Why is my dog digging?

Question

I've had my dog for a while now and he's never dug holes before. It's been about a week now that he keeps digging at the exact same spot along the side of the fence. I put the dirt back into the hole and tell him no and he lies down in his corner when he's punished but he always starts again at the same place. I imagine he's trying to get out of the yard but he's castrated and therefore not looking to mate. Why is he doing this and what can I do about it? (I've worked so hard on my lawn *cry* lol)

I know people have told me to watch The Dog Whisperer...but I don't have cable...yes there are those of us out there with no cable tv. lol

Answer 1

Probably because he is bored. If you don't have cable, check him out on the web at the following link:
http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/tips/index.php
You might also try cleaning up his poop while he is watching, putting it in the hole he dug and cover it with the dirt. Most of the time, they won't dig there again and if they do they get the poop smell. I know it sounds terrible but it works. Also, make sure he is getting plenty of exercise.

Answer 2

Go check out National Geographic's Dog Whisperer. Its a GREAT show. Carlos Millan knows pack mentality and teaches humans how to be pack leaders to their dogs. Most dogs develop neurosis' because humans treat them like humans instead of like dogs. I highly recommend the show!

***Edit*** 11/09/06
Oh Sorry, dude! Well, perhaps a friend has cable? Dog Whisperer is on Friday nights. OR, at the website, you can purchase DVDs... best of luck to you!

***EDIT*** same day...
Wow... MANDYLBH (below) has a resource for Dog Whisperer I knew nothing about! She's abslutely right, its a great site! Its got Carlos' techniques and tips on it! I'll add a link here, but MANDY has the link too. Good job, MANDY!

Answer 3

well i have a pug, and i read a book that says if a dog is digging it means hes bored or lonely. he doesnt need to be punnished hes just screaming for attention. go out at the same time every day so hell know when to expect you. therefore he will not feel the need to dig because he will know that you are going to come play with him no matter what!

Answer 4

my dog digs at the same place in our yard from time to time. He seems to smell something wonderful there. Since it's not at a fence line I let him enjoy digging and digging. Dogs naturally love to dig.

Answer 5

sounds like you may have gold in your yard :)

dogs have a natural instinct to dig and it's for different reasons...one being to stay cool, one being because they smell something interesting. put something over the area, ie lawn chair etc. and hope for the best. I let mine dig in one area and that seems to be ok with them.

Answer 6

dogs are really something special aren't they??? they can find endless pleasure in such a simply task. lol. First thing I would say is that he is bored. Does he get any exercise???? dogs need it very badly. They need to feel useful and in tune with their pack with you as their pack leader. As Cesar Milan says, a exercised dog is a well-balanced one. So break out a leash, get on your walking shoes and go have fun.

Answer 7

Thats what doggies do "DIG", he/she is just being a "DOG", put some of their "Dog poop" buried shallow next to the fence (or where ever the Dog digs), Dogs won't dig where there is poop, would you ? Problem SOLVED !

Answer 8

put a big rock in his digging spot, dogs just love to dig.

Answer 9

he is bored,
take him for a daily walk ( about 1 hr a day).
or play fetch ,
he has alot of energy he needs to burn off.

after a good walk or run he'll be to tired to dig..

it really works for my bullmastiff...