| "If I catch my dog digging in the garden one more time..." Fortunately
the thought of taking drastic action gives way to frustration as you try to cope
with a dog who digs. The annoying habit of digging ranks high on the list
of behavior problems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no one answer to solve this
particular problem. In some instances, the instinct to dig is the heritage
of the breed. Over the centuries dogs have been bred for a variety of tasks ranging
from the close interaction of toy breeds with their owners to sporting dogs who
require regular sessions of physical activity. Nordic dogs dig holes to cool themselves.
The heritage of terriers (from the Latin, "terra," for earth) has been to dig
underground after rodents and small game. Dachshunds were developed to chase badgers
into their holes. Some dogs, regardless of heritage, may be more inclined
to dig if they are left alone in the yard for long periods of time. Digging is
often the result of boredom and this can be a learned behavior in some dogs. Companionship
is a primary reason for having a dog. Being a companion means forging a bond through
regular play and exercise with your dog. Without this stimulation, dogs often
turn to digging or other forms of destructive behavior to alleviate their boredom.
The problem of "the digging dog" may go beyond the instincts of the breed or boredom
and relate to other problems. A dog that is pushed outdoors after it misbehaves
in the house may continue its misbehaving by digging in the yard. Controlling
your dog's behavior inside addresses that problem as well as unacceptable digging
outside. A dog left alone may be reacting to the absence of family members.
If this is the case, you need to work with your dog to help it tolerate gradually
longer absences. Your veterinarian can help you plan this behavior modification
training. During summer months, if your dog digs a hole to cool itself,
consider providing a cooler location for it such as an umbrella, or inside the
house or basement. If your dog is housed outside, be certain it has access to
some shade throughout the day and that fresh drinking water is always available.
Some dogs find hot weather comfort in their own wading pools with fresh, cool
water. Some dogs tend to roam and will dig under a fence to get out of
the yard. Ideally, a fence should fit tight to the ground or even be buried a
few inches underneath to prevent a dog's crawling or digging out from under it.
If your dog is trying to escape, try to determine why it is leaving home. Is it
simply bored, or an intact male indulging in sexual wanderlust? Unless you plan
a responsible breeding program which includes placing puppies in good homes, neutering
is recommended. A neutered dog is generally calm and tends not to wander. If
you find it virtually impossible to discourage your dog from digging, provide
it with a "digging area." When your dog digs in this designated area, praise it
and reward it with attention or a treat. If your dog digs outside this area and
is caught in the act, a firm "no" is usually a deterrent. However, all family
members must cooperate and must reprimand the dog only when it is caught digging
outside the designated area. In this aspect of training, as in all others,
family members must work together as a team. Giving a variety of verbal commands
confuses a dog. One overly indulgent family member can create problems by not
cooperating in training a dog. Dogs pick up on this and may use that family member
to their advantage. A final thought Your dog's behavior
is influenced by the lifestyle you maintain for it. Regular walks or play periods
with your dog and praise for tricks you teach it will make its life fun and stimulating.
Such a dog is less likely to develop annoying behavior problems resulting from
boredom. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ Reprinted with permission
by Ralston Purina | 
