When it comes to dog owners and how to get their dogs to stop digging, there are usually two extremes of opinion: either the dog owner believes that we should let the dog be a dog and allow him to express his true canine behavior by giving him free reign over the lawn and gardens, or the dog owner believes that their dog has no business even thinking about digging up the yard and the garden they worked so hard on.
I tend to favor the middle ground, however.
Dogs possess a natural instinct to dig, but I don't think that a dog owner should have to sacrifice his grass and flowers for his dog either.
I now know that dogs and a good-looking yard can coexist.
Why do dogs dig? Some of the more common reasons that a dog may start to dig are, in no particular order: * Lack of exercise - Digging helps to burn off the hyped-up energy that just about all dogs have.
* Out of boredom - This gives a dog something to do during a day that would otherwise seem empty.
It gives the dog a "job" to do and gives him a sense of purpose.
* Broader horizons - Some breeds of dog, by nature, are escape artists, so to speak.
For a four-legged Houdini, it's not the digging that is the reward, it's the unknown beyond the fenceline.
* Separation anxiety - A common issue with dogs is their longing for you, the close companion, to be near.
If they are out in the yard while you are gone, digging is their direct path to reuniting with you.
Most of the reasons contributing to your dog's bad habit of digging also suggests the solutions as well: * Exercise your dog more - Take your dog for longer walks.
It is usually recommended that a dog get at least 45 minutes per day of walking exercise.
Exercise can actually correct not just digging, but many bad dog behaviors.
* If your dog is just bored, give him some extra toys and chews to keep him occupied while you are gone.
Wear him out before you leave as well.
If you have some extra playtime or take him for a nice long walk right before you leave, your dog may spend that time your away sleeping rather than digging.
* Restrict your dog's access to the yard if you happen to own one that just loves to escape.
While you are away for the day, keep him penned up in a dog-proofed room of the house.
If he has no opportunity to dig, he won't dig.
* Fight nature with nature - If your garden is the problem area, you can try to plant deeper rooted flowers or thorny ones, like roses.
A time or two trying to dig near them and your dog will be deterred.
All of the above are great tips, but if you have tried them and failed, one of the best and most humane ways to control your dog's digging habits is to set up a corner of the yard, or give him his very own sandbox filled with soil, in which to express his digging tendencies.
Once the allowable digging zones are created, it is imperative that you, as the owner, make it clear that it's the ONLY place you are going to put up with the digging.
I like this method so much because you are allowing your dog to be natural and at the same time not sacrificing your lifestyle either.
It's a happy medium.
Another thing that owners who want to know how to get their dogs to stop digging are always reminded of is practice active supervision.
Until your dog learns the rules, make sure that when it is his outside time, you are around.
If he starts to dig in a forbidden place, correct him right away.
If you have chosen the method of setting up his own dig zone, lead him straight to it and allow him to start digging there.
Always remember also: when your dog does the right thing and stops digging altogether, or starts digging in his allowed space, give your dog praise.
A small reward can go a long way.