Often dogs begin to dig in the yard for no apparent reason, actively throwing clods of dirt around them. Many pets cannot resist this activity in the presence of the owner, who considers such an action an indicator of bad behavior and associates various signs with it.
However, digging holes is quite normal for representatives of the canine family, because their wild ancestors independently created shelters for themselves for sleeping and breeding. And in hot weather, animals dug up the soil in order to cool down and not suffer from the heat. This article will tell you why a dog digs holes on the property and how to understand the motives for its behavior.
Reasons for strange behavior
If you do not take into account the natural characteristics of the dog, then you can understand some reasons for digging up the earth. Experts identify the following factors that influence the behavior of your four-legged friend:
- boredom;
- burying valuables;
- searching for food;
- escape attempt.
It's no secret that many dogs experience anxiety due to the absence of their owner. While he is at work, the pet is stressed and bored, so the opportunity to dig the floor in the apartment is a fun pastime for her. But why does the animal do this? It is known that maintaining a dog's mental and physical activity requires the presence of toys and even puzzles that will distract the pet and help him cope with stress.
The dog digs the ground not only on the plot or in the yard, but also at home he tries to devote time to this activity. Pets of all breeds prefer to hide excess food in special holes, imitating their wild ancestors. But pet four-legged friends use the floor in the apartment for this purpose, thereby causing the anger of the owners.
A diligent dog, finding itself on a plot that its owner cultivates, begins to diligently dig the ground in search of edible roots, as well as crops - carrots, beets and other vegetables. What does this lead to?
As a rule, the animal does not distinguish between planting plants and digging soil, which is why many owners become furious when they discover an excavated garden and associate signs with it. Not knowing why the pet is doing this, the person scolds him.
Chained watchdogs may dig out of boredom or in an attempt to escape. But a dog that digs holes under a fence clearly wants to go outside your garden, so you need to take care of its safety.
Not all animal owners know why a dog digs holes in the yard. Sometimes your pet gets very hot and tries to cool down by finding a shady place with moist soil. This depression helps to quickly reduce the dog’s elevated body temperature, thereby saving him from serious heat stroke.
People noticed this feature of representatives of the canine family back in ancient times, when dogs lay in the cool ground during the day. Today, pets also avoid the summer heat, especially for furry animals.
Beginning breeders often pay attention to the strange behavior of the dog after giving birth. She suddenly starts running around the apartment, then tries to bury the litter. It is important to know that these actions may be associated with possible ailments of the internal organs, as well as with the desire to protect the offspring from unnecessary anxiety.
The owner must provide the pet with rest and adequate nutrition, and a visit to the veterinarian eliminates the risk of illnesses. Most often, if a dog digs and digs in the yard or home floor after giving birth, this behavior can be considered normal and not rely on signs.
Why do dogs dig?
Photo: wikimedia.org
There may be several reasons:
Photo: flickr.com
But it happens that a 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 crushes the bedding before going to bed, this is normal behavior, a legacy from ancestors who crushed grass to create a “nest.”
Sometimes the dog digs the floor quite nervously, trying to lie down this way and that. In this case, you should consult a veterinarian - this behavior may indicate health problems
(for example, about arthritis).
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How to stop a dog from digging holes in the garden and in the house?
Regardless of the reason that prompts the dog to dig, you need to find a favorable way to solve this problem. Experienced breeders recommend applying the following tips:
- increased physical activity;
- providing cool shelter;
- creating a personal corner for your pet.
In most cases, to solve the problem, only long morning and evening walks are enough, and it is also necessary to lure your four-legged friend into active games. So, the animal will be able to throw out its energy without damaging the flower beds and beds, and the owner will be satisfied with his pet.
When in the yard in the summer, the dog often digs a hole and lies down in it to escape the heat. Not knowing how to wean the dog from this habit, the man scolds him. But the owner, who knows why the animal needs shelter, will provide the pet with a cool shelter, but he should not be allowed into bed. But how to stop a dog from digging holes in the yard if the pet is anxious? First, it is necessary to eliminate the source of confusion, after which the dog should be given a herbal preparation to normalize the emotional state, which will be prescribed by a veterinarian. In those places where the animal digs more often, bury sticks, stones or a net at a shallow depth - all this will cause discomfort to the dog, which means it will be less likely to dig.
Experienced dog breeders advise summer residents to give their pet a separate corner in the garden, where she can dig around with pleasure. For example, you can bury toys in a pile of sand; this will keep the dog busy for a long time and the question of how to wean him from this habit will immediately disappear.
It is important to know that large guard dogs should not be kept on a chain for long periods of time. The animal will be bored and experience a lack of physical activity, which means it will start digging near the booth.
Don't forget to walk your four-legged friend at least 2 times a day, provide him with toys and treats. In some cases, even a small dog digs holes in the yard. What to do? To begin with, take some time for active games with a pet that clearly lacks emotions. And also an effective way to get rid of deep tunnels in a summer cottage is to sterilize the dog, however, this rarely happens.
In general, it is quite easy to wean an animal from digging; in many cases, it is enough to spend more time with the pet, and it will quickly forget about the strange habit.
The dog should have a comfortable sleeping place to rest; under no circumstances should the dog be placed in the owner’s bed. And also four-legged friends should spend maximum time playing or be content with a long run in the fresh air.
Behavior correction methods
Having understood and decided on the reasons that prompted your pet to such “dirty” actions, you can take certain measures. There are a great variety of methods, but they are all based on an integrated approach to the problem.
It is worth remembering that in a few days it is unlikely that you will be able to get rid of the current situation. You need to be patient and be prepared to spend your time eradicating the problem.
Collaborative communication
First of all, you need to start by spending time together. The main goal is not to turn communication with your pets into an unnecessary routine or work. It is important to make sure that the dog receives as much communication and attention as possible from its owner.
When an animal is given enough attention, it will be confident, not cowardly, shy or fearful. In most cases, dogs start digging in order to attract the attention of their leader.
It is worth noting that this almost always works.
Walks and toys
Sufficient physical activity is not just a method of distracting a dog from committing unwanted actions, but also a vital factor in the education of all breeds of dogs, and especially hunting breeds.
Socialization
It is not recommended to encourage your dog's bad behavior , but try to be patient and attentive. You can punish a dog when it is truly unavoidable.
Punishment can only be carried out when the dog is caught by surprise committing the “crime” of digging. After a hole has been discovered, and the owner is 100% sure who did it, there is no point in scolding the animal.
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Punishing a dog after an act has been committed will not help in solving the problem, but may, on the contrary, worsen the situation. The dog's anxiety increases, and as a result, the animal begins to dig and dig even more.
Create fences
In order to protect the planting area from vandalism, you can surround the area with stones that will be difficult for the animal to move. You can bury a small mesh (chain-link) in the excavation areas.
The feeling of something metal under its paws will be unpleasant for the dog and it will stop doing such things.
Exterminate rodents
It is important to exterminate all possible rodents living in the territory that the pet may hunt.
Note! It is prohibited to use chemicals to exterminate pests. Any toxic substance can cause poisoning or death of a dog.
Dog handler services
If the above actions do not have any effect on your dog, it is recommended to contact a professional. Dog trainers will help you clearly determine the reason for your pet’s behavior and teach it special techniques.
There are breeds of dogs that have the instinct to dig and excavate in their blood. It is almost impossible to stop them. For dogs living in an enclosure, you can create conditions that will allow you to take your mind off digging.
You can build a sandbox where she can dig. It is important to constantly reward your pet when he digs in the specified place, and not in prohibited places.
Superstitions associated with dogs digging soil
The dog is considered the animal closest to humans, so there are many beliefs associated with this amazing animal. Since ancient times, four-legged friends lived in the house or were kept on a chain, guarding buildings. For example, if a dog digs a hole and lies down in it, this means that one of the household members will soon get sick. To ward off trouble, the animal was placated with treats and its paws were washed before being allowed into the home.
People have always wondered why dogs dig holes in the yard. Signs explained this action as a desire to escape, and the owners were recommended to remove a tuft of fur from the animal’s neck in order to keep the pet on their territory. Why is he doing this?
In some cultures, a pet digging the ground near the kennel means death, and a large hole dug next to the house was also considered an alarming sign. For this reason, people who believed in omens tried to feed the beast and caress it in every possible way in order to remove misfortune.
However, various signs and beliefs do not carry the truth and the dog’s behavior is easy to explain from the point of view of innate characteristics or lack of attention. So, after giving birth, the pet does not give offense to her puppies and tries to improve the shelter, and every owner can understand why the dog digs the ground in the country. Experts and numerous materials dedicated to four-legged friends will tell you why a dog digs up the soil and how to wean him from an annoying habit. The main thing is to understand the pet’s behavior in time and find out what this or that action means.
