Dogs are not meant to be outside unsupervised. If you are out there playing with them, teaching them new skills or otherwise just relaxing, there typically will be no digging. In all my years, I have never had a dog with a digging problem. So there must be something to notion of play, supervision and training.
Digging is often a sign of boredom. Dogs that are under-exercised or not getting enough mental stimulation and human interaction will find ways to occupy themselves. On hot summer days, when left outside alone, they want to find a cool spot to lay so they churn up some dirt.
So, supervise and interrupt/correct the behavior. Better yet, play with your dog in some structured games that incorporate impulse control, obedience skills, or even tricks. Go for a walk! Engage your dog! Include him in your life.
We really only have ourselves to blame if a dog is digging.
Now that I have that off my chest, I have reviewed a number of alternative solutions to digging that you might want to consider -- IF and ONLY IF supervision, play and training are not options for your dog.
Some folks have suggested putting a chicken wire mesh under the soil & mulch to make it unpleasant for your dog to dig. I'd be super cautious about this as if that wire is damaged, it could easily lead to a severe injury for your dog, that is now filled with dirt, bacteria, etc. I'd just say no to this option.
Take a look at what The Whole Dog Journal has to say about giving your dog a specific place to dig:
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/11_8/features/Destructive-Digging-Behavior-Solutions_16052-1.html
Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com
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The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.
My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.
My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.
Begin all training with a consultation with a professional trainer to be sure you're solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.
