Understanding Dog Digging

By Author: Ricardo Limbardo
Total Articles: 1135
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Why Do Dogs Dig?

Asking why dogs dig is almost like asking why they bark. Digging is part of a dog's nature, and so are sniffing, barking, and chewing. Dogs dig for several reasons. For some dogs, digging can be a pasttime. Digging can also be expected from dogs that are confined or isolated. Digging can be a favorable alternative activity when they get bored. Some dogs, however, dig purposefully. They can dig to bury objects. They can dig for food, whether it is to bury a bone, or take something that they previously buried. Weather can also push a dog to dig warming and cooling pits.

Solving the Digging Problem

Your dog's digging may not always be a bother for you, especially if your dog only dig once in a while, as long as it digs where appropriate. To contain dog digging only to what is appropriate and safe, you can provide your dog a special place where he can dig. This way, you can choose the spot and make sure that it is a safe place for the dog to spend a lot of time in. To teach your dog to dig in that spot, involve your pet as you prepare its own digging pit. Try to loosen up the soil so it ...
... will be easier for your dog to dig in that particular area. You can also make use of the dog's toys and other accessories. By making like you are burying the objects there for him to find, your dog will get the idea and start digging where he should. Do this activity over and over again until your dog learns where it is supposed to dig. If you see your dog digging in a different place other than the designated digging pit, catch his attention with a loud noise, and direct it towards the correct digging pit. You can also reinforce the behavior by praising your dog when it finds the right digging pit.

Controlling Your Dog's Digging

Digging cannot be completely prevented. Once in a while, you may find your dog digging. What you need to prevent is your dog's digging turning into a regular habit. If the digging turns into an extreme problem, you need to control it already. There is no surefire way to take digging out of a dog, but you can simply keep your dog preoccupied with other activities to keep it from digging too much. Make sure that your dog interacts with people and other dogs as well. Take your dog out for regular walks. A properly socialized dog will display lesser tendencies of digging. Also, if you have a new puppy, make it a point to keep your new puppy away from a place where it can dig up dirt, such as the garden or yard. Although it is impossible to keep a dog away from these places completely, simply limit the time that they spend there. Also, since dogs usually stay in the garden or in the yard where they can roam around, you can also put toys and other treats out in the yard. So when your dog is outside and gets bored, it can turn to the toys, instead of to digging.

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