Stop Your Dog From Digging
Dogs have many habits that can be annoying and upsetting to their owners. Nonstop barking, chewing on furniture or shoes and peeing or pooping in the house are only a few of the things dogs might do to cause owners grief. Appropriate dog training, beginning when they are a puppy, is an effective way to prevent these behaviors from occurring. In order to properly train your dog, you have to be consistent - reward good behavior, and punish bad behavior. One technique that is quite productive is to lavish your dog with attention when they are acting appropriately, and ignore them when their behavior is not suitable. This typically leads to improved behavior, as dogs crave their owner's attention. A common problem that can prove dangerous to homeowners is their constant digging.
Why Your Dog Digs, and How You Can Stop Them
There are a variety of reasons why dogs like digging so much, which means that to keep your dogs from digging up your backyard, you have to find out what the reason for their digging is first. Certain dogs will dig simply because they derive pleasure from digging. Sometimes, digging is an indication that your dog is lacking enough active time, and needs to be afforded more play time. Dogs who are not neutered may actually try to dig under the fence so that they can find a mate. Perhaps you've recently fertilized your yard; many dogs enjoy digging in fresh dirt or dirt that smells of manure. Some dogs are simply diggers by nature. Others are looking for a cooler place to lie down, or are trying to make a den. Then there is the classic reason: he's hiding a bone.
Ensuring that dogs have ample opportunities to exercise their brains, as well as exercise their bodies, is the most effective way to keep dogs from digging. Dogs love interacting with their families, learning new tricks and doing new things. A bored dog will start being destructive in order to fill their time, so if your dog gets plenty of exercise and encounters new situations, it will be less likely to get involved in other - more destructive - activities.
You can also refrain from giving your dog bones, since many dogs have the natural instinct to bury their bones. Replace bones with treats that are quickly eaten so there is no need to dig a hole in your yard. Another neat little trick you can try is to bury balloons in all the spots that your dog likes to dig. When your dog hears the balloon pop, it will scare them and the negative reinforcement will act like a mental barrier that makes your dog less likely to dig in that spot again. Never leave your dog alone in the yard if you know they like to dig. If you're outside with them, you can spray them with a hose or squirt gun when you see them starting to dig. That watery surprise will keep your dog from wanting to dig in that spot again, much like the balloon.
Why Your Dog Digs, and How You Can Stop Them
There are a variety of reasons why dogs like digging so much, which means that to keep your dogs from digging up your backyard, you have to find out what the reason for their digging is first. Certain dogs will dig simply because they derive pleasure from digging. Sometimes, digging is an indication that your dog is lacking enough active time, and needs to be afforded more play time. Dogs who are not neutered may actually try to dig under the fence so that they can find a mate. Perhaps you've recently fertilized your yard; many dogs enjoy digging in fresh dirt or dirt that smells of manure. Some dogs are simply diggers by nature. Others are looking for a cooler place to lie down, or are trying to make a den. Then there is the classic reason: he's hiding a bone.
Ensuring that dogs have ample opportunities to exercise their brains, as well as exercise their bodies, is the most effective way to keep dogs from digging. Dogs love interacting with their families, learning new tricks and doing new things. A bored dog will start being destructive in order to fill their time, so if your dog gets plenty of exercise and encounters new situations, it will be less likely to get involved in other - more destructive - activities.
You can also refrain from giving your dog bones, since many dogs have the natural instinct to bury their bones. Replace bones with treats that are quickly eaten so there is no need to dig a hole in your yard. Another neat little trick you can try is to bury balloons in all the spots that your dog likes to dig. When your dog hears the balloon pop, it will scare them and the negative reinforcement will act like a mental barrier that makes your dog less likely to dig in that spot again. Never leave your dog alone in the yard if you know they like to dig. If you're outside with them, you can spray them with a hose or squirt gun when you see them starting to dig. That watery surprise will keep your dog from wanting to dig in that spot again, much like the balloon.
About the Author:
Hugo is a consultant who specializes in dog training methods to increase the pet owner's satisfaction with their pet. Looking for a free guide to dog training? Visit James' site to get one, see other helpful hints and read training product reviews. Take a look at: Online Dog Training , Dog Training Guide
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