Training Tips For Addressing Problem Dog Digging

There are a number of reasons why dogs dig, all of them normal and natural. Some breeds are
more inclined to dig and you should be aware of that before choosing a dog. “Know your dog’s
job description,” trainer, Kathleen Daniels stresses. “A Terrier is going to dig. That’s what
they’re supposed to do. Accept it.” Terriers, Pinschers, Dachshunds and northern breeds are
known for digging. It may be a good idea to give these dogs an area where digging is okay (see
tip #7 below).

Puppies of any breed are also more inclined to dig. It is part of their exploring and learning
about the world around them. Some pups naturally outgrow this activity, while others need to be
taught that it is not an acceptable behavior. This was part of the problem in Whitney’s situation.
She didn’t know her owners wanted her to stop digging until they started to verbalize their
displeasure. And it was important that they scold her at the time of the digging, not when they
came home and found the big holes. Dogs need close association between the bad behavior and
the corrective action in order to make the connection.

Breed and age considerations aside, your dog may have lots of reasons for digging. Because
there are so many causes and since this is a very common behavior problem, we have compiled a
number of possible solutions. Some of them may be dependant on the initial cause of the
behavior, which may not be immediately apparent. You may need to try several methods to find
one that works. In most cases, it is simply a matter of you doing things differently, rather than
modifying your dog’s behavior.

Stopping Problems With Digging Dogs

1.) SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR DOG
The dog is left alone too much. This can cause loneliness, nervousness and anxiety. Increasing
their time spent with you and inside the house should help overcome this problem.

2.) PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER FROM THE WEATHER
Dogs that are left outside tend to dig to create a shelter or den for cooling off. This is also an
issue for dogs during the winter months as they look for a place to stay warm. If this is the case
at your house, create a shady spot and provide a shelter in a cooler location. A doggy door into
the house or a garage out of the weather often solves this issue.

3.) EXERCISE YOUR DOG MORE
Digging is fun for dogs and uses up excess energy. Many times even a dog that does not
normally dig will suddenly pick up this bad behavior if it hasn’t gotten enough exercise. If your
dog is naturally more active or nervous, she is more likely to dig if under-exercised.

4.) GIVE YOUR DOG A BIGGER AREA
Dogs dig to get out of an enclosure or to make their dens bigger. Your dog may be tearing up the
ground in an effort to gain more living space. Even smaller dogs need room to run and play if
they are going to be enclosed for extended periods of time. Mandy did not indicate the size of
Whitney’s kennel area, but the dimensions of those purchased at Home Depot and other home
improvement centers are often 6 feet by 6 feet. This is too small for a dog to be in all day, and if
you put the kennel on a dirt surface, you are basically asking for digging problems.

5.) EVALUATE YOUR DOG’S DIET
Soil contains vitamins and minerals. If you dog is eating too many table scraps or a nutritionally
inferior dog food, she may be searching in the dirt for those things that are missing from her diet.
A veterinarian can help you determine if a dog is getting its nutritional needs met. “We can look
at the coat and its weight and that sort of thing,” Tonia Heller explains. Even a dog’s eyes, teeth,
and toenails are indicators of its overall health.

6.) FOCUS ON REGULAR OBEDIENCE TRAINING
A dog with little or no obedience training has not learned how to restrain her instincts. Basic
obedience training can give the dog the understanding and beginning abilities needed to control
impulsive behavior. Training can be conducted at home following an informed, daily schedule
or by attending a class and using the techniques taught by the trainer. The digging problems will
tend to decrease and then stop altogether as the obedience training continues.

7.) USE A NOISEMAKER TO CREATE A NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCE
This is essentially the same technique used to stop excessive barking. Watch your dog while she
is out in the yard or kennel. Hide behind the curtains or a couch and wait for her to begin digging.
As soon as her claws hit the dirt, use a foghorn, loud whistle, or some other tool to
make a noise your dog will find distracting and unpleasant.

You will need to do this several times and be consistent about it to help your dog make the
connection between digging and the negative consequence. It is important that you not use your
own voice and that you stay hidden when using the horn or whistle. Many dogs misbehave
because they want a reaction from you and they don’t care if it is negative. If the dog realizes
you are behind the noisemaking, you could inadvertently encourage the digging behavior.

8.) PLACE A BARRIER IN THE GROUND WHERE YOUR DOG DIGS
If your dog consistently digs in the same spot or type of area, bury a piece of plastic sheeting or
snow fence about two inches beneath the surface of the dirt. When your dog’s feet touch the
barrier, it will create an unpleasant or startling sensation that will likely cause her to stop.

9.) GIVE YOUR DOG A SANDBOX OR OTHER APPROVED DIGGING AREA
If your dog is a breed type known for digging, or if you have tried other methods with no
success, you may just want to accept that your dog is going to dig, and focus on teaching her
WHERE to dig. This is similar to housebreaking in that the dog needs to learn where a certain
behavior is acceptable.

Create a clearly defined area with boards or some other divider material and fill it with dirt or
sand. When you catch your dog digging, immediately bring her to the designated area and
encourage her to dig by scratching the dirt or sand with your own hands. If this doesn’t work
you can move the dog’s paws or bury something and encourage the pup to dig for it. Praise your
dog when she digs in the correct area. This training method can seem contradictory to pet
owners who are trying to teach their dogs NOT to dig. But sometimes we just have to face the
fact that dogs will be dogs and make a compromise.