need help with rottwieliers?

Question

hi i am new to this i have two rottwieliers and my problem is digging the lawn has holes everywhere, anyone know how to stop them digging

Answer 1

Rottwiliers??? Absolutely not. Let them do whatever they like. They ARE the boss.

Answer 2

Digging is a natural behavior for dogs of any breed, and some (like many of the terriers) have been historically bred to encourage digging. I don't believe you can keep a dog from digging holes in your yard. You can however teach the dog to only dig in an area you permit. This will involve training and you should consult a good training book that uses primarily positive reinforcement.

First though think about why your dogs are digging. If they dig because they are bored, and they live outside, you should definitely consider bringing them inside. I can't tell you how many people make the mistake of leaving their dogs alone outside for hours (or for their entire lives!) without anything to stimulate them. The dogs get bored and start making their own fun. Who's fault is that? Inside dogs are better stimulated, usually better trained, and generally more mentally sound.

If you cannot bring the dogs inside, at least offer them stimualtion.
1. toys which you rotate often (Daily if necessary)
2. training. A confident well trained dog is less likely to cause trouble
3. exercise. A tired dog is a good dog. No amount of running loose in the backyard is as good as a nice long game of fetch.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Rottweilers are big, active dogs. Any breed can get addicted to digging holes, its exciting and its activity that burns off energy. Once one dog starts doing it, the other will join in.
I don't think your dogs have enough to do, just walking isn't enough activity for them. They are working dogs and need something to think about. The first problem is that something like this becomes habit, the sooner you put a stop to it the better. The second problem is that both of them are doing it, so you have double the trouble.
I think you need to find an alternative activity for them but it has to be more attractive than digging. You could try playing with them, get some Kong toys, and some activity balls that have holes in. You put in dry biscuits, and as they play with the ball a biscuit falls out at random intervals.
If you try an intervention, you have to be on hand to apply it every time they dog. It could be a loud unpleasant noise, ot just a sharp 'no'.
But ultimately they just need more exercise and more to do. If you had one dog you could take them to obediance and agility classes, two will be more difficult to manage.

Answer 4

Hi ,
It's every dogs nature to dig , try to keep them busy walking them playing, etc. i have a rot who is 9 yrs old I love him hes so lovable and friendly .just try to keep them safe from digging out of their yard etc, my rot digs him a big hole to lay in the ground is cool on hot summer days ,be good and love your rotties

Answer 5

I have 2 rotts. also. They will dig holes all over the place if I don't keep a cool, damp place for them to lay in. They get hot really easy and they dig holes to lay in and keep cool.

Answer 6

you will need to put in alot of efort because they are now used to it without gettin told off so to start when you let your dog out on the lawn you will have to watch them constantly, get a air horn and weneva they dig blow the air horn, make sure it is quiet before and after u clow it that willl shock your dog and weneva u see them doin it jus blow dont blow for a long time jus a quick one and then they will gradually stop.

Answer 7

why dont you just use the tried and trusted method of catching them in the act and smacking them its worked on every occasion with my dog (dogue de bordeaux) hes 8 months old now as good as gold and still my mate. by the way dont listen to people telling you more exercise rottys get problems with there hips if walked too much at a young age

Answer 8

Go to your local pet store and buy a collar that gives the dogs a little electrical jolt when you push a button. when bad behavoir begins jolt them once with commands to sit stay or come whichever you prefer. If it continues do it again. When the behavoir stops give them a treat.

Answer 9

take them to a park or woods for a walk
instead of being lazy and just letting them out in the garden
or just concrete the lawn

Answer 10

try to keep them as busy as possible, and ignore all these stupid people with stupid answers.
Good luck, Eleanor x