How To Get your Dog
To Stop Digging
Common Reasons for Digging Behaviors and How to Stop ThemDigging
is another dog behavior that for some owners is cute and fun, while for
others it can be destructive and frustrating. If you own a garden or
take care of your lawn, it can be upsetting to suddenly go into your
backyard and find that your dog has ripped up your favorite plants and
ground deep into your well cared for grass. Dogs dig for different reasons: - For some, digging was a behavior they were bred for, such as with terriers.
- For others, dogs dig when they are too hot, allowing them to rest in the cool dirt.
- For others, they dig because they are bored, and digging allows them to stimulate their mind.
All of these different reasons for digging requires a different method for stopping the behavior. For Terriers and Other Digging Dogs Instincts are instincts. It is hard to train a dog that was bred for digging out of its primal behavior, much like it would be
hard to train you out of eating when you are hungry. The best thing to
do is to train your dog in alternate behaviors that are less
destructive. Give your dog toys to play with outside, stimulate their
mind with tricks and activities – do these and your dog will feel less
of an urge to dig. For Dogs That Are Too Hot Dogs
do not sweat like humans do. When they need to cool down, they look for
whatever method they can. Digging up your backyard and laying in the
cool dirt are an effective way to cool your dog’s skin. If you want to
reduce this behavior, find more cool areas for your dog and give them
plenty of water. Consider taking them indoors as well during hot days. For Dogs That Are Bored Bored
dogs have a more difficult time controlling their instincts. Most dog
behaviors that are undesirable are due to your dog not getting enough
mental or physical stimulation, and digging allows them to discover
tasty insect treats, new smells, and more. Give your dog more exercise
and mental stimulation with toys and tricks and the digging behaviors
will be reduced.
There are lots of
different dog behaviors and many different ways to address them. With
the information you learn by signing up for our free newsletter today,
you can continue to find the best ways to get the best behavior from
your dog.
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