What
Is It?
Digging holes or trenches.
What
Causes It?
Digging is a natural behavior.
Destructive digging may result
from a combination of
boredom, stress, lack of
exercise, loneliness and lack of
training.
-
Separation Anxiety: Digs near
back door
-
Exercise Anxiety: Digs near
exit gate
All breeds have genetic
tendencies under specific
conditions:
-
Maternal Nesting: Hormones
trigger digging.
-
Thermoregulatory: Digging to
cool off when hot
-
Predatory: Digging for varmints
-
Storage: Digging to bury loot
|
Increase exercise,
companionship, and training
to decrease digging.
If desired, you can give
your dog a "digging pit",
and train your dog to ONLY
dig in that area. |
Who
Does It?
Some breeds are more inclined
to dig than others: dogs with genetic predisposition;
pregnant/lactating females
Where
Does It Happen?
Dogs usually dig outdoors but
some
will dig indoors, too, especially
before bedding down for the
night (instinct is to
dig a den to sleep in).
How
Can I Stop It?
First,
complete an analysis of
what's causing the
digging. Treat the cause
not the symptom.
-
Don't let the dog see
you dig in the garden (Your
dog may try to imitate you!).
-
Increase the pet's level
of exercise.
-
Do leadership exercises. For
more information on
leadership,
click here.
-
If the dog's digging
persists due to his
particular genetics, try a
designated "digging pit" in
the yard. Redirect him to
dig only in "his" pit.
Consider a child's wading
pool filled with sand.
-
Let him
see you dig there.
-
Praise
him if he sniffs and/or digs
there.
-
Bury his food, treats, toys,
etc. there.
-
Discourage inappropriate digging:
-
Reprimand
him if caught in the act.
-
Bury his feces in old holes.
-
Fill
in, and install chicken wire
over, old holes.
