The annoying habit of digging ranks high on the
list of behavior problems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no one answer
to solve this particular problem.
In some instances, the instinct to dig is the
heritage of the breed. Over the centuries dogs have been bred for a
variety of tasks ranging from the close interaction of toy breeds with
their owners to sporting dogs who require regular sessions of physical
activity. Nordic dogs dig holes to cool themselves. The heritage of
terriers (from the Latin, "terra," for earth) has been to dig
underground after rodents and small game. Dachshunds were developed to
chase badgers into their holes.
Some dogs, regardless of heritage, may be more inclined to dig if they are
left alone in the yard for long periods of time. Digging is often the
result of boredom and this can be a learned behavior in some dogs.
Companionship is a primary reason for having a
dog. Being a companion means forging a bond through regular play and
exercise with your dog. Without this stimulation, dogs often turn to
digging or other forms of destructive behavior to alleviate their
boredom.
The problem of "the digging dog" may go
beyond the instincts of the breed or boredom and relate to other
problems. A dog that is pushed outdoors after it misbehaves in the house
may continue its misbehaving by digging in the yard. Controlling your
dog's behavior inside addresses that problem as well as unacceptable
digging outside.
A dog left alone may be reacting to the absence
of family members. If this is the case, you need to work with your dog
to help it tolerate gradually longer absences. Your veterinarian can
help you plan this behavior modification training.
During summer months, if your dog digs a hole to
cool itself, consider providing a cooler location for it such as an
umbrella, or inside the house or basement. If your dog is housed
outside, be certain it has access to some shade throughout the day and
that fresh drinking water is always available. Some dogs find hot
weather comfort in their own wading pools with fresh, cool water.
Some dogs tend to roam and will dig under a fence
to get out of the yard. Ideally, a fence should fit tight to the ground
or even be buried a few inches underneath to prevent a dog's crawling or
digging out from under it.
If your dog is trying to escape, try to determine
why it is leaving home. Is it simply bored, or an intact male indulging
in sexual wanderlust? Unless you plan a responsible breeding program
which includes placing puppies in good homes, neutering is recommended.
A neutered dog is generally calm and tends not to wander.
If you find it virtually impossible to discourage your dog from digging,
provide it with a "digging area." When your dog digs in this
designated area, praise it and reward it with attention or a treat. If
your dog digs outside this area and is caught in the act, a firm
"no" is usually a deterrent. However, all family members must
cooperate and must reprimand the dog only when it is caught digging
outside the designated area.
In this aspect of training, as in all others,
family members most work together as a team. Giving a variety of verbal
commands confuses a dog. One overly indulgent family member can create
problems by not cooperating in training a dog. Dogs pick up on this and
may use that family member to their advantage.
One Final Thought....
Your dog's behavior is influenced by the
lifestyle you maintain for it. Regular walks or play periods with your
dog and praise for tricks you teach it will make its life fun and
stimulating. Such a dog is less likely to develop annoying behavior
problems resulting from boredom.
Reprinted with permission by the Ralston Purina
Company
Note:
You should not rely on the veterinary advice or information provided on
this site for diagnosis or treatment of any specific situation. Always
consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical
condition or treatment of your own pet or animal. The Puppy Place
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