Why Dogs Dig Prevention The Pits Continual Reward Discouraging Bad Habits
Dogs dig for many reasons. They dig to bury and recover bones; they dog cooling pits
when it's hot and warming pits when it's cold; they dig up prey and they dig dens. Dogs
dig because it is a highly enjoyable and normal canine activity. Lack of exercise, prolonged
confinement and boredom can cause dogs to dig. Once digging starts, it can quickly
become a habit.
If you provide your dog with regular walks, runs, play and training, the chances are you
will not have a digging problem. But until your dog has been taught not to dig up your
garden, he should not be given free access to these areas when you are not there to supervise him. Temporarily confine your dog indoors or to a dog run. Confinement is not
the solution; it is only a temporary measure until your dog can be trusted not to destroy
your garden and yard.
If your dog loves to dig, provide him with his own digging pit just as parents would
provide their child with a sand box. Take into consideration your dog's needs and prepare
an area that is neither directly in the summer sun nor unprotected against the winter winds.
A 3 x 6 foot area about 2 feet deep is sufficient. Dig it up to loosen the dirt and mix in a
little sand to help it drain in the rainy season. Let your dog watch the preparations and if
he joins in to help, lavish him with praise. Once the pit is ready, it is easy to get your dog
to dig in it. Take some of his favorite toys and treats and let him watch you make a fuss
over burying them. Call your dog over and help him dig things up. Once he gets the idea
and is digging without your help, enthusiastically praise him and repeat, 'Dig in your pit,
dig in your pit.' When he digs up a treat, he is immediately rewarded by getting to eat it. If
it's a ball or toy you've buried then you can immediately play a short game of fetch, then
bury it again. Repeat this over and over, always repeating the command, 'Dig in your pit.'
Your dog will quickly learn what the command means. You can test this by putting your
dog inside the house, burying a dozen or so treats and exciting chew toys, and then letting him out. Say 'Dig in your pit' and praise him if he goes to the pit. This training can usually
be accomplished in one afternoon.
Once your dog has learned to dig in his pit, you must still verbally encourage and praise
him whenever he shows any interest in the pit and especially if he digs there without any
encouragement from you. Now, every morning before you leave for work, you can hide all
kinds of things in the pit, which will keep your dog busy for hours. Even if he has found all
the goodies, he will keep digging and looking to see if anything else is buried there.
Once your dog understands that digging in his pit is an acceptable and enjoyable activity,
and knows the meaning of the command, 'Dig in your pit,' now you can teach him that
digging elsewhere is forbidden.The first step is to teach your dog to stay completely off
the flower and vegetable gardens and that he is only allowed on the grass or other parts of
your yard. Clearly demarcate the forbidden areas with a short fence about a foot high. A
few small sticks with a length of string attached along the top is fine. The fence is not
intended as a physical barrier but as a means of marking a boundary. Spend the day
outside and watch your dog. Each time he gets close to the boundary, quietly warn him by
saying 'Off.' If one paw goes over the line, scold him firmly until all four paws are on the
correct side of the boundary and then immediately praise him.If you invest some time,
your dog will learn to keep off the garden.