How To Stop Dog Digging
Want to know how to stop dog digging? The problem is, dogs are born diggers which isn’t the best thing for you as a dog owner!
It is important for you to learn how to stop dog digging so that he does not destroy your garden or public property.
Some breeds of dogs will dig more than others. In general, dog digging is associated with boredom, so your digger dog should be kept busy so that he spends his energies elsewhere. Take him for long walks and exposure to a dog park should be good as well.
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There are various ways to get your dog off this habit.
One way is to dig holes and put balloons in there and then cover them with dirt. When your dog digs, pop goes the balloon and this should hopefully keep him away from the activity. The balloon trick is one amongst many scare away gadgets that can be buried to evoke surprise when touched. These should be used when you have completed all other methods on how to stop dog digging without any results.
The other way could be for you to prepare a large area that you do not mind him digging in. The trick here would be to make him understand that he can dig but only in the allowable area. Another reason that your dog may be digging is due to the fact that moist grass and soil provides him relief. This may particularly be the case during summer months. In case you notice this, provide him shade and other means to beat the heat. Give him lots of water to drink in case you feel that he is feeling the heat.
When you teach your dog how to stop digging, you need to observe him for long periods of time and to react as soon as you see him showing signs that he is about to start digging. Say a firm negative word such as “no”. A positive response from him should evoke a happy response from you where you can praise him and offer him a treat. Never shout and scold your dog when he does not obey your instructions. This will be detrimental in your attempts to stop his digging. It may also be the case of your dog having hidden his bone that he is busy digging up in which case it may not be a problem at all and in which case all that needs to be done is to stop his habit of bone burying.
While training your dog on how to stop digging you can try some more tricks that keep him off the activity.
- Scattering small pebbles and rocks may keep him away from the garden.
- Placement of a metal mesh (that wont hurt him) will also keep him away as the sensation of the mesh on his paws will not be pleasant.
- Dogs are clean and will stay away from areas that they have eliminated on. If you place their poo in areas that they are fond of targeting, you can be sure that they will stay away and not dig there.
As mentioned earlier, a lot of the digging problem lies in the fact that your dog is bored. While you are away, you may want to ask your neighbors to check on him every now and then or then to hire the services of a dog sitter.