Many dog breeds show a natural proclivity to digging. While the gradually spreading destruction is frustrating to owners, there is a tendency to neglect understanding the reasons why dogs dig. Unfortunately, millions of owners punish their dogs for doing what is instinctive to their nature. A more appropriate response is to address the motivations that lead to digging. In this article, we’ll describe a few of the reasons why your dog may be digging holes. In so doing, you’ll discover how to curb the behavior without applying negative reinforcement.
Provide Entertainment
Dogs can become bored easily. They enjoy interacting with others, whether that involves people or other animals. When left alone, the lack of interaction will drive your dog to seek stimulation in any way that is easily achieved, including digging. You can eliminate this behavior by broadening the level of exposure your dog has to other people and stimuli. Rather than leaving your dog alone in the backyard, take it to a dog park, so that it can enjoy interacting with other dogs and people. The easiest way to entertain a dog when you are away from home is with bully sticks , as they last a long time and will provide entertainment whilst you are away.
Create A Comfortable Environment
Owners often forget how susceptible their dogs are to the weather. On intensely hot days, dogs will dig holes in the soil in order to expose cool dirt in which to lay. On cold or windy days, a dog will dig a hole to create a shelter that can provide a level of protection. If your dog is digging holes in order to escape the weather, build a doghouse for him. Even better, insulate it so that it stays cool during hot days and provides warmth during colder, or windy days.
Exercise Your Dog
Left to their own devices for long periods of time, dogs will store a reserve of energy. This pent up energy, combined with boredom, will motivate him to seek an outlet. This outlet is often in the form of digging holes. Addressing the behavior is simple. You must provide your dog with an opportunity to exercise daily. Not only does doing so help him release the stored energy, but it also breaks the monotony of being confined in a limited space (i.e. backyard).
Recommendation Against Punishment
If you’re frustrated by your dog’s fondness for digging holes, avoid punishing him for the behavior. Instead, try to determine why your dog is digging. Then, address those reasons in order to remove his motivations to dig. In most cases, owners can reduce or eliminate the behavior by providing their dogs with a source of entertainment, a comfortable environment, and plenty of opportunity to exercise.
Tags: Bully Sticks, dog digging, Dog Training