Dogs are fun, social animals. However, like people, dogs have some habits that can be frustrating. Many people who have a dog have come home to see their flowers dug up and holes in their back yard or along their fence. When people complain about their dogs, digging is usually at the top of their list. While digging is something dogs do, it can be curtailed. The dog experts at the Atlanta dog sitting company Critter Sitters offer some information on why dogs dig, advice on how to change their behavior, and ways they can help you keep your pup occupied.
Why Does My Dog Dig?
There are many reasons why your dog likes to dig. Knowing why they want to get their paws dirty will help you understand how to change their behavior.
Dogs get bored. When they have nothing to do, they will find something to keep themselves busy. Unfortunately for a human who likes their garden, a bored dog will often dig just to keep themselves busy.
When the weather is warm, the cool dirt provides relief. Many dogs will dig to find a place to escape the heat. This is especially true of long-haired dogs that were not meant to live in warm places.
The cartoons you watched as a child had some truth in them – dogs like to bury bones, toys, your slippers, and all types of other objects. Dogs also want to find things. Once something is buried, your dog might decide it is time to find it. If your pup cannot remember where that favorite toy is buried, everywhere is a possibility.
Dogs are animals and still have instinctual habits. One of these is to search for food. A dog will dig in their quest for a bite to eat. If they happen to find something tasty, they will likely continue to dig in the same area.
If your dog is digging near a fence, then it might be looking for a way to escape. This behavior is more common in unneutered male dogs.
How Do You Stop a Dog from Digging?
Knowing why your dog is digging does not solve the problem. However, it does give you a starting point on ways to slow their digging down.
Keep Your Dog Busy
As stated above, one of the main reasons a dog digs is because they are looking for something to do. Unfortunately, you really cannot give your dog a list of chores. However, if you run with your dog or take them for long walks, they will likely be too tired to dig. If you are unable to walk your dog frequently, reach out to our Atlanta dog walkers to take care of that for you. If you have a new or young dog, you can also check out these dog walking tips for puppies in Atlanta, GA.
Another way to combat boredom is with other distractions. If a dog is occupied with a fun chew toy or another device, they might not turn their attention to digging.
Make Your Yard Fun
If you were left in a dull room with nothing to do, you might also claw at the walls. A dog is very similar. When they are left outside for long periods of time, they might begin to equate it with a punishment. By making your yard a fun place, for instance, playing fetch or other games, a dog will start to think differently about the area and not think about digging as much.
Cool Your Dog Down
During the warm weather and summer months, you should give your dog a way to keep cool. Some examples include giving your dog a small pool or actually making them a sand or dirt pit of their own. This will provide them an opportunity to cool off without having to dig up your rose bushes.
Give Your Dog a Place to Dig
Digging is a natural instinct for many breeds of dog. It is something they are going to do. Getting angry at your dog will not stop the behavior. In some situations, it might be best to bite the bullet and just create a digging area for your pup. If you praise a dog for digging in the appropriate location, they should start limiting their excavating to their site. It also helps them from losing that favorite bone.
Reward Not Digging
You can also reward your dog when they do not dig. To accomplish this, you need to catch your dog before the digging begins. When you see your pup starting to dig, give them a “stop digging” command and have a treat handy. When your dog responds and does not dig, praise them and give them the treat. By reinforcing this behavior over time, you could slow their digging down. However, you must remember that dogs dig and their instincts will take over from time to time.
Bury Their Stool
Another option, though it might sound a bit off-putting, is to bury your dog’s stool in the areas where you do not want them to dig. If a dog finds their own stool when digging, they are likely to avoid that area in the future. This idea will not stop them from digging in other places but does provide a way to limit where they practice their craft.
Reach Out to Our Atlanta, GA Dog Sitters for Walking, Exercising, and Feeding
Most people do not like it when their dogs dig in their yards or gardens. While this is a natural instinct in many breeds, it does not mean that you cannot take steps to limit their burrowing behaviors. One of the best ways to slow digging down is to get your dog out for long walks and exercise. That is where Atlanta pet sitting company Critter Sitters can help. Call Critter Sitters today to talk about getting your dog out and about regularly by calling (404) 793-6178.
