
need to put up a physical barrier to prevent the dog from entering
the flowerbed. Remote punishment is a technique that seems to
work well. This can be as simple as a short blast of water that
gets the dog's attention the moment he starts to dig, or any
activity that will distract the dog when the digging begins. |
