Most behaviors of dogs are either the product of instinct or a learned behavior. Digging behavior is no exception. It is an instinct. In addition, there are certain breeds, which were bred specifically for their ability to dig out game such as badgers, foxes, and otters. They have an even greater digging instinct. Why Your Dog Dig?
Why Your Dog Dig?
Some wild dog relatives, like foxes and wolves, dig dens to raise their young. Sleeping in a den protects the young pups from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) and from predators.
Our pet dogs share the desire to sleep in and under things that resemble a den. They often dig at the ground and circle before lying down, as though they’re trying to make a softer resting place.
Why Your Dog Dig?
To Save Treats For Later
Undomesticated dogs never knew when their next meal would be. So after exceptionally bountiful hunting trips, dog’s would save whatever they didn’t finish for later.
These days however, if your pet is stowing away half eaten treats it could be a sign of over feeding.
Why Your Dog Dig?
Boredom and Separation Anxiety
While their humans are at work, some dogs experience separation anxiety. Your dog might dig to counteract the stress of waiting or to escape and go find you, among other reasons. When napping, staring out windows and going in or out of the doggy door becomes tedious, digging can be an entertaining pastime.
Providing enjoyable diversions for use only when you leave might occupy your dog and reduce her need to dig. Try leaving a treat-stuffed rubber toy outdoors or a mentally challenging dog puzzle containing hidden edible rewards.
Why Your Dog Dig?
Too Much Food
We briefly touched on this earlier in the article. But as it’s such a common and easy-to-fix reason for dogs digging, it’s worth going over in detail! Inherited genes mean that if dogs are given too much food to eat in one go. Their instincts will tell them to bury it somewhere safe. Pay attention to when your dog likes to dig. If it’s soon after you’ve fed them, it may well be that this is the problem.
Even though domestic dogs are used to getting fed frequently. They’ll still have the urge to hide excess food in case they have to go through a period of time with no food. And this is nothing to do with a one-off time when you were late home to feed them. This behavior goes back much further and links them back to wild dogs.
Why Your Dog Dig?
Because They Are Bored
High energy dogs who spend a great deal of time cooped up may dig to escape. Bored dogs are bad dogs. They know there’s a whole world out there that’s perfect for exploring and running around and something little like a fence isn’t going to stand in their way.
Why Your Dog Dig?
Searching For Comfort And Protection
Dogs might simply be digging a hole to find a cooler spot to escape the summer heat. In colder, rainier weather, they may be trying to find protection from the elements. Dogs can also dig to try to find water. You might be able to tell this is why your dog is digging if she lies in the hole she digs.
How to get them to stop? Be sure your dog has the comfort she’s looking for. Provide shelter for her outside, but don’t leave her outdoors when it’s hot. Cold or it’s raining or snowing. Make sure she has plenty of water outside.
Hunting Ground-Dwelling Animals
Most dogs have the desire and ability to hunt small prey such as moles, groundhogs, etc. If a dog finds a hole with an animal inside, she may dig relentlessly in an attempt to get to the animal.
How to Stop a Dog from Digging?
Give your dog a place where he is permitted to dig and train him. With praise and treats, to dig in that spot and not in an inappropriate place. A good place is a sandy area. An area that has already been dug up and where the soil is loose, or an area where there is a lot of shade. A sandy area has the added benefit in that. Sand is much easier to clean off than dirt.
Decide where this place will be, soften the soil, and then bury a favorite treat there. Bring your dog over to the area, say “dig!” And praise him when he uncovers the treat. Repeat until the behavior is learned. If you catch him digging in an inappropriate area, say “no!” and then take him over to the desired area and say “dig,”. Followed by praise if he digs. This training may take several days.
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