Digging for fun

Question
I read some where that when dogs burrow when they dig its just for fun and they like digging. Well I have a 2 year old female Golden Retriever that use to dig all the time. We got another puppy and she stopped digging. Well since then she has started digging even deeper holes. I thought about de-clawing her but I don't want to put her through that pain. She doesn't dig while I'm out side but only if she is out there alone. How do I get her to stop digging?

Answer
Hi Amy Jo.  Digging is often a result of boredom, and because you wrote that she doesn't dig while you are outside with her, I'm going to assume that she is board.

I don't know of any vet that will de-claw a dog, instead I suggest that you give her some chew toys, or possibly even a play area that is ok to dig in.  

One suggestion is to purchase a plastic child swimming pool - this is the perfect time of year to find one on sale.  Fill the pool with clean sand, or potting soil, and hide treats/toys for her to find.

Good luck, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions.  Sincerely, Penny D.