Dogs Digging

Dogs dig, plain and simple. Depending on a number of circumstances, there are many reasons your dog digs. While digging does not put your animal in harm, it can ruin your landscape or create dangerous holes. Certain breeds of dogs are natural diggers. With natural diggers, it's extremely tough to break the habit and often requires professional obedience training. There are a number of solutions to your digging problem, but first you must discover the cause.

If you leave your pet unattended in a fenced in yard for long periods of time, then he may be digging simply for attention. If he digs in your presence, then he is either replicating your behavior (i.e., if you've planted flowers recently) or he is trying to get your attention. You've domesticated your pooch, so now he's searching for companionship. If you know you're going to be gone most of the day, then show your pet attention in the morning. Take him for a walk, or let him run outside of his normal fenced in area. The exercise will also take care of another possible cause of digging: excessive energy. Often, your dog is cooped up with nowhere to go. If he's allowed inside your home, then consider installing a doggy door. He's less likely to get into trouble if he has more than one area to roam.

Look outside in your dog's play area. Are there dog toys lying around in the grass? If not, then this could be your problem. Your pet is merely bored. He enjoys digging up roots and dirt, because it keeps him entertained. Provide a variety of toys for your dog, making sure that some stimulate the mind while others encourage physical play. Keep the toys rotated, too. You don't need to have a yard full of unused toys, but it is important to keep your pup interested in what you have. Rotating the toys is a way to keep your dog from getting bored.

Look at the holes your pet has dug. If they follow a path, then your dog is more than likely chasing another animal or rodent. If this is the case, then keep an eye out for what type of animal could be irritating your dog. You may have to call a professional to solve this problem.

Dogs also dig for comfort. If it's hot outside, a nice hole can provide a cool relief from the weather. If it's cold outside, the same hole can provide warmth. Reexamine your dog's habitat. Does he have an insulated dog house to keep him warm in the winter or a nice shade tree to keep him cool in the summer? Always provide weather protection for your pet, and make sure he always has plenty of water.

Once you figure out why your dog is digging, then it's a little easier to find a solution. A great way to let your dog dig, while not hurting your landscape, is to provide a safe place where your dog is allowed to dig. Pick an area and fill it with dirt or sand. If you catch your dog digging in an unwanted area, then lead him to the safe place and let him know that it's okay to dig. This will require command training, too. You need to teach your dog the difference between "dig" and "no dig." Once he digs in the safe area, then reassure him with praise. Never punish your dog for digging. If he is seeking attention, then punishment will fulfill his needs but not stop his behavior. Instead, always praise your dog for doing the right thing. If you have tried numerous ways to stop the digging and nothing has worked, then you should consider enrolling your dog in obedience classes. This will also help your pooch in other areas.

Digging can ruin your landscape and create unsafe holes for your family. Some dogs are natural diggers, while others are seeking attention or comfort. Pay attention to your dog and make sure he gets plenty of exercise. Once you've established the reasons why he is digging, then consider different options to stop this behavior. Never punish your dog for digging a hole, but do praise him often for good behavior. If the digging has gotten out of hand, then it might be time for obedience training. But, hey, your dog is worth it!

Article provided by Pet Super Store a site featuring: dog crates, pet carriers and pet strollers.

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