She is a 10 month old shepherd / ? mix. She doesn't bury anything...just digs (and digs) holes. The holes are small (probably would hold a quart to a gallon of water). We have an older dog also, but she knows better (or is just too lazy).
2007-04-25 15:52:23 · 6 answers · asked by Don R 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Without the dog seeing you, fill the holes up with the dog's stool and lava rocks and cover it with about 1 inch of dirt. Dogs will often dig in the same general area so when the dog goes to dig there again, the dog will find it unpleasant and will either stop immediately or move to a new spot. If they move to a new spot, just continue to fill the new holes and over a period of no more than 2 weeks, the dog should stop.
Do not ever let the dog see you planting or working in the garden. In addition, do not let him see you filling in holes he has already dug. If the dog sees you digging, it is only natural for him to assume it is acceptable behavior.
When you see the dog out in the back yard, engaging in proper behavior, (i.e. chewing on his toys, sunning himself, etc.), praise that behavior. Remember, the more you positively reinforce a behavior, the stronger that behavior is going to be and the greater the likelihood that the dog will engage in it, both when you are there and when you are not.
2007-04-25 16:16:25 · answer #1 · answered by 11 Bang Bang 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
EXCESS ENERGY!!! Your baby doesnt know what to do with it all. Although you might have a nice big backyard, your dog will never release all the energy that she has pent up by herself. She needs to be worked and the walks you take need to be long and strong. Be sure shes trotting during the walk. If shes not, then energy is not being released.
Shes bored. When they are bored they will figure out ways to amuse themselves, wheather its digging, chewing or some other obnoxious behavior. If shes doing this during the day, then she needs to be crated while your gone. Or she needs to be in a dog run. The more shes worked and stimulated, the less this behavior will come. Good luck.
2007-04-25 23:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by heysanj75 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Take a day and work on this. Get a spray bottle and fill it with ice water. Sit outside with the dog and each time she digs you spray her either on her face or back. It is amazing how well that training works. Be consistant.
Like humans a dog needs to replace one bad habit with a good habit. Have a special ball or toy that the dog enjoys. Give plenty of praise. And a stern low voice saying "BAD" when the dog digs.
2007-04-25 23:03:16 · answer #3 · answered by clcalifornia 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Dogs do dig when they are bored, and digging is a natural thing for them. But if she is digging just small holes all over the place?? Is it possible that you have moles? I have a girl that digs just small holes all over the yard and every so often catches herself a mole. She'll bring his little battered body to me when she has finished tossing him around..
2007-04-25 23:01:07 · answer #4 · answered by DP 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dogs dig when they are bored. You need to give her something else to do. More toys, maybe make a dig area where she is allowed to dig. and train her to only use that area. Play with her more. go on walks that kind of thing. Also consider obedience lessons for the dog. More then the obedience itself it lets the dog socialize with others, occupies its mind and gives it fun things to do. Its a win win situation.
2007-04-25 22:58:27 · answer #5 · answered by Katt 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Try some of these tips http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/how-to-stop-dogs-from-digging.html
Try to work out the reason your dog is digging and then apply your solution - good luck with it.
2007-04-26 02:49:10 · answer #6 · answered by Chris Smith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋