Many dog lovers are familiar with this awkward feeling when a dog runs into someone’s flower bed or lawn and begins to dig a hole hard in it, spoiling the plants. Of course, not all dogs have this habit, dictated by ancient instincts, but some breeds have a greater tendency to cause such harm. For example, dachshunds, Labradors or Jack Russell Terriers.
GLOBAL HAPPENINGS asked the cynologists’ opinion why dogs can behave in this way. And how to wean a dog to dig in the ground.
Why do dogs dig holes?
Despite the fact that dogs have been domesticated for a long time, and their behavior is well adjusted and adjusted to the needs of a person, instincts can break out from time to time. So back in the days when dogs were wild, they often buried food leftovers in the ground for future use, and this instinct still manifests itself.
Hunting breeds have a particular penchant for digging, especially those that were bred to hunt burrowing animals such as foxes or rabbits. These breeds include terriers, dachshunds, hounds, etc. Their task was to get prey out of the hole, so the digging skill for these breeds was so important. However, this does not mean that a dog of this breed will definitely spoil the lawn – here we are only talking about a greater likelihood.
What is the reason for this behaviour?
If a dog suddenly begins to dig the ground, especially if such a tendency was not noticed behind him before, this may mean that he is simply bored. Animals that have an active character and energetic temperament are more likely to cause various harms than their phlegmatic relatives.
Digging allows the dog not only to lose excess energy. It also provides her with new stimuli such as smells – a very important source of information for these animals.
During the summer months, this can also mean that the dog is suffering from the heat and is looking for something cool. And the earth, even at a shallow depth, has a lower temperature than at the surface. In this case, an ordinary bowl of cool water can solve the problem, from which the animal can not only drink, but also splash in it.
Another reason is the instinct of the hunter. A dog can sense mice or other prey underground – by sound or smell – and try to get it.
How to wean a dog to dig in the ground?
First of all, it is important not to scold the dog for such behavior and be patient. Do not let the animal go for a walk until you correct his bad habit.
As soon as you notice that the animal starts digging, give it a clear “no” command. Speak calmly but confidently, do not try to scare the animal. And as soon as the dog stops rowing the earth, give him a reward – a treat and praise. Different dogs may take different amounts of time to break the habit of digging, but in the end, patience and constant interaction should pay off.
Previously, GLOBAL HAPPENINGS told how to help a dog endure the heat.
Source: Obozrevatel
I work as a news website author and mostly cover the opinion section. I have been writing since I was a teenager, and have always enjoyed telling stories. I studied journalism at university and loved every minute of it. After graduating, I decided to move to London and take up a position with a Global Happenings. It has been an incredible experience, learning about all sorts of different cultures and meeting some amazing people. My goal is to continue learning and growing in my career so that I can provide readers with the best possible content.
