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Suddenly started digging in a
shady spot in warm weather?
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Your dog likely is hot.
Consider ceding a shady outdoor spot to the digger and adding a doggie
door to let your dog inside more often. You can also run a fan
outdoors, buy a canine water bed, provide a kiddie pool, or a mister
set.
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Seems hyperactive, chews
destructively, digs holes.
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Your dog may be bored. Take him/her
our of the yard for exercise for at least one hour a day. Play
fetch, set up play dates with neighboring dogs, toss a disc, take
obedience classes together. Don't restrict your dog to living in
the yard. The more it is left alone, the more likely it is to dig
out of boredom. Play together and leave toys out for your dog to
play with.
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Digs in the middle of the yard.
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Check for moles, gophers, rabbit or other
burrowing animals. Dogs will dig to get at them. If you find
an animal burrow, consider hiring a humane trapper familiar with laws
protecting wild animals.
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Digs at the fence line to get
out of the yard.
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Your dog may be bored and trying to get at
something on the other side of the fence. Consider whether the
dog's social needs are being met. Neutering or spaying will curb
some digging tendencies. Fill in the gaps below the fence with
concrete or attach chicken wire to the bottom of the fence and curve
onto the ground, burying it below the grass.
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Dog is pregnant
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Digging is normal. Dogs dig to
create dens in which to give birth. Be patient and wait until
after the pups are born to see if the behavior disappears.
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Digs up new bushes
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The dog may be attracted to the smell of
the fresh dirt. Protect new plants with wire and snowline
fencing. Once plants are mature, dogs tend to loose interest.
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Digs despite all of your attempts
to stop it.
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Consider ceding a portion of the
yard. Perhaps build a doggie sand box and bury bones and favorite
toys inside. Encourage the use of energy in an area you will
promote to be yours dogs own.
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