Let Them Grind It In!

Talley and myself are kindred spirits, in that we both adore getting dirty, downright dirty. The only difference is, I get dirty while gardening, and Talley loves to grind that dirt in, rolling and digging in her sandox. You could say the garden is my sandbox; I end up looking like Talley, with dirt in my hair, on my clothes, all over my person. These behaviors for both of us are highly self reinforcing. I think for a human gardening would have to be an acquired hobby, while for dogs, loving the dirt is innate. Unfortunately, many dogs today are deprived of experiences they would do innately. In the perfect world, there would be blood hounds tracking, sheep being herded by border collies, and daschunds running rodents to ground in tunnels. Professional dog trainers must identify appropriate alternative behaviors for the varying dog breeds, and help clients direct their dogs towards behaviors that will be healthy outlets. All border collies cannot herd sheep. However, they can engage in shaping exercises, targeting, agility, and work for meals out of interactive treat toys. During times where dogs are often never off leash, with breed legislation and fear of being sued, the need for appropriate outlets is ever more important. My own labs are able to swim multiple times per week. You might say Talley has a near perfect world, particularly delighting in that wonderfully satisfying roll in the sand box, while sopping wet. Yes, let them grind it in, let them be dogs. Making a doggy sandbox is such an easy thing to do, and will give your dog a wonderul doggy outlet, as well as a "legal" place to dig. For me, the comical faces are worth the price of admission. And you know, the floors will survive, and the towels can be washed. Isn`t it all about making them happy?