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.
