By Michele L. Meyer
Did you know that dogs learn by observing our behavior? That means dogs can learn to dig by watching us dig. So it’s best not to garden when your dog is around. That is, unless you want him to dig up all of your flowers and vegetables
There are several reasons why dogs dig but one of the most common is boredom. So if your dog is a digger, be sure to exercise him before leaving him in your yard unattended so he does not release all of his built up energy by digging up your yard. It can also help to have dog toys in the yard but you may need to choose large toys that your dog can’t bury if he likes to bury his toys.
Another fun solution is to give Fido a digging pit of his own such as a baby pool filled with sand. Hide his favorite toys in the sandbox so he learns it’s more fun to dig there. This may quickly solve the digging problem but if not, then consistently interrupt your dog when he digs in your yard and quickly redirect him to the digging pit…then give him lots of praise when he digs there. Be sure to praise him whenever he is digging in his sandbox and not just after you had to redirect him.
There are many more reasons and training solutions for digging. Let us know if you need help solving your dog’s digging problems.