What do you do when the dog digs holes?

Dog digs holes

Recently, I had a consultation with a client and her 4-month-old labrador puppy. The first question was, “What to do if the dog digs holes?” The lawn is neat and nice, but the puppy digs holes for no reason.

Why is the dog digging holes?
It’s in the dog’s genes to dig holes. The dogs’ ancestors dug burrows to make nests and raise theirs young. In general, you must conclude that your Fop enjoy digging because it is what his instincts tell him to do.

However, modern dogs do not raise theirs young in burrows, so why do they continue to dig in the ground?

Digging fulfills a specific need that the dog has. Not every dog will want to dig, and each dog may have a unique need for this activity. Dogs that have been selectively bred specifically for digging holes will have the highest proclivity to do so. This breed includes dachshunds and some terriers. A dachshund’s job was to dig into a burrow where an animal was hiding, drag it out, and kill it. If the burrow was too small, the dachshund was forced to abandon it in order to fit in. That is why, through generations of breeding, people have reinforced some dogs’ desire and need to dig holes.

The dog has reasons

• On hot days, dogs frequently dig holes to find cooler ground.
  The dog has detected an underground animal (mole, lizard, etc.) and is eager to investigate.
• Fop may want to bury a favorite toy, treat, or bone in the hole. He prefers to keep his valuables in a cache rather than scattering them throughout the yard.
• Fop may have simply wanted to cross the fence, but the gate had recently been closed. The tenacious dog declared that he would simply dig his way to the opposite side. This frequently happens when the dog’s desire for exploration is not satisfied, or when there is a pregnant female in the area.
• A pregnant bitch with no other options may dig a hole to raise her puppies. Later, she can cover the hole with her own body to keep the puppies warm.
• A dog digs holes because he is bored. If he does not have enough variety in his daily activities, he can create this type of activity for himself.

What do you do when the dog digs holes?
It’s simple: teach him to dig holes!

Now that we know digging is a dog’s natural need, and some dogs enjoy it, it’s worth allowing them. The only thing that needs to change is the digging location.

Designate a dog area in your yard where digging is allowed. It could be something like a sandbox, and it would be ideal if this area was clearly separated from the rest of the garden or yard. With such a legal place to dig, your dog will be able to fulfills his need without costing you anything. Ideally, this dog’s sandbox should only contain sand or loosened soil. This encourages your dog to dig right there. That being said, sand is preferable because digging in wet ground will result in a very dirty dog. Sand is a little easier to clean.

Once you’ve found a place to dig, take your dog there every day and dig together. Encourage Fop to dig – the simplest way to do so is to vigorously bury his hands in the ground, or simply dig. If your dog enjoys digging, convincing him to do so should be simple.

Satisfy his needs in this manner every day. When you’re in the backyard, keep an eye on your dog and, as soon as he starts digging, take him to the sandbox and dig together again. Repeat this process until your dog understands that the sandbox is for digging.

Unfortunately, for the first few months of training, you should not leave your dog alone in the yard. If you do, you won’t be able to keep an eye on him and redirect his behavior as needed.

Digging on command

You can teach VIP to dig in the sandbox using commands like “dig.” When the dog notices what you are doing, bury a larger treat in a legal digging spot. Bury it shallowly so that the dog can easily dig it up. Get the dog interested in the location and encourage it to dig. When the dog digs up the treat, he will get a reward.

After you’ve buried the food, give the command “dig” just before the dog begins digging. After a dozen repetitions and a break (rest), pretend to bury something using the same hand movements as when burying. Say “dig” now, and if the dog starts digging, immediately reward him with a treat from your hand. Gradually reduce the “pretend digging” element until your dog will dig on the “dig” command itself. Praise and reward your dog generously for digging on command in the designated area.

At first, reward even the smallest movement of the paw with a “small kick”. Later on, active kicking becomes increasingly necessary.

How do you punish the dog for digging holes in the garden?
Not at all, dear.

Yes, as previously stated, digging is a need of the dog. One dog has a greater need to dig than another, while others have almost no need at all. However, dogs with such a need should be able to meet it in order to be happy, calm, and fulfilled. Punishing a dog for recognizing its needs is similar to punishing a child for wanting to run or eat. Absolutely pointless.

We can, of course, create an interruption word (e.g., no) to use when the dog digs in an illegal location. However, after such a word, we should demonstrate to the dog what behavior we expect, as simply forbidding it is ineffective.

Is there another way?

The most important thing is to satisfy the desire for physical activity and exploration. A dog that wanders frequently with his handler leashed or on a long rope (10/15 meters) is a contented dog who is less likely to play in the house and yard.

If your dog is digging under the fence, for example, dig concrete panels to keep him from escaping. However, you should consider why he is fleeing in the first place. If he takes too short walks and is always on a short leash, you should definitely make some changes to this element. If, on the other hand, he flees to female dogs, it may be a good idea to neuter the dog or not let him out in the garden when the surrounding females are in heat.

When trying to solve a problem with your dog, you should first determine what is causing the issue. Only then will you have the opportunity to try to influence his behavior.

Have a lovely day!