QuestionI have a 10 year old bischon frise and a 5 year old Bischon frise- maltese mix. The younger one is always digging under our fence and running away! We give her everything she could ever want but if I leave her alone in the back yard for more than five minutes, she'll dig out and run away. This has become a huge problem, as even when we put rocks down, she dug under them! Is there anything I can do to correct this behavior, the oldest one has never had a problem with digging.
AnswerThis is somewhat genetic in basis, Maltese can be very like that if they have been bred from shy bitches who tend to hide away. I also have Maltese so fully understand how frustrating this can be. My advice is to keep Maltymix on a lead when going out side, encourage him/her to remain at your side, use recall techniques and treat when its successful.Sexcure the garden or use a pen in which the maltymix stays for exercise etc. I assume it is relatively small but with a huge character so being penned in a good sized puppy pen like one of these will be suficient until it learns new behaviour.http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HEAVY-DUTY-8-PANEL-FOLDING-DOG-PEN-puppy-pen-BLACK-/380302734049?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&var=&hash=item9757b930a2#ht_2605wt_1059
I use an xx large one as its highsided but has lots of room for movement and exercise of old dogs, sick dogs and even puppies for training.To stop digging use it on solid ground or place plyboard on teh ground to prevent this dog from digging out. they even have covers that will help stop climbing up and over and the Frise are well known for that behaviour.
Maltese are true terriers, they can in some places be seen ratting and they are very successful, do not underestimate the tenacity of these little ones. they sure keep me on my toes at times.
Reward the good ignore the bad is a great way to keep all situations free from stress.
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