Digging can be an incredibly destructive habit and a pet who loves to do it can make short work of your landscaping efforts. It can cause damage, a huge mess, and you will most likely end up with a dirty doggie. You can control it though by following a few simple steps.
It’s Actually Natural
While most owners consider digging up the yard to be bad behavior, for dogs it’s actually natural. Pets may dig for many different reasons and none of them are to purposely destroy the gorgeous lawn or flower garden you may have worked so hard to maintain. Of course, however, this is often the result. Some dogs may simply dig before lying down outdoors to make their temporary bed softer.
Many dogs will even do this inside too on their bed or even the floor. On hot days digging a little deeper can also expose the cool soil which many pets will use to beat the heat. Digging is also a trait that has been bred into many types of dogs. This is especially true with many of the small dog breeds like terriers which in the past were used to hunt and dig out animals in burrows.
Your pet may also use digging as a way to hide tasty treats such as bones for later, which is something that his ancestors needed to do in order to ensure food was concealed from the competition and could be eaten at a later time.
Positive Re-Direction
Because it is natural and many canines are hard-wired to dig, it can be tough to stop digging altogether. A much easier approach for most people is to simply re-direct the activity by allowing your pet to dig only in a certain area. By providing your dog with his own space to dig and play he won’t need to do it in other areas.
Be sure to give your dog positive praise when he does start to dig around in his spot. You may want to bury treats, toys, or bones to encourage this and make it fun for him. By doing so he can enjoy doing what comes naturally to him without damaging your landscaping efforts and getting in trouble. It’s a win-win!
Play Defense
Even if you do designate a special area for your dog to dig it would be a smart idea to keep your spaces protected. Adding fencing around gardens can be a big help. They may not even have to be very sturdy in order to be effective.
Sometimes just using them as a visual barrier is all you will need. You may also want to consider raised garden beds particularly if you are growing vegetables that pets are much less likely to get into since they would have to climb or jump up into them.
Catch Him In The Act
In order to help make sure that your pooch knows that he shouldn’t be digging in certain areas, you will want to try and catch him in the act. This will help to avoid any confusion as to where it is appropriate and where it is not. Give him a firm, “no,” and then take him by the collar out of the area. He may be preoccupied when digging so clapping your hands once or twice loudly to startle him can help to get his attention quickly.
You now know how some of the most effective methods for putting an end to problem-digging. By applying them you’ll be able to make sure your property stays beautiful and the relationship with your dog stays positive!
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