Dog Behavior Digging

"Dog behavior digging can be corrected by channeling this natural self rewarding behavior to solutions that work for both your dog and yourself."

- breed predisposition
- boredom
- desire to escape under a fence to go after a female dog in heat

Digging is a normal behavior for dogs, but as a dog owner, you don’t want your flowerbeds or yard dug up. In some cases, dogs try to dig under fences to escape the yard, and that can be more than a nuisance; it can prove dangerous for them if they are able to reach the street.

Breeds Dependent Reasons for Dog Digging

Dogs with Heavy Coats: Dogs such as sled dogs and chow chows want to dig areas in the dirt where they could keep cool.

Earth Dogs: These dogs have a predisposition to dig tunnels to catch small animals such as gophers.

Earth dogs: Several breeds have been bred to tunnel under ground to catch small animals such as gophers. These breeds are terriers and dachshunds.

Other breeds have been trained to follow a scent and dig for prey. Breeds that are trained to follow a scent include hounds (beagles, bassets and coon hounds).

Solutions for Dog Behavior Digging

* If you find your dog digging, say “No!” in a firm voice. Take him away from the spot where he is digging. Don’t give him excessive attention, though, or you will reinforce the behavior.

* Don’t scold your dog after the fact. He won’t understand what he’s being scolded for.

* Some dogs dig for entertainment. Make sure to provide toys for your dog if he is going to spend much time in the yard alone. Rotate his toys to keep them interesting.

* Very active dogs will dig just for the activity. Try walking your dog twice a day and playing games like fetch or Frisbee.

* Dogs need to keep their minds active, as well. Try teaching your dog commands and tricks. You can also give your dog toys that have hiding places for treats. Your dog has to figure out how to get the treats out of the hiding places.

Dog behavior digging can be replaced with other activities such as those encouraged with a Kong Toy which uses hidden food to keep a dog busy and engaged for hours.

* If they are hot, dogs will often dig so that they can lie in the cool dirt. If your dog is going to be outside in hot weather, make sure there is a cool place for him to rest such as an air conditioned area. Also make sure there is fresh water in a bowl that will not tip over.

* If your dog is digging under the fence, try putting wire mesh under the fence in the area where he is digging. Dogs who have not been neutered may try to escape the yard to find a mate, so make sure you get your pet neutered if you do not plan to breed him.

* Remove the reason why your dog is digging. For example call an exterminator to remove any animals from the yard such as gophers.

* Some dogs just have to dig, particularly dogs that have been bred to hunt prey. If your dog is determined to dig, create an acceptable digging area in your yard. Place loose soil or sand in that area. If you find your dog digging in another area, say “No!” in a firm voice and lead him to his digging area. Praise him for digging in the appropriate area. Keep your dog inside until you are ready to allow him or her to dig. Then lead your dog to the digging area. Provide treats when digging occurs in an acceptable area. Follow these instructions from the ASPCA on how to create a dog digging area.

Sources for Dog Behavior Digging

The Humane Society

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