Digging is a normal
behavior for dogs, and it is often seen as a problem for the owners.
Why do dogs dig?
It's hot outside!
Dogs dig to get to the
cooler earth below the surface so they will have a cool place to lie during the
heat of the day to get some relief from the heat.
To bury things they want to keep
safe for latter!
Bones, toys, treats, etc...
Interesting Smells!
Small animals have been
there.
They smell ground
squirrels, gophers, and/or moles
below the ground.
The ground was recently
tilled or turned.
The dog was in the yard
while you were gardening and you expressed enjoyment when he started to dig
next to you. You positively reinforced the
behavior.
The dog was curious about what you buried when you were digging in the yard.
If there is a sprinkler leaking that is making the ground damp, that will enhance the scents coming from that area and may encourage digging.
Interesting Sounds!
They hear squirrels,
gophers, moles, etc... below ground.
Boredom!
It is fun, and something
entertaining to do.
They are after insects.
Isolation!
To escape the yard and find
someplace more interesting or seek out a companion! Go to the "Escaping & Roaming"
page.
Lack of Exercise!
Dogs
that are full of energy need to release it somehow.
Attention Seeking!
Isolated in the
backyard away from the family, digging may be one of the few times he gets
attention. You yell at them, or in their world, you are at least talking to
them.
If the dog is a Terrier, understand that
most Terriers were originally bred for vermin control, and were used hunt and
kill vermin that are below ground. This group of dogs gets its name from Latin
terra, meaning earth. They like to dig.
Terriers are generally energetic and will find something to do if you don't
provide an acceptable alternative.
What
can you do?
If it is hot
Provide a cooler place for them to rest! Give them their
own pool.
If they are burying things
Provide and teach them to
use a designated place to bury their stuff!
Is your dog a part of your family? Or a fixture in the
backyard? If the answer is yes, you may need to rethink your relationship with
your dog.
If they have learned to monopolize all your time and
to never spend time alone, you will need to start setting some boundaries. Be
sure not to give them any attention for digging, and only call back into the
house when they are not digging or doing something you don't like.
Other options
Mesh Fencing
Bury a mesh fencing material a few inches below ground at the base of
the fence. Be sure it has no sharp edges that would injury your dog.
Fill holes with your dog's feces and cover. They often will not dig in the
same spot after finding their own feces.
Motion Activated Sprinkler
ScareCrow Motion-activated Animal Deterrent
The ScareCrow motion-activated
sprinkler automatically detects deer, racoons, heron, dogs and more as they
approach, and repels them with a short but startling burst of water. The sudden
noise, movement and spray scares animals away, teaching them to avoid the area
in future.
The ScareCrow:
works day and night without
chemicals or unsightly barriers
can be linked to other ScareCrows
to form an effective water barrier
conserves water - uses just 2 to 3
cups per deterrence
operates for up to six months on a
single nine-volt battery
Comments
Adjust the detection pattern to only activate when you dog enters an area such as a flower bed or other spot you do not wish them dig.
