Digging Issues

There are many reasons why dogs dig; to cool off, search for rodents, bury and recover bones or other toys, escape confinement, boredom, or just for fun.  Dogs may be more prone to dig when they are left alone without another diversion.  To keep your dog stimulated and occupied, provide your dog with chew toys and increase play and exercise time.  Lack of exercise can result in digging issues as well.  Remember dogs need at least 45 min. of good solid exercise daily.  Lack of physical and mental exercise can cause unwanted behaviors such as digging.

You can discourage digging be changing the groundcover (replace dirt with rocks or concrete) or use remote punishment (turn on a sprinkler or toss a tin can filled with pebbles next to your dog to startle them).  If you dog continues to dig, you may want to provide a digging area for them to reinforce appropriate digging.

Remember reinforcing the correct behavior is much more successful than punishment.  Give your dog other alternatives to digging and make sure your dog receives plenty of physical and mental exercise time.

Check out next month’s Tail Tips for more on undesirable behaviors such as barking and growling.