How To Get your Dog To Stop Digging

Common Reasons for Digging Behaviors and How to Stop Them

Digging 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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