What You Can Do To Stop Dog Digging

A digging dog can be a real hassle to deal with if you're a dog owner. On the surface, this might seem like a cute, harmless behavioral trait. But when your dog starts digging up your newly seeded lawn or garden, these antics fast stop being cute. The good news is that digging can easily be curbed, provided that you go about it in the right way.

Understanding Why

A lot of dog owners deal with a digging dog by yelling, slapping or tying them up. These methods don't work because they don't deal with the real cause of the problem. The first thing you need to understand is that digging is technically not a dog behavior problem- it's a natural thing that all dogs do. Dogs naturally have a tendency to bury stuff. Hunting dogs like terriers are more prone to digging than other dogs. It's when they start doing it in our gardens or backyards that it becomes a problem. The tendency to dig however does point to other issues your dog might have.

A dog will start digging for a number of reasons. They could be feeling bored or neglected- digging is often a way of looking to explore or channeling the excess energy. It's also a comfort-seeking habit for many dogs. If your dog is scared or stressed, he might start digging. Thunderstorms often cause dogs to start digging if they are outside the house.

What Can You Do?

Thankfully, there are a number of measures you can take to deal with digging, regardless of the breeds of dogs. It's a good idea to take a look at how much time you actually spend with your pet- like children, dogs need attention. Set aside some time for your dog and make sure that you take it on walks regularly. This will keep your dog from getting bored and will also stop it from feeling neglected. Crate training dogs is also a good way to deal with dogs who feel anxiety or neglect.

It's also a good idea to cordon off an area of the backyard specifically for your dog. Make it clear to him that this is where he can dig to his heart's content- you can train him by offering him encouragement or treats when he digs in the designated area only. Conversely, you need to discourage him from digging in other areas. You can do this by spritzing water in his face or rattling a coffee can filled with rocks- these methods won't hurt your dog, but are very effective.

A digging dog may also be suffering from health problems. If you suspect that your dog might be sick, take note of exactly how he digs- a video of this will be helpful. Showing this to the vet will make it easier for him to diagnose if there is a health issue. In most cases, a little extra exercise and attention are enough to curb a dog's digging habits. Remember to avoid rough training methods and if possible, provide a special area where your dog can dig freely. Digging dogs can easily be controlled if this issue is approached in the right way.