Spring has arrived! It’s time to be outside and do some of that yard work. Your dog has offered up his/her services and has provided the ultimate assistance, digging holes. Digging those large, deep holes is not what any homeowner wants but it is a must do for your dog.
Why does your pooch dig holes?
- It’s fun! It’s a way to let out all of that cooped up energy. Also, many breeds have those characteristics and are more likely to dig.
- They are hiding something! Dogs love hiding their treasures. Those treasures might be your phone, chew toy, food or for some, stolen socks and underwear.
- It’s hot outside. Dogs will dig holes under bushes or outdoor furniture to cool down.
- They are hunting something! Critters hide in holes. Trust me, if your dog sees a hole, their prey drive will kick in and the hunt is on.
- They have scheduled a road trip without you. Escaping from under a fence can happen a time or two. It is important to find out what type of behavior is happening at that time, such as escaping from being in a fenced or confined area or a combination of that and separation anxiety. If you have some concern with regards to this behavior or separation anxiety, please consult a professional dog trainer that specializes in behavior modification.
What can you do to stop digging?
It is important to supervise your dog at all times. With all the pets being stolen right out of their yards nowadays, it is important to keep an eye on them.
With holes that your dog has already dug, you can put chicken wire down on top of the hole and cover the hole with dirt, bark mulch or gravel. Another alternative is placing their poop in the same hole that they continue to dig and cover with dirt. Dogs don’t like playing with their own poop.
Lastly, you can compromise by creating a specific area for your dog to dig. You can fence off a suitable area and replace the topsoil with a heavy sand to make digging easier. You can teach your dog that this is his/her play area and place this behavior on a cue.
Want to make it fun? Each week, you can hide a variety of treats and toys. For example, while your dog is in the house, you can place some toys or treats under the sand in a variety of places. Let your dog out, lead him to his area and say, “Dig”.
For some really cool ideas on how to create a dog-friendly landscape with a little pop of fun, log onto Pinterest. They have really creative ways to make your backyard fun and safe for your dog.
Do you have a designated area for your dog to dig? Please share your photos and ideas. I would love to hear from ya.
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