Dogs have a natural inclination to dig
holes. It is instinctive behavior, but can be extremely destructive and
inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in yards. A digging dog
can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for
his owner. If your dog is a problem digger, there are three effective means by
which to combat this frustrating behavior. These three guidelines, used in
concert, will often eliminate digging behavior in dogs.
Address Your Dogs Comfort
First, it is important to realize one of
the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of
personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His
newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than
the rest of the ground.
If your dog's digging habits seem to be
related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his
needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer
feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddy pool or other
larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavor. By making
the dog's surroundings cooler, you can easily eliminate his need to remove
chunks of the yard to relax.
Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to
create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they
can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is
relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a
well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog's need to dig holes throughout your
lawn.
By tending to their comfort, one can
reduce a prime motivator of digging behavior. Keeping a pet adequately cooled
during the summer and sufficiently warm in the winter is one of the most
simple, yet effective, means of eliminating digging.
Exercise Your Dog Adequately
Dogs will also dig when they are
inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn
may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog that feels confined in his
yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of
digging those annoying holes.
This cause for digging can be addressed
simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks play
opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested and
less inclined to dig. The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It
produces a happier, calmer dog who is more receptive to training and who is
likely to be considerably healthier than his under-exercised brethren. Thus,
exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with
it the additional advantage of decreasing the level of interest the dog will
show in digging.
Keep Your Dog Entertained
Digging can also be symptomatic of
boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behavior of digging
holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek
solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately
engaged pet.
As such, one can combat digging simply by
making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As
previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope in reducing
digging behavior. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining
toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the
likelihood that he will dig holes.
Dogs who are simply left alone in a yard
with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own
diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as
something to do for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play
activities, one can remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behavior.
There are certainly other reasons why
dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behavior will not
immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However,
most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is
appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with
alternative diversions.
Though instinctive, digging is not
necessarily inevitable. By tending to needs of the dog, one can reduce
instances of inappropriate digging.
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