Digging

Embedded thumbnail for Redirecting Digging - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Redirecting Digging - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Pick a place for your dog to dig and bury a doggy treasure for them.  One or two bones or stuffed-chewtoys and they will quickly learn where to dig for the good stuff.

 
Training:  Digging
Embedded thumbnail for Why Dogs Dig - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Why Dogs Dig - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Digging is a very natural activity for a dog.  Digging was very useful for dogs out in the wild, and makes for great recreation when a dog is confined or bored.  Of course we don’t want our dogs to dig up our gardens, but punishing them is only going to train them to dig when you’re not there.

 
Training:  Digging
Embedded thumbnail for Preventing Digging - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Preventing Digging - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Every time your dog performs an unacceptable behavior, it self-reinforces a bad habit.  The use of confinement training in puppyhood is going to result in greater freedom for the rest of their life.  Confinement allows you to supervise them anyime they’re free, and redirect bad behaviors into good ones.

Embedded thumbnail for Punishing Digging - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

Punishing Digging - Training the Companion Dog 2 – Behavior Problems

If your dog’s behavior is not improving, your punishment isn’t working.  An effective reprimand must clearly communicate that they are behaving poorly.  You certainly don’t need to hurt the dog, a harsh tone or loud voice should be enough.

 
Training:  Digging
Embedded thumbnail for Digging

Digging

 
Training:  Digging

Digging Problems

Dogs dig to bury bones, and later to dig them up again. Dogs dig cooling hollows in the summer, and warming pits in the winter. Dogs dig after eavesdropping on private ultrasonic conversations of subterranean critters. Bitches dig dens when they are pregnant. Dogs dig out of boredom, and dogs dig to escape. But by and large, most dogs dig for the sheer fun of it.

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Training:  Digging
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Digging

Dogs dig to bury bones, and later to dig them up again. Dogs dig cooling hollows in the summer, and warming pits in the winter. Dogs dig after eavesdropping on private ultrasonic conversations of subterranean critters. Bitches dig dens when they are pregnant. Dogs dig out of boredom, and dogs dig to escape. But by and large, most dogs dig for the sheer fun of it.

Dogs Don’t See Your Problem
Dogs consider digging to be a perfectly normal and natural doggy activity. In fact, terriers consider digging to be their very reason for being. It would therefore be fruitless to try to stop your dog from digging altogether. Prevention and treatment of misplaced digging focus on management and education: preventing your dog from digging in inappropriate areas and redirecting your dog's natural digging-desire to a suitable area.

Prevent Digging in Your Absence

 
Training:  Digging
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