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How To Stop Your Dog From Digging
Do You Need To Stop Your Dog Digging?
It's one of the most frequent things we hear from dog owners " How do I deal with my Dog digging " or " How can I stop my dog from digging "
Our aim is to provide you with advice on how you can handle the dog digging problem and reach a state where you and your dog are both happy!
Dogs have a natural inclination to dig holes. It is instinctive behavior, but can be extremely destructive and inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in yards.
A digging dog can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for his owner.
All Images on this page used under a paid license from clipart.com
The Dog Digging Poll!
Where Does Your Dog Dig?
Address Your Dog's Comfort To Stop Your Dog Digging
First, it is important to realize one of the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than the rest of the ground.
If your dog's digging habits seem to be related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddy pool or other larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavor. By making the dog's surroundings "cooler," you can easily eliminate his need to remove chunks of the yard to relax.
Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog's need to dig holes throughout your lawn.
If your dog loves to dig holes then you’re probably experiencing a few frustrations right now; like an ugly and unearthed backyard or a dog who frequently escapes and goes exploring without your permission amongst other things. This quick guide will show you exactly what you need to do to put a halt to this behavior. The easy to follow and implement strategies will make you a happier owner.
How To Stop Your Dog From Digging Guides
If you’re a dog owner who doesn’t dig their dog’s digging then there are things you can do that’ll help to control and ultimately stop this bad habit.
Habitual digging might not have any health effects on your dog, but it presents many other undesirable factors such as a backyard filled with holes, frequent escapes, unstable fencing due to holes dug underneath, an entry for other creatures to come into your back yard and many more.
These following books show you ways you can stop your dog from digging. If you apply the tips and techniques in these books then eventually you’ll be able to say goodbye to your dog’s digging days.
Stop Your Dog Digging By Exercising Them Adequately
Dogs will also dig when they are inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog who feels confined in his yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of digging those annoying holes.
This cause for digging can be addressed simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks, play opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested-and less inclined to dig.
The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It produces a happier, calmer dog who is more receptive to training and who is likely to be considerably more healthy than his under-exercised brethren. Thus, exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with it the additional advantage of decreasing a dog's interest in digging.
Teaching, training, and showing your dog the proper way of behaving is a process that takes patience, knowledge, proper training methods, and even more patience. In the Dog Training A Lifelong Guide you’ll receive a complete guide on how to train your dogs with knowledge, tips and secrets that have been revealed by the top 5 dog trainers of the world.
These gentle no-punish training methods will teach your dogs how to stop digging holes in the backyard, barking at strangers, or chewing on objects. Everything you need to know about your dog and yourself as your dog’s owner is in this book.
Keep Your Dog Entertained To Stop Them Digging
Digging can also be symptomatic of boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behavior of digging holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately engaged pet.
As such, one can combat digging simply by making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope in reducing digging behavior. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the likelihood that he will dig holes.
Dogs who are simply left alone in a yard with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as "something to do" for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play activities, one can remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behavior.
There are certainly other reasons why dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behavior will not immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However, most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with alternative diversions.
Though instinctive, digging is not necessarily inevitable. By tending to a dog's needs, one can reduce instances of inappropriate digging.
Does your dog think he lives on a construction site that’s in need of many holes, or maybe he was a magician in another life and continues to practice his escape methods by digging holes in the yard? Either way, digging holes is a big no-no and a bad habit that needs to be broken.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to effectively stop your dogs from digging holes and escaping. It also addresses other issues such as climbing on objects or jumping on people as well as many other doggy problems you might be experiencing. Put an end to the digging with Sophie Miller’s How to Stop Your Dog From Digging…And Escaping!
More Dog and Puppy Care Advice
- How To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety
Do you dread leaving home because your dog will start howling because they don't want you to leave? Learn how to deal with the common problem of dog separation anxiety and keep you and your dog happy. - How To Potty Train Your Dog
Have you got a new dog or puppy and need to potty train it? Let's take you step by step through how to puppy train your dog and keep both them and you happy and of course your home clean! - How To Train Your Dog To Obey - Dog Obedience Training
Have you recently become the proud owner of a new puppy or an older dog who could do with some dog obedience training. Let's take you through the basics of how to train your dog to obey.
© 2007 pkmcr
Do You Need To Stop Your Dog Digging?
I don't mind when my dog digs. He likes the cooler dirt to sit in. I do mind when he comes inside and does it to the carpet. I have never had a dog that didn't dig and they are never left alone. My dog will dig a hole right at your feet if you let him. I never thought of stopping the behavior because he doesn't dig at the fence to get out. I always thought it was the temp of the surface soil.
- Author
@Paula Atwell thanks for the comment Paula and like you I hate seeing and hearing about dogs being left alone so much.
Our neighbors have a dog that they keep outside almost all the time. She is digging up their lawn and it looks terrible. I wouldn't care except that I see it daily when I go to my car. I also feel bad for the dog because it is alone so much.
I agree that most generally pet owners can stop a dog from digging by paying attention to the dog's needs. I have moved several times with my dog Tidbit. Each new back yard she will find a spot to dig her hole and that is generally where she lays year-round. Fortunately she only digs one hole so I have no issue with her doing so.
Fun dog lens with some good information
Great lens! My dogs tend to dig during certain times of the year, and not all of them do it.
My neighbors dog is constantly digging holes in his yard and once even dug a hole under the fence and escaped. I should show this lens to him.
I'm sure that one of the option to solve a digging problem is Remote control dog spray citronella or shock collar.
I will use and choose citronella spray collar.
Tnx for this nice lens!
Interesting ideas. We put a kennel in the back yard for the dog to give him shade. He liked it at first. Then the cat liked it more. Now he can't stand it! Good lens.
I had a dog that would dig under a fence to go play with the neighbor dog. Good solutions here!
enjoyed reading about this tonight.
One of the best solutions I've found to digging is to give the dog a place to dig - like a sandbox. Works great if you train him or her that it's acceptable for them to dig in that ONE place.
Great Lens! Very informative, thanks for posting :)
Nice article. I have a dog that loves to dig whenever she is alone in the yard.
Good information. You cant prevent a dog from digging, but by finding him places where he can do, or generally tiring him out other ways will stop it becoming a problem behaviour. As mentioned above you need to find out why the dog is digging before you can solve the problem.
very interesting... we had a female Pomeranian pup many years ago who loved to dig... she stopped when she turned 6 months old just like that...
Exelente
really interesting, our dog hides his bones in the weirdest places and then brings them back out in a week or so!
I had a miniature dachshund who I thought was going to dig her way to the other side of the planet! I could have used this lens then...she always made me laugh though...little butt high in the air and sand/dirt flying out of the hole...fond memory!
Thanks for popping into my shepherd's pie lens...I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Interesting information here - I passed along to a friend who has a Beagle who loves to dig. I recently wrote a lens on dog friendly gardens. Love dogs and love to garden!
I figured out why my dogs dig... I was gardening and I found some yarn buried in the dirt. When I pulled on it, I figured out it was a baby possum. I found the mom & 4 others buried in the same spot!!! YUCK. They like to bury these creatures they find in the yard and dig them up again! I guess I will stop letting them lick my face now.
- Author
@Cynergy_Diva: Thanks for stopping by and commenting which I appreciate
This is great stuff. My dog's digging all the time. She even tries to dig and bury her bone in the easy chair.
This is such good advice that makes perfect sense. Most of my dog's misbehavior stems from boredom and not enough exercise. She's doing better now that the weather is warmer and we can all be outside more. Just a little more attention a day goes a very long way.
Thanks!
Hopefully these tips will help our little Benji from digging as much!
- Author
Thanks for the kind comments and I hope that readers are finding the information useful
Take care
Paul
Useful information and some great resources. Thanks.
Awesome lens, thanks for sharing
Cool Lens with nice tips. i have pet related lens, http://www.squidoo.com/PetHotels. May be it is useful for u. Thanks:)
Great lens. I accidentally ran into your lens and couldn't stop reading it. My dog had a digging problem and we successfully solved it with "urine in the hole" technique.
5* for you!
PS: Did you know couch covers can be real moneysavers?
- Author
Thanks Colleen that's very kind of you
Take care
Paul
- Author
Thanks Colleen that's very kind of you
Take care
Paul
Blessed, 5-starred, and favorited by a Squid Angel today! :)
Colleen ~ www.squidoo.com/squid-angel
wow thanks for the tips you shared here doglens master digging! hehhehe cool! 5 stars for this very informative
wanna ask too if you believe in the law of attraction?
Thanks for adding this lens to the Gone to The Dogs group. I hope to see more being added!
Darren
I had 4 Jack Russells - and they just LOVED to dig! 5 star lens, my friend
Darren
tips for potty training a puppy
Nice lens. Great info.
Great Lens
Dog Beds, Dog Clothes, Dog Breed, Dogs for Sale
Hello,
I like your lens, some good info.
Did you know that people with a dog phobia can use self help hypnosis to overcome fear of dogs?
Feel free to visit my Lens: Dog Phobia
You can also visit my site: e-books about dogs .
Adrie Rackers
Great lens with lots of interesting info. Thanks for stopping by my lens Orlando Attractions
5* My first owner did not run me so I had a digging problem. But the owner I have now runs me twice a day and the digging is no more! Dog Whisper With Rena
5* Nobody likes a digging dog! Dog Whisper Woman
Thanks for the important info. I will apply your advice on my 4 dogs.
Thanks for putting together such a great lens!
Keep up the great work! All the Best, Karen at Karen's Kinkade Art Store
thanks for the lens and great.Your lens is simply good and gave good info.I rated this lens 5 stars.
You can visit my lens on overcome jealousy.
Hey I like your lens on dogs check out my lens -> Dog behavior training
5 stars for another great lens, pkmcr! Good resource listings, too - and like the price on the crate. Visit me for dog health and more: Best Dog Health Care | Alternative Pet Health Care | Emergency Pet Health Care
nice info, 4*. Come visit my lens at Homemade Dog Food Recipes
Hi pkmcr, Thanks for this important info! 5 stars to you! Gayle, author of How to Stop Your Dog from Digging.
Thanks for the great tips! Mas from puppy chow recipes, healthy dog food
Great Lens! 5 stars, Jas wellness dog food, sit stay fetch,home remedy for dog
You have a great lens! I rated it 5 stars! Come visit my lens for more info about homemade dog food recipes.
Hi pkmcr, 5 stars for your useful info! I found the info on exercise especially helpful...
Cheers!
Gayle10
Great dog digging information! I dig it! 5 stars!
DeWayne(FilmFreak)
- MovieDownloadMatrix.com -
Horror Movie Critic
My Rotti was a digger. What i did was that whenever he dug a hole, I would put his poop in it and fill it up with dirt. he would dig and find poop on his paws. he stopped within 2 days. Steve from Semen and sperm increaser supplements.
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