dog behavior question: digging

Question
Hello, Dr. Fry.  I am a freelance writer and I'm about to write an article query about dogs digging in the back yard.

My questions:  
What methods do you recommend to stop dogs from digging?
Is a sandbox a safe digging alternative?

Thank you for your time.  Is it possible to interview you more fully at a later date?

Diane Trim

Answer
First, you should find out WHY the dog is digging...is s/he bored, trying to escape, burrying a bone or trying to find a bone, or trying to find escape from the heat (deeper layers of the soil are cooler).  Understanding the reason will help in preventing the unwanted behavior.   

If your dog is bored, provide plenty of toys (KONG toys are Great!) and maybe even set up a mini obstacle/agility course in the back yard for him to play or a baby pool.

If your pet is trying to escape....why?  Intact males and females may try to get out to find a mate...so best bet is get them spayed or neutered!  Or the dog may see something more interesting...if this is the case, again you need to provide a lot of activity.

Yes, you can provide a sandbox for digging, however, one should cover it when not in use as stray cats may see this as a nice litter box.  (You can also designinate one area of the yard for digging too).  Then you should praise and reward the dog when digging in this appropriate area...you can even burry bones for him to dig up.   Bring your dog over to the area, say "dig!" and praise him lavishly when he uncovers the treat. Repeat until the behavior is learned. If you catch him digging in an inappropriate area, say "no!" and then take him over to the desired area and say "dig," followed by praise if he digs. This training may take several days.

Putting pepper, mothballs (not safe with children or if ingested by animals), citrus or diluted ammonia on the inappropriate area can discourage digging in that area. There are also commercial products such as Keep Off, No-Dig, or Get Off My Garden. These products work by creating a scent in the area which is repugnant to animals, or which interferes with the animal's sense of smell. Some products can be used directly on plants and grass, some cannot.

Dr. Jennifer L. Fry
www.my4life.com/drfry
www.antietamvet.com