He digs in lots of things but needs to be washed every time it rains and (he sticks his nose in which is really a mess). I also catch him eating his poop sometimes. He is in a fenced yard so he runs free.
2007-01-09 05:13:06 · 9 answers · asked by Susan O 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
This is pretty normal behaviour for a Shih Tzu. You will just need to accept the fact that diggy bathing is a nearly everyday outine.
2007-01-09 05:19:44 · answer #1 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog started digging for awhile (she's a cattle dog). I almost made her a doggie sandbox (I saw the idea in a magazine), but then she stopped.
The doggie sandbox sounds like a great idea to me though. Basically, you dig a hole in your yard a few feet deep, fill it back up, but throw in some toys & bones, etc for her to find. That will encourage her to dig there and only there. After that, scold her for digging anywhere EXCEPT the box, but encourage her to dig there. If you use play sand (the kind used in kids sandboxes), it's a lot cleaner than dirt, so fewer baths should be required.
Digging is a natural desire and very hard to alter. If a digging box is out of the question, get her a nice fluffy pillow she is allowed to dig on (or maybe sew several pillows together or something?), or just try to encourage her to do other things. I think raw bones is what finally got my dog to stop digging... they keep her occupied for hours.
2007-01-09 05:23:09 · answer #2 · answered by kittikatti69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Digging is a natural 'doggie thing' comes from their ancestors. They will also dig due to boredom. When he starts digging in a place that you don't want him to dig in, make a quick & loud correction, NO or STOP (whatever you decide you want to be the command for him to quit doing this bad behavior), then praise him immediately upon his stopping the digging. Another correction could be by using a spray bottle or a whistle, somthing that will interupt his bad behavior.
Even though your pooch 'runs free' walking him on a leash at least once a day is a good way to get him to learn obediance & commands from you.
Good Luck
2007-01-09 05:38:47 · answer #3 · answered by Ms BG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
STEP 1: Avoid punishing your dog for digging ' this only teaches her not to dig in your presence. She may resume digging when you're not around. STEP 2: Take her on walks. Dogs often dig to expend energy, and walking is a less destructive way to accomplish this.
STEP 3: Put up a fence to keep your dog out of areas ' like your well-manicured lawn ' where you don't want her to dig.
STEP 4: Confine your dog in a dog run with toys, shade and water.
STEP 5: Keep your dog's sleeping area shaded in hot weather, and supply a wading pool if it's hot outside. Dogs often dig in search of a cool place to lie down.
STEP 6: Turn on the sprinklers or spray your dog with a hose each time she starts digging ' this may discourage her from digging if she doesn't like water sprayed on her.
Digging is often a result of boredom, so keep your dog occupied with other activities.
Give your dog her own place to dig ' a sandbox or dirt area ' and encourage digging in only that spot by hiding treats for her to find. This allows your dog to enjoy the natural behavior of digging without ruining your yard.
2007-01-09 05:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by jittarbug 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's natural for them but to dig but it does mess up the lawn.
I can only suggest you errect a dog run and basically let your dog play in half the garden or less. I know this is not the best answer but it's an option. Make a theme out of it.
2007-01-09 05:28:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might be bored, although I'll admit I don't know much about shih tzus. Just because he's in a yard though, doesn't mean he doesn't get bored. Maybe invest in a few toys to keep his mind off the digging?
2007-01-09 05:23:20 · answer #6 · answered by mixermune 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretty normal behavior for dogs, just instinct. I think there is a spray called something like "no dig" or something like that. go to www.drsfostersmith.com to find related training aids and products.
2007-01-09 05:23:40 · answer #7 · answered by ´¯0())))»·.¸¸.·´´¯`··._.· 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cut off his legs that will take care of that problem.
Eating his poop is another story, I think you need to try a better tasting dog food product.
I am sorry but I do hope I make one or two people smile today ;>)
Peace
2007-01-09 05:22:51 · answer #8 · answered by Kdude 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That's normal for the breed. If you don't want him to dig, you'll have to keep him indoors.
2007-01-09 05:20:36 · answer #9 · answered by Vix 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋