Why do dogs dig the ground

When you left, you briefly left the dog in the yard, and when you returned, you were amazed. The dog clearly had a good time: in your front garden there is a pit that can be turned into a small pool. Why do dogs dig the ground and how to wean a dog from digging?

Why do dogs dig the ground?

Digging in the ground is a completely natural behavior for a dog. This is exactly what her ancestors did in many cases. But in the conditions of modern life, the ability to excavate is not always liked by the owners. And in order to understand how to wean a dog to dig, you need to know why it digs the ground.

Photo: wikimedia.org

The reasons can be several:

1. Hunting instinct. This is especially true for “burrowing” dogs: dachshunds and small terriers. And it is likely that your pet smelled “game” (for example, a mouse or a mole) and tried to get it.
2. Boredom. If you do not give the dog enough attention, do not offer optimal physical and intellectual activity, there is not enough variety in the dog’s life, he will look for entertainment on his own. And digging holes in this case is quite an occupation worthy of the attention of a dog.
3. Trying to cool off in the heat. Dogs in the heat “open” the top layer of soil to lie down on the cold ground and cool off.
4. Creation of strategic stocks. You gave your dog a treat, but for some reason, she decided to save it for a rainy day. And how else to hide a treat, if not in the ground? And then, perhaps, consider that the place was not chosen well enough, and hide it.
5. Escape attempt. Digging under the fence is a very effective way to gain freedom if the dog cares about it, and you do not provide enough walks or an unusually attractive object has appeared behind the fence – for example, a bitch in heat for a male dog.

Photo: flickr.com

But it happens that the dog not only digs the ground on the street, but also tries to dig the floor in the apartment. With what it can be connected?

If a dog squashes the bedding before going to bed, this is normal behavior, inherited from ancestors who squashed the grass to create a “nest”.

Sometimes the dog digs the floor rather nervously, trying to lie down this way and that way. In this case, it is worth consulting with a veterinarian – such behavior may indicate health problems (for example, about arthritis).

How to wean a dog to dig the earth?

1. Analyze if the dog’s five freedoms are satisfied, and if not, make changes to its living conditions.
2. Give the dog more time, organize full-fledged physical and intellectual activities, teach tricks, offer search games.
3. If it’s hot outside, make sure your dog can take shade and have access to cool drinking water.
4. You can create a special “digging corner” in the yard and bury toys there, and then invite your pet to find them.
5. If the dog is trying to escape and is digging for this purpose, you will have to strengthen the perimeter – for example, dig a metal mesh to a depth of about 50 cm.
6. If you are unable to wean your dog from burrowing on your own and you are not ready to put up with this either, it may be worth contacting a professional who can understand what the dog’s behavior is connected with and help you create a correction program.