My dog has started to scratch away at the carpeting digging a hole inside. She has been doing it for about three days now and I've stoped her before she shredded the carpet but she is 9 and she has never done it before. Why? Please any advice?
2006-07-13 08:13:36 · 15 answers · asked by me 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
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.
2006-07-13 08:17:23 · answer #1 · answered by romance_german_shepherds 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why Do Dogs Dig Inside
2017-01-14 03:16:01 · answer #2 · answered by kadlec 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if she has not been under any stress, never done this before and if is cool...
well a vet visit might be in order..she is 9..she could be in pain and could/can not get comfortable or she might be trying to find her final nesting/sleeping place. some dogs by nature go off at that stage in life... A vet helped our family friends realize health issues of an oldder pet a few yrs back...
she did find her hole with her happy pills she was lossing her mind and kept scratching to get out to somewhere that wasn't there.
2006-07-13 08:25:55 · answer #3 · answered by jaggedart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Though someone might be able to give you the answer for real I can not. However I do have to say that this seems to be common in dogs starting around this age or a little younger.
For some reason either they are not comfortable. Or it just becomes a habit for them.
2006-07-13 08:17:54 · answer #4 · answered by foolnomore2games 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Was there any change. Was there something on the floor that was there for long? Has anyone moved in or out. Is there a hidding spot and you putted a bone there? or a treat? Do you have a backyard? If so try to keep the dog most of the time there, but please don't ignore him/her cause dogs are secitive and they would be mad.
2006-07-13 08:21:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine does too. The dog is just trying to get outside. Dogs love to run and play outside.
2006-07-13 08:23:42 · answer #6 · answered by Adlih M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog started doing this so we bought him a bean bag - a really big, well-made bean bag. Now he has hours of fun and entertains us at the same time.
2006-07-13 08:20:28 · answer #7 · answered by Quester 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
anxiety. smells. is there something different happening inside the house...change in lifestyle? someone move in or out recently? Dogs are sensitive to change.
2006-07-13 08:16:31 · answer #8 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. My dog does it too and it drives me crazy. Pretty soon I am going to be able to see the hardwood floor underneath
2006-07-13 08:17:45 · answer #9 · answered by littlebopeep 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ours will dig at the floor out of anxiety.
2006-07-13 08:21:11 · answer #10 · answered by Indigo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋