How to Stop That Dog of Yours From Digging

By Larry Buhrandt

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes

You spent the afternoon digging in your flower bed, planting , weeding, having all kinds of fun! Anyway that's what your dog must have thought as he watched from afar. But after you went back in the house for dinner, Rover took over!!

So, Why Do Dogs Dig?

Lack of exercise. Digging is a good way for a hyped-up, under-exercised dog to burn off some of that nervous energy they have built up through out the day.

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Just Plain Boredom. Bored dogs need something to do, something rewarding and interesting, to help the time pass by. You have heard of the term dog day afternoon...imagine how their days must all start feeling the same to them.

Digger The Dog!!! Digging is often seems like the perfect solution for a bored dog: it gives him a sense of purpose, and a great time filler from an otherwise-empty day.

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence"!! Some dogs are just escape artists by nature - no matter how much exercise/attention they get, it's nearly impossible to confine them. It's simply the determination of exploring the unknown.

Separation anxiety. To a dog that's seriously pining for your company, digging under those confining walls represents the most direct path to you. Looking for a way out is really just looking for a way to get closer to you. Separation anxiety is an unpleasant psychological issue relatively common among dogs - but it's too difficult to discuss within the content of this blog.

To review...if your dog's not getting enough exercise (generally speaking, at least forty-five minutes' worth of vigorous walking per day), take him for more walks. If he's bored, buy him some toys and chews to play with while you're gone, and wear him out before you leave so he spends most of the day sleepng. A dog can sleep a lot!! An escape-artist dog might need to be crated, or at least kept inside the house where he's less likely to be able to break free into the wild blue yonder!

Basic Tips For Controlling Inappropriate Digging

Give your dog some restrictions. This is the most effective thing you can do: if he's never in the yard without active supervision, there's no opportunity for digging.

Use the natural deterrent. It's been proven that 99.9% of dogs will shy back, horrified, from the prospect of digging anywhere that there's dog poop. Even the ones who like to eat it, won't dig anywhere near it - it offends their basic dislike of soiling their coat and paws.

If you can't beat 'em join 'em. Use nature's own wiles. If the digging is bothering you because it's upsetting the more delicate blooms in your garden, plant hardier blossoms: preferably, those with deep roots and thorny defenses. Roses are ideal.

Or, roll up the first inch or two of turf in your yard, and lay down chicken-wire underneath it. Your dog won't know it's there until he's had a few tries at digging, but once he's convinced himself that it's pointless, he'll never dig in that yard again.

Click here for a happier dog!

Larry is an accomplished writer interested in sharing his view and knowledge on dog training, health and nutrition. More Interesting Blogs.