DOG DIGGING:
Digging "I dig because I can." It's the motto of dogs everywhere, and
completely normal behavior. Yet the reasons behind the activity are
varied. Your dog may dig to seek entertainment, attention, comfort,
escape, prey, or protection. (Despite how you might feel sometimes, your
dog won't dig out of spite, revenge, or a desire to destroy your yard.)
And just when you think you've outsmarted the old pooch by finding ways
to make the area where he digs unappealing, your dog will likely begin
digging in other locations or display other unacceptable behavior, such
as chewing or barking. A much more effective approach to the problem is
to address the cause of the digging.
Here's advice on how to figure out why your dog
digs and how to stop it:
Seeking Entertainment: Dogs may dig as a form of self-play when they
learn that roots and soil "play back." Your dog may be digging for
entertainment if: He's left alone in the yard for long periods of time
without opportunities for interaction with you or others. His
environment is relatively barren with no playmates or toys. He's a puppy
or adolescent (under three years old) and doesn't have other outlets for
his energy. He's the type of dog that is bred to dig as part of his
"job" (such as a terrier). He's a particularly active type of dog who
needs an active job to be happy (such as a herding or sporting breed).
He's recently seen you "playing" in the dirt (gardening or working in
the yard).
Recommendations:
We recommend expanding your dog's world and increasing his "people time"
in the following ways:
Walk your dog at least twice daily. It's good exercise for both of you
mentally and physically! Teach your dog to fetch a ball or Frisbee®, and
play with him as often as possible. Teach your dog a few commands and/or
tricks. Practice these commands/tricks every day for five to ten
minutes.
Take a training class with your dog and practice daily what you've
learned. Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy even
when you're not around. Kong®-type toys filled with treats or busy-box
dog toys work especially well. Rotate the toys to make them seem new and
interesting.
For dedicated diggers, provide an
"acceptable digging area." Choose an area of the yard where it's okay
for your dog to dig, and cover that area with loose soil or sand. If you
catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior
with a loud noise and say, "No dig." Then immediately take the dog to
his designated digging area. When he digs in the approved spot, reward
him with praise. Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at
least temporarily) by setting rocks or chicken wire into the dirt. Make
the acceptable area attractive by burying safe items for him to
discover.
Seeking Prey Dogs may try to pursue
burrowing animals or insects that live in your yard. Your dog may be
pursuing prey if: The digging is in a specific area instead of at the
boundaries of the yard. The digging is at the roots of trees or shrubs.
The digging is in a "path" layout.
Recommendations
We recommend that you search for possible signs of "pests" and then make
your yard unwelcome to them. Avoid methods that could be toxic or
dangerous to your pets or other animals. For advice on dealing humanely
with wildlife, visit our information on Urban Wildlife. Our Wild
Neighbors. Seeking Comfort or Protection In hot weather, dogs may dig
holes to lie in the cool dirt. They may also dig to provide themselves
with shelter from cold, wind, or rain, or to try to find water.
Your dog may be digging for comfort or
protection if:
The holes are near foundations of buildings, large shade
trees, or a water source. Your dog doesn't have a shelter or his shelter
is exposed to the hot sun or cold winds. You find evidence that your dog
is lying in the holes he digs.
Recommendations
We recommend that you provide your dog with the comfort or protection he
seeks: Provide an insulated doghouse. Make sure it affords protection
from wind and sun. Your dog may still prefer a hole in the ground, in
which case you can try providing an "approved digging area" as described
above. Make sure the allowed digging area is in a spot that is protected
from the elements. Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that can't be
tipped over. Seeking Attention Any behavior can become attention-getting
behavior if the dog learns that he receives attention for engaging in
it. (Even punishment is a form of attention.)
Your dog may be digging to get attention if: He digs in your presence.
His other opportunities for interaction with you are limited.
Recommendations
We recommend that you ignore the behavior: Don't give your dog attention
for digging. Remember, even punishment is attention. Make sure your dog
has sufficient time with you on a daily basis. That way, he doesn't have
to resort to "misbehaving" to get your attention. Seeking Escape Dogs
may escape to get to something, to get somewhere, or to get away from
something.
Your dog may be digging to escape if:
He digs along the fence line. He digs under the fence.
Recommendations
We recommend the following to keep your dog in the yard while you work
on the behavior modifications recommended on our tip sheet, The Canine
Escape Artist. Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. Be sure to
roll the sharp edges away from your yard. Place large rocks, partially
buried, along the bottom of the fence line. Bury the bottom of the fence
one to two feet below the surface. Lay chain link fencing on the ground
(anchored to the bottom of the fence) to make it uncomfortable for your
dog to walk near the fence.
Regardless of the reason for digging, we don't
recommend: Punishment after the fact. This will not address the
cause of the behavior, and in fact it will worsen any digging that's
motivated by fear or anxiety. Punishment may also cause anxiety in dogs
who aren't currently fearful. Staking a dog out near a hole he's dug or
filling the hole with water. These techniques address neither the cause
of the behavior nor the act of digging. Finally, if you've tried all
these suggestions and you still can't solve your dog's digging problem,
then keep him indoors with you, and be sure to supervise your dog during
bathroom breaks.
Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal
behaviorists at the
Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights reserved
If you have questions or need our services, please contact the shelter at 618.346.5213 or contact us today via e-mail
Copyrights 2009 WARREN BILLHARTZ ANIMAL SHELTER OF
COLLINSVILLE. A KTLLC Communications Solution