Even if we regard dogs as family members, dogs are dogs and have
their unfavorable behaviors. Although many dogs love to dig and it is
healthy to allow them to indulge in this activity and express their
being dogs, digging holes everywhere in your yard or ruining your
flowerbeds is another thing. Your dog should know that expressing
himself should not be at the expense of your garden or flowerbeds. You
can keep your garden in one piece and at the same time allow your dog to
express himself and indulge in his digging habit from time to time if
your dog has developed the right attitude about digging. So how can you
resolve this problem and put an end to the digging habit of your dog?
First you have to know why dogs dig. There are common reasons why
dogs dig and knowing the reason behind your canine friend’s unfavorable
behavior can be very helpful if you want to put an end to the digging habit of your dog.
Under-exercised dogs tend to dig as a way to burn off nervous energy.
Dogs that are bored may use digging to keep them bus or entertain
themselves if left alone in the yard for long periods of time and
digging gives them a sense of purpose. Loneliness can also be a reason
for his digging habit when he is usually left with no playmates or toys.
Knowing the reason behind his digging habit is the key in solving your
dog’s unnecessary behavior.
Create a bigger world for your pet. As a pet owner it is your duty to
expand the world of your pet to prevent him from developing unfavorable
habits. You can do this by helping your dog spend more time with
people. Have a regular walk with your dog to make your dog more
sociable. You will not only solve the boredom and loneliness of your
dog but a regular walk is also a good exercise for you and your dog.
Teaching your dog new commands or tricks can be a good way to bond and
interact with each other. He will eventually forget his unnecessary
digging habits if he is not always confined around the yard. It will be
easier to put an end to the digging habit of your dog if your dog has a wider world to explore.
Praise your dog when he is not digging. This positive reinforcement
can be very helpful to encourage your dog to behave properly. Of course
you should let him know when he is displaying unfavorable behavior by
saying the word “No” with a firm voice but punishment like physically
hurting your dog or pushing his head down the hole he created is too
abusive and may create tension in your relationship. Your dog might grow
distant with you if punishments are too abusive and this is not good
because as a pet owner you should strengthen the bond between you and
your pet. Praising him for not digging is a positive way to put an end to the digging habit of your dog.
Provide an appropriate place for digging. It can be hard to end the
digging habit of your dog if you will not provide an alternative. As
mentioned earlier, dogs may need to dig and exercise their true nature
especially those breeds that are more of a digger like Terriers and
Nordic breeds. You need to teach your pet what is appropriate and what
is not acceptable. Provide a sandbox or appropriate digging area for
your dog. Teach him to learn the command “Dig” when he is on the area
where it is okay to dig and praise him for doing so. If he digs on
prohibited areas, firmly say the words “No dig”. Be patient and he will
soon learn the proper behavior.
It can be really stressful to put an end to the digging habit of your dog
but with love and patience, your canine friend will soon learn your
rules. But if you are losing hope and cannot handle the bad behavior of
your dog by yourself, there is nothing wrong in seeking professional
help. Do you want to learn more secrets? To find out visit Secrets to Dog Training
