Put an End to the Digging Habit of Your Dog

Even if we regard dogs as family members, dogs are dogs and have their unfavorable behaviors. Although many dogs love to dig and it is healthy to allow them to indulge in this activity and express their being dogs, digging holes everywhere in your yard or ruining your flowerbeds is another thing. Your dog should know that expressing himself should not be at the expense of your garden or flowerbeds. You can keep your garden in one piece and at the same time allow your dog to express himself and indulge in his digging habit from time to time if your dog has developed the right attitude about digging. So how can you resolve this problem and put an end to the digging habit of your dog?

First you have to know why dogs dig. There are common reasons why dogs dig and knowing the reason behind your canine friend's unfavorable behavior can be very helpful if you want to put an end to the digging habit of your dog. Under-exercised dogs tend to dig as a way to burn off nervous energy. Dogs that are bored may use digging to keep them busy or entertain themselves if left alone in the yard for long periods of time and digging gives them a sense of purpose. Loneliness can also be a reason for his digging habit when he is usually left with no playmates or toys. Knowing the reason behind his digging habit is the key in solving your dog's unnecessary behavior.

Create a bigger world for your pet. As a pet owner it is your duty to expand the world of your pet to prevent him from developing unfavorable habits. You can do this by helping your dog spend more time with people. Have a regular walk with your dog to make your dog more sociable. You will not only solve the boredom and loneliness of your dog but a regular walk is also a good exercise for you and your dog. Teaching your dog new commands or tricks can be a good way to bond and interact with each other. He will eventually forget his unnecessary digging habits if he is not always confined around the yard. It will be easier to put an end to the digging habit of your dog if your dog has a wider world to explore.

Praise your dog when he is not digging. This positive reinforcement can be very helpful to encourage your dog to behave properly. Of course you should let him know when he is displaying unfavorable behavior by saying the word "No" with a firm voice but punishment like physically hurting your dog or pushing his head down the hole he created is too abusive and may create tension in your relationship. Your dog might grow distant with you if punishments are too abusive and this is not good because as a pet owner you should strengthen the bond between you and your pet. Praising him for not digging is a positive way to put an end to the digging habit of your dog.

Provide an appropriate place for digging. It can be hard to end the digging habit of your dog if you will not provide an alternative. As mentioned earlier, dogs may need to dig and exercise their true nature especially those breeds that are more of a digger like Terriers and Nordic breeds. You need to teach your pet what is appropriate and what is not acceptable. Provide a sandbox or appropriate digging area for your dog. Teach him to learn the command "Dig" when he is on the area where it is okay to dig and praise him for doing so. If he digs on prohibited areas, firmly say the words "No dig". Be patient and he will soon learn the proper behavior.

It can be really stressful to put an end to the digging habit of your dog but with love and patience, your canine friend will soon learn your rules. But if you are losing hope and cannot handle the bad behavior of your dog by yourself, there is nothing wrong in seeking professional help.