LIFESTYLE NEWS - There are many potential reasons for digging behaviour in dogs. It's crucial to understand that each dog is unique and may dig for different reasons. 

Certain breeds, such as Jack Russells, are more predisposed to digging due to their breeding history.

For example, Jack Russell Terriers were bred to hunt vermin underground, so digging was a natural behaviour for them. 

In the wild, animals might dig a hole to lie in to cool off or dig to clear a space for denning purposes.  However, many of our dogs at home also enjoy digging, and this behaviour can stem from boredom, anxiety, or simply the enjoyment of the activity. 

Your dog might dig to seek attention, especially if they get a reaction out of you by doing so or because they are trying to reach (hunt) something, such as a mole or cricket, hiding in the ground. 

Some dogs may stop digging as they get older, but it's not just a phase puppies go through. 

By following the steps below, providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and working on training using distractions and positive reinforcement, you can prevent a puppy from developing into an adult dog that digs excessively.

When your dog starts digging in your flower bed or disrupting your garden, it's important to remember that it's not a personal attack. 

As digging is a natural behaviour for dogs, it's more effective to redirect this behaviour towards a healthier and less destructive outlet rather than trying to stop it completely. 

Dogs respond better when given an alternative behaviour to engage in rather than being told not to do something. This approach is formally known as using a differential reinforcement of an incompatible behaviour technique. 

Before implementing strategies to discourage your dog from digging, it's helpful to examine the specific areas where they are digging. 

There might be triggers such as something on the other side of a fence (even a female in estrus), buried objects in the ground, or creatures living in the soil. 

Dogs have a keen sense of detecting burrowing animals deep underground and even insects like termites. Therefore, it's worth conducting some initial assessment work and getting rid of such creatures.
So, practical solutions:
Important: To encourage positive digging behaviour in your dog, consider creating a designated digging area where he will be allowed to dig and have fun. This will provide your dog with a safe and enjoyable spot to engage in this natural behaviour. 

You can set up a special digging zone, similar to a sandbox, and bury toys and treats in the sand. By training your dog to understand that this is the acceptable spot for digging, you can deter them from digging in other areas. 

Opt for sand and soil as suitable materials for this purpose, as they provide a comfortable surface for your dog's paws and are easy to manipulate. 

When burying toys, it's important to ensure that they are not buried too deep, especially in the beginning. Over time, your dog's keen sense of smell will improve, allowing them to locate the buried items better, making the experience more fulfilling for them.

Remember that dogs require regular exercise, particularly those working dogs prone to digging. If they don't receive sufficient exercise, they may seek ways to expend extra energy and release pent-up frustration.

Digging is a natural physical activity that dogs find enjoyable. So, be sure to leash up your dog and take them for a walk or engage them in a game of fetch in the garden to provide them with a different outlet for their energy.

Consider incorporating alternative forms of exercise in addition to walks. While a lengthy walk may suffice for some dogs, breeds like the border collie require more than physical activity to tire them out. 

For example, engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as dog agility, nose work, or flyball can be beneficial. If time is a constraint, training your dog to run with you or allowing them to socialise and play with other social dogs can also help expend their energy.

Please remember the importance of training your dog. Training goes beyond teaching basic cues like sit, leave, and come. 

It's an opportunity to engage your dog's cognitive abilities. Some dogs dig because they have excess physical energy, while others do so because they lack mental stimulation.

Attending puppy/dog classes with your dog can be highly beneficial. These classes can provide you with valuable insights into teaching basic cues and fostering positive behaviours in your dog. 

When training, it's essential to use positive reinforcement and distractions to redirect your dog's behaviour when they dig and then reward the alternative behaviour. 

Additionally, consider training your dog to respond to a stop cue and rewarding them for stopping to dig. This comprehensive approach to training can greatly benefit your dog's overall well-being and behaviour.

In addition to attending puppy/dog classes, it's important to continue training your dog at home. Dedicate ten minutes each day to practising the cues learned in classes and teaching new ones. 

Training is an ongoing process throughout your dog's life, especially for cues like sit and stay. By setting aside time daily, you can progress to more advanced training. 

Consistent training helps your dog learn more cues, stimulates their mind, and improves their understanding of your expectations. Both you and your dog will develop good training habits and reap long-term benefits from this approach.

To discourage your dog from digging in specific areas of the garden, consider erecting a sturdy fence. This barrier will effectively prevent your dog from accessing the designated area and engaging in any digging. 

For breeds like Jack Russells, it's important to ensure that the fence is tall enough, as they are known to jump up to five feet and are adept at climbing. 

Additionally, to prevent your dog from digging under the fence, make sure it extends deep enough into the ground. This proactive approach will effectively deter your pup/dog from accessing the off-limits area.

I hope you find this advice helpful. If you still have problems with this, it would be a good idea to get in touch with an animal behaviourist who might need to visit you to provide solutions best suited to your individual needs.

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