MovieChat Forums > Pets and Animals > How to stop a dog from digging?

How to stop a dog from digging?

posted 3 years ago by damocci (1514)
3 replies | jump to latest

Another question. How does one stop a dog from digging in the yard? Reprimanding him after the fact is pointless because to my knowledge a dog will think that its owner is upset because there is a hole in the yard, but it is unable to make the connection that the owner is upset because HE is the one who dug the hole. The same applies for any bad behavior. Dogs think that owners are upset because of the end result but cannot make that connection that we are upset because the dog CAUSED the end result. Any tips?

[–] AmeriGirl26 (14379) 3 years ago

Back in August of 1997, my family adopted a 14-month-old Alaskan Malamute. She was our first "big dog," and one of the first things she did was dig holes in our backyard. Dad joked that the backyard was starting to look like a WWII battlefield. Of course, that behavior could not continue, so my mom did research, and talked with other dog owners. Turns out Malamutes (and Siberian Huskies) are compulsive diggers. They do it to find a place to cool off on a hot day. Now remember that it was August, and despite our shady trees in the backyard, it was very hot and humid outside, and we had a big fluffball living out there.

So guess what we did to stop the digging? We got her a kiddy pool! All the dog needed was a place to cool off, and a kiddy pool with 2 inches of cool water was perfect :D Plus, she could play with her toys in there and not be as bored. I learned quickly that she didn't need the pool completely full either. All our dog needed to cool off was get her paws wet. The digging of holes stopped immediately, and we could fill them in. That didn't stop her from burying bones in the backyard, but she filled those holes in herself.

[–] damocci (1514) 3 years ago

Aha! This answer makes perfect sense! My dog's a German Shepherd. These are dogs that are bred for colder climates and I live in a warm subtropical area. This behavior happens to be more noticeable in the summer. I suspected it might have something to do with the weather and wasn't sure what to do about it but a small pool sounds like good solution. German Shepherds are very intelligent and whenever I reprimand him I get the impression he understands exactly why, in spite of me reading that dogs are unable to make the connection that I'm not just upset that there's a hole in the yard, I'm upset that he's the one who dug it. Thank you.

[–] gcarras (2770) 2 years ago

I know how you feel, my goldendoodle has had this behavior..luckily, If I throw something to make a loud noise, she'll stopo..I take her on walks so I can keep a doggone eye on her.