- Your dog could be digging for the entertainment value. Dogs that do so find the act of digging rewarding and treat it as a form of play. They often bow in a playful manner to dig and then run around before digging some more. This could become habitual if you don't correct it. Some breeds, such as terriers and dachshunds, are more prone to digging than others. Dogs with separation anxiety sometimes dig in an attempt to escape confinement from the house or yard when left alone. If you close your dog off in a separate area of the house while you're home, he might dig in an effort to get out and find you. Other symptoms such as pacing or barking accompany digging in this case. Some dogs bury treasured items and dig them up later. This can happen inside the house as well.
- Random holes all over the yard indicate that your dog is digging for fun. Food rewards and praise won't make your dog stop tearing up your lawn. Redirect your dog's behavior instead of trying to end it. Create a digging pit in your yard that will serve as the only acceptable area for your dog to dig. Place bricks, stones or a low fence around the pit as a border. Pour sand or loose dirt into the pit. Bury a beloved toy or tempting treat shallowly in the pit to encourage your dog to dig there. Once your dog pulls out the item, give lots of praise. Continue burying items deeper and deeper to maintain your dog's interest in the pit. You can even play with your dog by digging in the pit yourself so that she joins in the fun. Praise your dog every time she uses the pit.
- Avoid giving your dog chew toys or bones that will take some time to finish, if he likes to bury items. Small treats that can be swallowed right away are a good alternative. If your dog stops chewing on an item and tries to bury it, take the item away or teach your dog to drop the item on command. You might need to offer a reward such as a bite-size treat or small piece of chicken to get your dog to drop the item he's holding. Use a simple phrase such as "drop it" and when your dog lets go of the item, praise him. If your dog growls when you try to take a treat or toy away, you'll need to seek professional help from a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, an American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Diplomate or Certified Professional Dog Trainer (see "Resources"). This guarding behavior could lead to aggression and biting if not handled correctly.
- If your dog suffers from a mild case of separation anxiety, you'll need to get your dog to associate being left alone with highly motivating rewards. This counterconditioning will help your dog overcome her fear and replace it with a more positive response. Give your dog a puzzle toy filled with her favorite treats or pieces of cooked chicken every time you leave the house. These toys should keep your dog busy for close to 30 minutes. Keeping your dog's mind active will ease her anxiety. Your dog will also look forward to seeing you leave when she understands that she will be getting an enticing reward when that happens. Put these toys away when you're home so that your dog only gets to play with them when you leave.
Moderate to severe cases of separation anxiety require professional help (see "Resources"). Treating these cases can be a complicated process that can easily backfire if not done the right way.
