Dog Training: How to Stop Your Dog From Digging?
I can almost bet that you have had a dog, or someone you know has a “digger” dog. Maybe you are having that problem right now with your dog. Well, it is not an uncommon problem. Many dogs have the bad habit of digging in the yard.
My dog Coco taught me a lot over the years. Some lessons I failed, some I overcame. I could probably write a few books about my experiences with Coco, and it won’t be an understatement.
Coco was a big time digger. Not only did she dig in our backyard, but if by any chance she could go visit the neighbors she would did huge holes on their yards too.
Although most neighbors found Coco to be a loving dog, but a few where not too happy with Coco digging in their yard, and I don’t blame them. You see, at the time our backyard had an underground fencing, and Coco would escape, in spite of the fence…to dig her holes at the neighbor’s yard.
Here it is :
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Title:Why Can’t You Stop Your Dog From Digging?
Author: Dr. Mayra Alfonso
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Most dogs dig holes at some time or another. The reason may go way back to when dogs were not domesticated animals. Just like a wolf will bury its kill in the summer to come back to when food is less abundant, your dog will often bury his bone in your backyard.
Other reasons that dogs dig are, to keep warm, or to keep cool. For example, in the summer, if your dog is outside for any period of time, he may dig a hole in the ground because it is cool. If it is in the winter, the hole enables him to keep warm. One simple remedy for this type of behavior is, if at all possible, not leave your dog outside for very long. But, this is not always a practical solution.
Other reason that a dog digs is boredom. This is quite a difficult one to cure, as the dog will only dig while you are not around, it stands to reason, if you are there, then he is less likely to be bored. You need to remember that dogs are, on the whole intelligent creatures, and that they need to be stimulated, and otherwise this will result in destructive behavior.
Digging holes is also an indication that your dog is not getting enough exercise. He cannot tell you what he wants, so digging a hole is his way of releasing all that extra energy. You only have to watch your dog for a few minutes while he is digging to see just how much energy he puts into digging the hole, and often how pleased he seems to be when he has finished!
Whatever the reason your dog is digging holes, it is probably something that you wish to stop. If he only digs in front of you, then a simple ‘No’ command over a few sessions may be enough. You can also try to direct his attention to something else, like a toy or a treat.
If the digging is done when you are out then it needs a different approach.
One technique you can use is that when you next notice a new hole, put a stake into the middle of it and tie your dog to the stake with a leash. Then leave him there for a short time, around twenty minutes will usually do the trick. Do this every time that you find a new hole – be patient – it may take a few attempts. Eventually the dog will come to associate digging holes with being tied up, and will stop. Do not leave the dog tied up for a long time, since, number one is not fare to the dog, and number two, the dog will dig more, out of boredom.
What I found to be most effective was to exercise the dog. The dog will be so tired after exercise that he might not have any energy left to dig.
Never shout at your dog for digging a hole. If he is seeking attention, then in his eyes, attention is attention. He would rather receive nice attention, but shouting will work for him too. Make sure that the attention he receives is for the good stuff.
If none of this work and alternative is to cover the holes he makes, so he can’t keep digging on them. But, this doesn’t always work.
Stopping my dog from digging was one of the most challenging habits I had to deal with. I hope that if you have a “digger” dog, you can use these tips effectively. Apply them, and see how they work, it will be worth the effort and your yard will look a lot better.
Have a great “dog training” day,
Dr. Alfonso
