How do I get my dog to stop digging holes in my yard. We've already been to training with her and it didn't help! Does anyone know of anything they have tried that worked for them? I would be very greatful. Thanks in advance!
2007-02-26 07:56:08 · 10 answers · asked by xogingerox 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
She is never left out in the yard for more than 20 minutes, EVER. Unless we are on a walk together. I give her a lot of attention and someone is always home to spend time with her.
2007-02-26 08:02:32 · update #1
There are many reasons a dog may dig. They may be digging for rodents, to cool off, to bury and retrieve bones, escape confinement, or just for fun. Digging generally happens when pets are left alone without enough stimulation. Provide your dog with plenty of safe, stimulating chew toys, increased play and exercise, or perhaps a second pet. You should, however, give some extra thought to an additional pet since you could end up with two pets that have digging problems.
When you are around, digging can be discouraged with negative consequences such as remote punishment (turning on a sprinkler), pulling on an extended leash, tossing a tin can filled with coins or pebbles, or changing the ground surface i.e.: placing chicken wire over the ground or covering the area with concrete. You may also take a proactive approach and provide your dog with a digging area. Build an eight inch deep wood frame and sink it into the ground. Mix sand and soil together and partially bury toys, smearing the ends with a small amount of cheese or meat juices. When you see your dog digging in this area, give reinforcement.
Please keep in mind that there are many trainers in your area that could work closely with you to curb problematic behaviors. Many trainers are able to go to your own home to evaluate and design a training program specifically suited to your dog. If the problem behavior your dog has is too difficult for you to deal with, you are encouraged to seek a professional trainer. Remember, addressing problem behaviors will improve your relationship with your pet and your overall quality of life.
2007-02-26 08:04:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mike 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Try putting some mousetraps in the holes. One they get their nose snapped a couple times they may stop. Also look at what may be causing the behavior. If this was a runt pup it may be mentally impaired. If it is rat terrier or any other type of small dog you may have an issue. Many breeds were created to seek out and destroy rodents. Its in the DNA. If the dog runs loose as in a farm scenario spend a couple days with it leashed to your belt loop. Spend your outside time doing your normal stuff but make the dog be with you. Every time it starts digging stop, reprimand and praise. Also lots of petting during the praise. Then NOT digging becomes the desire for the dog so it gets the petting and the praise. May take several tries based on how stubborn your dog is. Good luck
2007-02-26 16:03:50 · answer #2 · answered by Stew 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do you really follow the training you went through? Most folks lapse on that. You need to apply what you learned & really stick with it. Despite the obvious point gaming - the lady who gave you the first answer is right. Dogs can get bored in less than 20 minutes. If you can possibly spend some time out there with a ball or frisbee - give that a try. Play - short break - play - short break - come inside. And by short, I mean less than 5 minutes. Eventually lengthen the breaks - and you could be on your way to helping your dog get used to being outside alone for longer periods. Good luck!
2007-02-26 16:06:45 · answer #3 · answered by Barb b 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try sprinkling some cayenne pepper out there- it's not harmful. Out dog trainer and the vet said to do the same thing. The only downfall is that when it rains you must sprinkle more. We did it for about a week and we've gone through so many containers of the stuff, plus we live in NC and have been getting a lot of rain! Good luck!
2007-02-26 16:25:08 · answer #4 · answered by kellilicious5 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some dogs will dig no matter what you do. My german shepard used to dig huge holes all the time. We'd just fill them back in and she'd usually dig in the same spot (luckily, it was in a spot that you couldn't really see so you wouldn't notice the lack of grass there...)
2007-02-26 16:23:42 · answer #5 · answered by Lime745 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs dig if the feel insecure or when they are trying to secure something safely for you or them. They worry about keeping what they think is valuable hidden. If they are digging to for no apparent reason, they may be looking for something they've already hid or for something they feel is important. Occasionally they will dig because of anxiety, more often though it is due to an object of value they are trying to keep safe or dig up.
2007-02-26 16:13:23 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
From my experience. You usually cannot stop them from digging.,.. BUT you can give them their own digging spot in your yard. It takes a little time for them to understand But with patients you will succeed.
2007-02-26 16:04:47 · answer #7 · answered by faethdragon 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
good luck. I've tried everything too and nothing works. unless you can be right out there with him and correct it then. what a pain!
and giving him his 'own' place to dig.... not!. they can't tell a good place from his place..
really, good luck..
2007-02-26 16:03:18 · answer #8 · answered by coppertone_d_lite 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
dogs dig because they like too and because they are bored... is the dog digging because she is left alone in the yard for extended periods of time???? i would suggest more exercise for the dog.. and more interaction with her from YOU
2007-02-26 16:01:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Get a sand pit and Hand him a Chew toy .
2007-02-26 16:01:31 · answer #10 · answered by Unoptrid1aq 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋