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No More Digging! |
Dogs dig for lots of reasons. Your dog may dig because he was bred to
be a digger, like a terrier. He may dig because he is hot and wants to
lay down in the cool dirt. And, he may dig because he is so bored that
he can't think of anything else to do. |
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 Some dogs dig because they're bored. |
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Lots of puppies like to dig. It feels cool and fun on their little feet. It's kind of like kids when they play with fingerpaints. What fun! Don't panic if your puppy has dug a few holes in your parent's yard. Explain to them that he might be doing that just because he's a puppy. Tell them you're going to give the pup other things to do so that he won't feel like digging anymore. Many pups will stop digging on their own. But it's still a good idea to entertain your puppy with other activities. |
The more a dog or puppy is left outside alone, the more he will look for things to do. And those things may not make your parents very happy. Your goal is to give your dog lots of exercise, lots of company, and lots of interesting things to do. |
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Make a list of things that will give your dog something to do besides dig:
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| Grown dogs can become just as bored as puppies. All dogs need interesting things to do to have a happy and healthy life. Spend lots of time with your dog and you will start to see good changes in his behavior. |  |
| when your dog is bored or when you are not home. |
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| This toy is called a Kong. You can throw it and it will bounce funny. |  |
But you can also fill it with food and have fun watching your dog try to get it out. You dog will have fun, too! |
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For dogs who are digging just to keep cool on a hot day, the remedy is easy. Provide lots of cold water and a lot of shade. The more comfortable your dog is, the more relaxed he'll be. And instead of digging, he may just lay down and take a nap. |
Dogs
who have a strong instinct to dig may be harder to train.
It may be easier to just let him dig, but in a more acceptable place.
Find an area of your yard that is OK for digging. You might want to put up a pen or a fence to surround the area. This would be your dog's special place. Put the pen on an area filled with dirt or sand, so that it's a more inviting place to dig. |
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To train your dog to dig there, you might start by burying a special treat or bone while your dog watches. When he digs it up, praise him. Do this each day until he gets the idea. Be creative and surprise him with interesting treasures. If he starts to dig in another area of the yard, take him directly to his special place and tell him he's a good dog. |
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Remember, the steps to stop digging are: |
Give your dog lots and lots of exercise. Tire him
out!
Bring your dog in the house more. Spend lots and lots of time
with your dog. Make sure your dog has toys
that he plays with. Give your dog a cool, comfortable
place to spend his time. If he still digs, try making
him a special digging place. |
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Got
dog behavior questions?
Try our new Behavior FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)!
Just Click below on the Mischievous Puppy!!
 
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Puppy Training
for Kids, by Sarah Whitehead, Barrons Juveniles 2001 This book has easy-to-understand instructions for children on puppy training and care. With an emphasis on fun. Learn what to feed puppies and how much to give them, and how to play games that are safe and enjoyable. They also learn basics of puppy handling, grooming, giving commands, teaching obedience, tricks, and much more. There are great full-color photos throughout the book. For ages 9-12, or 4-8 with parents' guidance. |
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Dog
Training For Kids, by Carol Lea Benjamin,
Howell Book House Inc. 1988 This is a great book for kids written by one of the best. It explains all of the basic training that a child will need to get a good start with a dog. Also covers common behavior problems. Ages 9-12 |
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