Dog Digging And Some Ways To Prevent It

Dog Digging And Some Ways To Prevent It

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Digging is a normal dog behaviour and dogs dig for many reasons. Habitual diggers are dogs that started digging as pups and have not grown out of it either from lack of training or other reasons. Digging is a wonderful way to explore the subterranean environment; however, many owners are often horrified when they discover the depths and lengths their puppy has gone to in his attempt to re-landscape their garden.

*Why do dogs dig?

It is not always possible to answer 'why' questions when it comes to dog behaviour. Many things that dogs do that we find unacceptable are just an extension of normal pack behaviour. Others are due to loneliness or boredom or 'all of the above'. For this reason, it is best to tackle unacceptable behaviour from different angles. Is your puppy overfed? Burying food is a normal dog behaviour and an overfed puppy may just be acting on instinct burying unwanted food so he can dig it up and have it later. Giving extra treats such as biscuits and bones may be encouraging your puppy to dig. If he hasn't got anything to bury, he may stop digging. If the weather becomes unbearably hot, your puppy may dig a hole to sleep in to keep itself cool. Some breeds like huskies will instinctively dig holes to sleep in because they were bred to do this in the Arctic snow.

*Stopping the behaviour

To change any behaviour you will have to catch your puppy in the act. Often a stern 'no' and a loud clap of your hands will give your puppy enough of a fright to stop him. However, you will have to do this consistently each time you find him digging. It is no use taking your puppy to the hole and shaking your fist and yelling after the hole has been dug. Your puppy is too young to make the connection between your anger and the hole he knows he's dug. Catching him in the act is the best method. If you are not able to catch your puppy here are a few things you can do

Put dog faeces in the hole and refill it and put more dog faeces on top. Dogs don't like to go near their own faeces so use this to keep them away from any area of the garden. For this to work properly, the faeces must be only one day old, no older or its presence will lose its impact.

Try filling up balloons with half water and half white vinegar. Place them in the hole and wait for puppy to start digging at them. The sound of the 'pop' and the smell of vinegar will be a deterrent.

Put chilli powder around the area where you don't want your puppy to dig. Again this should deter your puppy from going near the area. Remember to reapply regularly until your puppy has learnt not to dig.

*Redirecting the behaviour

Let's face it; some dogs just love to dig. Beagles have such a fine sense of smell that they just can't help but dig all through their lives. If you can't stop this behaviour, re-direct it so that it's a positive for you and your puppy. Create an area for your puppy to dig. Box an area in with sleepers or bricks and fill it with soil or sand until it is 20 to 30 cm deep. Don't feed your puppy before you are going to leave it on its own but instead bury toys with food inside. Your puppy will be hungry and this will increase his enthusiasm to dig and find his food. Chew toys and treats can also be buried to ad to your puppy's enjoyment.

*Rewarding the new or redirected behaviour

It is important that your puppy learns to not to dig in certain areas and to dig where you want him to. When you catch him digging in his new area; reward him with treats and praise him. If you see him go to the area where he once dug, sniff and walk away, reward and praise him again. Never smack or hurt your dog for doing something wrong. This will only increase his fear and mistrust of you and may encourage aggressive behaviour.

Remember: always give your puppy the opportunity to correct his behaviour and do the right thing. It is up to you to teach him what is acceptable and what is not. Reward acceptable behaviour; discourage unacceptable behaviour by using loud unpleasant noises, withdrawal of attention or treats or leaving your puppy on its own for a few minutes. Never hit or strike your puppy; you will only be teaching him that violence is an acceptable behaviour in your pack and he may use it on other pack members or friends including children.

About the Author:
For more visit Messy Pawz or toilet-train-your-puppy.com. Also the petsdirect.co.uk website for stylish dog collars amongst other quality products.



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