digging

​Dogs dig! Some more than others. Often this is to the detriment of our beloved garden beds, causing pet owners a lot of frustration. Terriers tend to be on the top of the diggers list because they were bred to chase and catch rodents in burrows. These types of dogs will never stop digging all together, nor should they, because it’s a very healthy form of exercise and enrichment. We just need to redirect their behaviour to a designated digging area. 

TOP TIP: Cordon off a section of the garden (a few square metres, depending on the size of your dog) or fill a kiddies sandpit. Bury some of your dog’s favorite toys here and encourage your dog to dig to find them. Offer lots of praise when they’ve done so. If you catch them digging in an “off-limits” area, call them to you (or go fetch them if they have “selective hearing”) and redirect the behaviour to the new area. After a bit of practice, your dog will learn that digging is only permitted in this spot.

Some dogs dig until they reach a cool layer of earth in which to rest. For these dogs, make sure they have a cool spot to relax in the warmer months. Reward them for relaxing in this area by associating this area with relaxed eating, grooming, and affection.