There are many reasons why your beloved dog may start digging—whether it’s everywhere or at anything. It could be that Woofer is bored inside the house, or maybe he thinks there’s a tasty treat hidden under the grass and soil. Perhaps he buried something in the past and now can’t remember where it is, so he decides to dig in multiple areas. Understanding if there is an underlying problem can be the first step in helping your dog stop digging, or at least guide him to dig in the right, designated area.
Common Causes of Digging and How to Address Them
This is one of the most challenging issues that dog owners face. It’s also important to remember that digging is a natural behavior and an enjoyable pastime for dogs. If your dog loves digging, consider providing him with his own digging pit—just as parents would provide their children with a sandbox. Take some of his favorite dog toys and let him see you burying them. Call him over and help him dig them up. Once your dog learns that digging in his pit is an acceptable and enjoyable activity, you can teach him that digging elsewhere is not allowed.
The first step is to teach your dog to stay away from your flower and vegetable gardens. Each time he approaches the wrong area, quietly warn him by saying “Off.” If he stays away, immediately praise him. Over time, he will learn to avoid those areas (unless there’s something really interesting under those bushes). If Woofer continues to dig all over the place—tearing into rugs or couches—it could indicate something more serious, such as stress or boredom. If you’re unsure of the reason for your dog’s digging, try observing him without his knowledge. When a dog feels he’s left to his own devices, he will follow his usual routine, which may include digging. This observation can help you uncover the source of his digging behavior.
Your dog needs to be mentally challenged every day. If you don’t provide him with sufficient stimulation, he will find ways to entertain himself. Dogs may dig for various reasons: to seek entertainment, attention, comfort, escape, prey, or protection. (Despite what it might feel like at times, your dog won’t dig out of spite, revenge, or a desire to destroy your yard.) If your dog digs to escape or protect himself from elements like heat, cold, or water, make sure he has a sturdy, insulated doghouse suited to the weather. Ensure he has a large, sturdy water dish that’s always full and monitor him to avoid any issues. Some owners even bury bricks and chicken wire under fences to prevent dogs from digging underneath them. If you choose this approach, place the bricks over the wire to prevent injury. You don’t want to find that Woofer has cut his paw, leading to an expensive trip to the vet.
It’s also important to remember that certain breeds are more prone to digging than others. Terriers, for example, are natural diggers, bred to hunt rodents and other small creatures. Despite all the training you can provide, some dogs will continue to dig, and perhaps not in the designated area you’ve set for them. You may also have to accept that your dog will occasionally run up to you, covered in mud from a fun digging session, only to go for a drink of water afterward. But what can you do? Let out a loud sigh and take him for a bath.
Regardless of how things turn out, remember that you have to love Woofer just the way he is.
