Canine Haven

Cho · Newbie Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Oregon

My dog I think may have a digging problem. And i'm not real sure on how to stop it.. if you have any idea on how to get a dog from stop digging please tell me. I'd like to know.

~Cho
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I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand. And you love me but you don't know who I am.

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Idess · Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2007 4:18 pm Post subject:

Digging can be a result of a few things, whether it be too much energy, or maybe seperation anxiety, heat, and even just 'instincts'.
My Shepherds dig as well, but we don't have much control over the situation; having over 3 acres for them to roam on, and they're purely outside dogs.
Try taking your dog on walks, as to expend his/her energy so they don't have enough energy to dig all the time. If you can't take time out for walks, try playing catch or something with your dog; anything that will make her run around a lot! :P
Does she dig when your at home, or away? If you punish a dog for digging, they get the idea that they should dig when your not -there-, thus not making the problem any better!
While I am researching the problem, quite a few people suggest that, when your dog starts digging, turn on the sprinklers. That way, the dog is deterred from digging and you're not the one telling her off. If you don't have sprinklers, or they dont reach, try a hose or even a squirtgun. When you spray the dog, do not look at it, and act like you had nothing to do with the problem; this would keep them from knowing it was you! :p
The Humane Society of the United States made a page on digging and reccomendations. Check it out, it might help! :) http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_sheets/digging.html

Dolly Doggie · Newbie Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 2

If your dog has some particular dig spots. See if ,along with trying some excersise and the tips mentioned above, a couple large heavy rocks can help kick the behavior a bit faster. :) Just be careful they are large enough rocks that your dog can't eat them. As odd as that sounds i've heard ALOT of stories of dogs eating rocks, it's commong. So just to be safe make them large enough he can't eat or move for it to work. :)

VelvetsMum · Posted: Sat Jul 14, 2007 11:41 pm Post subject:

Wells. Here's a suggestion that would work, but it would require some work.

Find their favorite digging spots. Most dogs love to dig in just one area of the yard. Dig the spot up yourself and lay plastic bags across the ground. Lay a light layer of soil over top of it and don't let your dog around it until it settles. Dogs don't like the sound of plastic bags. Maybe the sound will stop them from digging. On the downside, the dog might actually love the sound and dig more. It's a risky suggestion but it might work.

Another suggestion is to find a scent your dog absolutely hates. Something they don't want to sniff for the life of them. Spray that scent over your entire back yard, or front yard. wherever they dig. Do this often so the scent doesn't fade, maybe switch it with other scents so that it doesn't fade. If the dog doesn't like the smell, they're not likely to dig which involves inhaling the scent of the ground they're unearthing.

Yeah.. just my thoughts :3

Cho · Newbie Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Oregon

Thanks Idess, and my dog likes to dig all the time no matter if i am away or not. And thankies for link.

Thanks, Dolly Doggie for the suggestion.

I should try that sometime but do you may have a suggestion for a scent? I really have no idea what to use considering i dont use sprays all that much.
_________________
I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand. And you love me but you don't know who I am.

IM me.. i'm pretty bored

Idess · Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 9:36 pm Post subject:

No problem ^^
Some people suggest using your dogs' own feces to put in the hole, going off the fact that dogs do not like to litter in their places, and the scent will deter them. However, I myself am not too sure how that would work XP Once my parents tried to use pepper in the holes; It sounds quite crude and honestly I don't remember if it worked or not... well apparently it didn't too much 'cause our dogs still dig XD But we weren't very persistent.
_________________
"In order to really enjoy a dog, one doesn't merely try to train him to be semihuman. The point of it is to open oneself to the possibility of becoming partly a dog." - Edward Hoagland

Cho · Newbie Joined: 09 Jul 2007 Posts: 8 Location: Oregon

Wow.. lol i guess i could try putting her own doggy doos in the holes. I think my dog would dog if i put pepper in the hole.
_________________
I'm torn between this life I lead and where I stand. And you love me but you don't know who I am.

IM me.. i'm pretty bored