Any tips on how to keep my Boxer from digging?

Question

He's 14 weeks old, and of course, very active. I have other dogs that he plays with in my home and yard. But sometimes, he digs at the fence line trying to get to my neighbor's dogs. (neighbor's dogs dig as well, there was a "tunnel" between the yards-thank goodness they play well together.) We have re-filled the holes, some with concrete, but they just move to a new location and dig away! I've read that boxers like sand boxes, would it really help, though?

Answer 1

Most dogs are natural diggers - some breeds more than others. Punishing them for digging is useless and cruel. Without guidance, a bored and lonely dog is going to find something to do - usually something you don't like.

Bury wire or put concrete along the ground by the fence to keep them from diggin under.

Dogs love the smell of freshly turned earth - they don't understand that you like your yard the way it is!
Make sure they're getting plenty of exercise and training and play time with a human. Try making an area with a sandbox and encourage them to dig there. Or find another fun thing to distract them. Get a tetherball game and hang the ball at a low enough height that they can grab it. (NOTE: this can sometimes lead to a lot of barking and really piss off your neighbors!) For my terriers, I installed an overhead wire across my yard, attached a pulley and ran a second wire down toward the ground with a fuzzy dog toy at the end of it. They love zipping it back and forth and playing tug-of-war with it. You can also teach them to play flyball - a competitive dog sport where the dog is trained to launch his own ball from a box with a spring inside.

http://www.abtc.org/flyball.htm

There are many devices they sell at the garden centers for discouraging deer and wild animals - it has a motion detector that turns on your sprinkler and chases them away. Of course, that won't work if your dogs dig everywhere or love the sprinkler! This is one of them:

http://www.critterridders.com/scarecrow.htm

And someone else suggested this to another person with the same problem - get doggie boots! I thought it was BRILLIANT! As long as they don't chew them off...

Answer 2

I actually fill the hole with a few rocks or a layer of chicken wire and then cover it with dirt. The dog will go to dig there again and hit the rocks/wire and will soon learn that it is not much fun anymore. Don't worry, it will not harm the dog in any way, it will just be uncomfortable for him to continue digging. Most dogs will never realize that other places in the yard don't have the rocks/wire. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I have a gorgeous pure white boxer called Boo who is now fully grown (it is his 3rd birthday next week!). He used to dig in our garden too. Although Boxers are very stubborn (boys especially!) they do eventually learn.

Every time you catch him digging, tell him off and fill in the hole immediately with him watching. Keep an eye on him when he thinks you are not looking and if he goes to dig, stop him just as he starts. Soon you will be able to leave him without watching.

My boxer soon learnt that I was watching him and started to sneak in the back door to see where I was before he did anything, I always knew when he was up to something because he would peep around the door then creep off again! He will learn eventually, although I would give up on the idea of a nice lawn for the time being!!

When you tell him off, make sure he knows who is boss. If he doesn't listen to a firm "No", crouch down, hold his chin so he has to look you in the eye and bare your teeth as you say it. You will look like a right wierdo doing it in public but it works on my boxer!!

Boxers can be difficult to train, I had almost given up hope on mine when all of a sudden, things started sinking in and he was fine. For all their faults, they are loving, beautiful little souls who love to play and to cuddle! Just wait until he is fully grown, weighs about 5 stone and still wants to sit on your lap and lick your face while you are watching Eastenders!! Mine even wants to sit on my shoulder sometimes! Nutter!

Make sure he has loads of toys (this helps to stop them chewing, too) and a good, wholesome food that is free from colourings works wonders too - it stops them being so hyperactive, helps stop their fur from falling out so much and means their "whoopsees" are easier to clean up too. It can also help against bottom burps too!!! I give Boo James Wellbeloved and if I run out and have to give him tinned food and mixer, you can really see the difference.

Sorry for such a long answer but I could talk about him for hours. If you have any more problems, feel free to drop me a line and I might be able to help!

Answer 4

i don't know if this will help but...
i have a jack russell and they're pretty notorious for digging but when he was a little puppy and we would take him out on a leash and he started digging, we would just pull him back and say no. and now he's a little over a year and he doesn't dig at all.

Answer 5

There are two major causes of destructive behaviour: boredom and separation anxiety. Separation anxiety
is a term used to describe the insecure behaviour of a dog who is too dependent on his owner and thus becomes destructive in his owner's absence.
Separation anxiety is also common in dogs who have been abandoned or mistreated
Too many dogs are given up for adoption because of destructive behaviour, usually without any effort by their owners to change or improve their pet's behaviour. Accepting the responsibility of owning a dog means being prepared to deal with such situations.
The suggestions listed below will help you and your dog get right back on the good behaviour "track":

Have your dog spayed or neutered.

Give your dog rigorous, tiring exercise before you leave your home. This will require more time and effort on your part, but it is necessary to help your dog.

Make all home departures and arrivals uneventful. Avoid exciting your dog at these times.
Most destructive behaviour occurs within the first and last half hours a dog is alone. This is due usually to anxiety brought on by the excitement that often surrounds this time.
Plan a play session for your dog half an hour after you arrive home.

Never reprimand unless you have caught your dog in the act of being destructive.
Punishing your dog on your return for something done in your absence will serve only to increase its anxiety and confusion, and will hinder any progress you have already made.

Purchase a crate for your dog to stay in while you are away from home or are unable to keep an eye on your dog (this is comparable to placing a toddler in a playpen). Line the crate with a blanket and provide a variety of safe and suitable chew toys for your dog.
Never use the crate as a form of reprimand. Make the act of entering the crate enjoyable.
This method is commonly referred to as "cage" or "crate training", and emulates a natural habit of dogs, which is to go into a den for a safe and secure place to rest. Once you feel your dog can be left on his own, you can practice leaving him alone for short periods of time.
Allow your dog access only to certain areas of the house and, as with children, make sure breakables and dangerous items are well out of reach (also keep in mind that your dog may just prefer to stay in its "den").
Before leaving, switch on a radio tuned to a soft music/talk station. The sound of soft human voices and music has a calming effect on dogs.

Consult a veterinarian about your dog's diet. Foods that are too high in protein and/or lack other necessary nutrients may have an effect on your dog's behaviour.

Make use of the experience of others. Many excellent books are available.

Most behavioural problems can be solved with the right amount of love, time and patience. Don't give up! The love and devotion your dog has for you will make it all worthwhile.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Sometimes a little lemon juice or a full lemon where they dig helps. It worked with my first dog. My second dog ate the lemon... Also if you check out the garden department there might be stuff that you sprinkle in that stops them. That worked with my second dog.

Answer 8

give him toys. dogs dig when they get bored. boxers are super active, too.

Answer 9

A sandbox would probably be a good idea, when you see him digging elsewhere just redirect him to the box.

One thing that works with my hounds, I fill the hole with poop.......

Answer 10

well TRUST me this will work u will have to get a shock collar and every time she digs u can shock her