What makes a dog continually want to dig a hole after you fill it back up?

Answer 1

I saw this one on Barking Mad (Animal Planet). If you get Dish then it is a great show to learn why animals do the things they do (though kind of slow at times). If I remember correctly, it is because your dog is bored or stressed because left alone. They put big rocks wherever the dog would dig and I guess he eventually got tired of not being able to find a place to dig.

It also depends on the type of dog. I had a Wolf Hybrid that dug holes so she could lay in them to stay cool and made a huge hole under her dog house and then we found out she was pregnant! She was making a den =)

Answer 2

You are challenging him. Every time he works hard and digs this beautiful hole you fill it back up. Seriously try not filling in the hole and see if he cares. He may be just interested in digging in one spot because of smells, it is near a fence and he want to escape, he is bored etc... If he keeps digging you can try putting his feeces into the hole that will discourage some dogs. You can also try redirecting him to an agreed upon spot or trying filling the spot with cement or a wood board. Be creative and try lots of solution until you find one that works. Or give up your choice.

Take care

Answer 3

Lots of things can do this such as the fact they are hearing something in the ground and are digging after it, moles for example. Breeds like the terriers are natural excavation companies and need to dig. Then there is the need to dig out a place to keep cool or warm. Then the most common reason boredom. If you thing it may be boredom or a terrier trying to hunt out moles or other things offer the dog something else to do by putting playthings in the backyard. If it is just one spot cover it over with something the dog cannot move and offer it something else to do.

Answer 4

They enjoy the smells of the earth for one reason.

They may detect a mole, or other furry animal's trail or hole.

Some dogs are bred to dig, i.e. St. Bernards e.g. snow.

Some will literally attempt to 'save' treasures such as bones, socks, shoes, or other smelly possession.

You loosened the hole...they are being helpful by emulation.

Give your dog a hole away from the holes that you want to claim...make sure that dog knows that it is a hole that he/she will not be scolded for digging around, rolling around in.

The earth feel cool to the woolly fur coat that they wore all winter...it may trigger the release of the winter coat to spend time against the earth.

Who knows? Ask that dog psychiatrist...I do not speak dog.

Answer 5

My experience is is that it is a natural instinct for dogs to want to dig, especially if your dog is a Jack Russell. The dog digs and puts his/her own smell there. I suggest that you let him/her have a good hole to dig in. Maybe s/he'll leave the rest of your yard alone then!

Answer 6

maybe his doggie bone is there

or mybe he like to dig???