digging in/eating dirt

Question
Our dog, about 9 months old, has a bad habit of digging in the yard. She likes to eat the dirt/mud and possibly bugs she finds. She especially likes the dirt around and under the bird feeders. She only digs when we aren't home (even if for a short while) or when she knows we can't see her. She has plenty of toys in the yard, and is played with and walked often. She also likes to eat sticks or any other wood she can find. Is she simply bored or could this be a vitamin/mineral deficiency? What do you recommend? Our yard is starting to look terrible!  

Answer
Hi Devan
My Shepherds like to get under the bird feeder and eat the dirt plus seed.
If it is digging it becomes a bad habit like biting our nails.  Fill the hole large or small with dog poop, cover, it will discourage the dog and mine quit when I did this.  Oh, once in a while one might dig at a root for something to do if I am not out to entertain them.
They also chew on sticks, so I pick them up fast as they fall.  Put some hot pepper in the holes to stop her also.

Kind Regards
Patt
WWW.SCHREKNHAUS.COM
MINE HAVE FIVE ACREAS TO RUN ON BUT THEY LIKE PEOPLE OUT WITH THEM OR THE BICKER AND FIND THINGS TO GET INTO.  I USE FRESH FACTORS AS MY SUPPLEMENT SO I KNOW IT IS NOT DEFICIENCY.  THEY GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE ALSO!