How to Stop Your Dog From Digging
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Why is my dog digging for no reason?
Dog owners often complain that their dogs spend too much time digging in the yard. This common behavior problem in dogs can be extremely frustrating and is almost always a sign that a dog is bored or under-stimulated.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent your dog from burrowing or at least make it a less destructive habit. You'll fight the dog's instinct to dig and bury things, but there are ways to stop your dog from digging.
Why do dogs dig?
Most dogs love the outdoors, but dog owners can't spend all day, every day, in the yard with their dogs. Instead, owners sometimes let their dogs play alone for part of the day.
Left alone, dogs often find a way to amuse themselves. For many dogs, this means digging holes throughout the yard, especially if they were bred to dig for prey in dens.
Dogs sometimes amuse themselves with the roots they dig and appear to "play" with them; other times, they're just looking for something to do. Additional reasons include:
- Relief from Boredom or Anxiety: Digging is often a lot of fun for a dog and provides mental and physical stimulation, making it a natural outlet for relief from boredom or anxiety, such as separation anxiety.
- Burying their belongings: Many dogs feel pressure to bury their toys or chew. If you allow your dog to bring toys or chew outside, it may dig holes in an attempt to hide them.
- Escape attempt: Some dogs dig near fences or garden walls in an attempt to escape from the yard. While they likely have little reason to want to escape, if they see something, like another animal, on the other side of the fence, they can give it a try.
- Try to cool off: Some dogs mostly dig when the weather warms up to find a cool place to hang out.
How to prevent your dog from digging
The best way to begin to solve this problem is to allow your dog to be outside only when you can supervise him.
Relieve boredom and stress
Since dogs are very sociable animals, they need to play with you and exercise to avoid boredom and accumulation of stress. Plan to spend at least an hour playing and exercising with your dog every day.
You will have to spend even more time with high-energy dogs, such as border collies and terriers. There are a number of activities you can do with your dog that allow him to socialize and exercise and mentally stimulating; for example:
- Take your dog for a walk.
- Play a trash hunt or tug of war game.
- Do several workouts each day.
- Get involved in dog sports.
- Take your dog to a dog park. Interacting with other dogs is sometimes the best medicine for a bored puppy.
All of these activities will ideally help your dog feel less bored and anxious and less likely to burn off energy while digging in the garden.
Don't leave toys outside
The best way to deal with a property burial is to prevent your dog from taking the toys he likes to bury outside. Only allow toys outside if you are using them to interact with your dog. Things like frisbees or balls are great if you're playing catch-up.
You may also want to allow your dog to play with other types of outdoor toys if he is available to supervise. But a dog should not be allowed to have toys that he has already buried; otherwise, they run the risk of disappearing again.
Prevent leak
An escape attempt is actually one of the easiest types of excavation to deter. All you have to do is place a barrier on the path. Chicken wire mesh (with the pointy parts facing out of your yard) or large rocks at the bottom of the fence should discourage your dog from trying to dig there. The next step is to give your pet something else to do instead.
Provide a place to dig
No matter how hard you work to prevent it, some dogs are just pressured to dig. Some breeds, such as terriers and dachshunds, have a natural inclination to dig because they were raised in tunnels for the quarry.
It can be difficult to break with this instinctual urge. It may be best if you provide them with a suitable place to dig, such as a litter box or a place in your garden that has been specifically reserved for digging.
For your dog to only use one spot, you need to supervise it outside. If the dog is digging anywhere other than the designated spot, say "no" and redirect him to the correct spot. Praise the dog for digging in this area to emphasize that it is allowed.
Keep an eye on the temperature
If your dog digs in hot climates, be sure to provide him with a shady area in the yard during warmer months and never leave him outside for long periods of time when temperatures are high.
Try a dog sport
Dog sports are a great way for your dog to burn off physical and mental energy. This helps alleviate boredom and can also provide an outlet for your dog's natural inclination to dig.
Earthdog is a dog sport specifically designed for breeds that are bred to dig for prey. This sport allows dogs to smell their prey through tunnels, allowing them to use their natural instincts in a more appropriate way than digging in their flower beds.
Enjoy The Video Tutorial about How To Stop Dogs From Digging
Source: BrightDog Academy Dog Training
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