Description
This article is from the Dog
Behavior FAQ, posted to rec.pets.dogs newsgroup. Maintained
by Cindy Tittle Moore with numerous contributions by others.
018. Digging
Dogs may dig out of boredom or to make a cooling/heating pit.
Some approaches:
* _Filling in the holes_: Try refilling the holes with junk. With
junk, dogs can quickly lose interest and pretty much stop digging.
Fill the hole with whatever is at hand - dead leaves, sticks, pine
needles, rocks or even dog feces. Fill the top 2 inches or so with
dirt. The dog finds the stuff, gets discouraged and often quits
digging. They seem to get the idea they'll never know where
they'll find junk, and it's not worth the effort to dig only to
find junk so they quit.
* _Surprises in the hole_: The Koehler dog method advocates filling
holes with water and sticking dog's head under the water for a few
seconds or so. This may not work with some breeds (e.g.,
Labradors), and may not appeal to you as a method to try.
Alternatively, you can try burying a water balloon in one of the
holes which will pop in its face when it starts digging
(surprise).
* A sandbox: Try to remember that digging is a natural tendency for
dogs. So, if there is any place where your dog may be allowed to
dig, you should encourage it (and only in that place). Designate
an area where the dog can dig. Many people build a sand box for
their dog. Place the box in an area that is cool in summer and
warm in winter.
To teach the dog to dig only in the box, place or bury toys or
treats (sliced hotdogs, for example) in the box. Encourage the dog
to dig up the toy or treat. Praise the dog. Repeat until the dog
willingly jumps in and digs. Watch the dog. When it starts to dig
in any other place, quickly go out and take your dog to its box.
Show it (by digging yourself), that it should dig in its box. To
deter boredom, place several toys/treats in the box before you
leave for work. The dog will spend its time digging in the correct
place rather than digging up your roses. You can also sprinkle
animal essence (available at hunting supplies places).
Remember that dogs like to dig in freshly turned earth. So get out
that shovel and turn the dirt over in the sand box every now and
then. Toss in some fresh dirt. Keep a close eye on freshly planted
areas, as they will be very attractive (bury some extra hotdogs in
the sandbox when you are putting down new plants).
* Line the yard. for extreme cases you can line the yard with
chicken wire and put a layer of sod over that. Use paving bricks
or blocks around the edge to prevent the dog from injuring itself
on the edge of the chicken wire.
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