Friday, January 4, 2013

Help! My Dog is Digging Up My Yard!



There are several reasons leading a dog to becoming a back yard excavator. Sometimes it’s their breed: Northern breeds are avid diggers, instincts telling them to dig to get away from the heat. Or terriers digging to get those varmints. Suburban varmints are rabbits, squirrels, moles—oh my!

Sometimes dogs have an unfulfilled life, are bored and give themselves the job of landscaper or escape artist. Yes, you have a “nice back yard,” however that’s not enough for dogs. They need to be walked daily, sometimes long walks—check out the correct distance for your dog’s breed and age. Dogs need to be mentally stimulated by taking them out into the world. Maybe you can start a dog training class or visit the local dog park, or better yet—all of the above! 

HOLES HOLES EVERYWHERE!
 
Once your yard has holes, don't repair the holes with your dog around. If your dog started digging after watching you gardening…that might be part of the problem. Your dog is part monkey: Monkey see…
Refill the holes with dirt and cover the patched holes with wet straw or hay. There’s something about the smell that tends to keep dogs away. You might have to reapply the straw/hay if it blows away.

Create a special place for your dog to dig. Instead of a sandbox, a "dig box." This boundary lets your dog know that this area has the seal of approval for all his digging needs. You can start the new digging habit in the digging box by burying a bully stick, treat-filled Kong or other treats that get your dog motivated to dig. Once he starts—praise the behavior. 

If your dog continues to dig where he shouldn’t, don’t give him attention by punishing him—it hasn’t worked and he’s enjoyed the attention he’s gotten from you, even though it’s negative attention. When he’s digging in the wrong place—merely call him over to the digging box in an excited, happy voice and get him to dig there instead. He will be rewarded time and time again with your attention whenever he’s digging in the right place. Also, if you “catch” him digging in the digging box, make sure to praise him and give him lots of attention. 

Dig?

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