Several parents have asked us how to stop the eternal quest from their dogs for that hidden garden treasure. Let's admit it: dogs digging belong to the movies. There is nothing appealing having a big brown hole in your backyard paired with faces, paws and snouts covered in dirt. And when it rains, oh my; that's when it really pours!
Our canine friends possess a high tendency to be curious and inquisitive about their environment, but animal psychologists agree that digging is nothing else than a sign of boredom and excessive accumulations of energy.
There are dozens of products on the market ready to offer you a solution for a, more than often, hefty price tag and no guarantees. Plus, most involve the use of chemicals sprayed on lawns and plant beds that can become hazardous to your pals (or other garden creatures) if not used properly.
The problem with these so-called "problem solvers" is that you are not actually dealing with the problem, you are just disguising it at a cost. In other words, instead of dealing with the trunk, you are left dealing with the branches.
Here are three simple ways to deal with those digging fans in your life that will also assist you in managing your dog's behavior instead of tricking it:
1. Toys! Introduce your pooch to new toys on a regular basis. You certainly don't have to overspend in this category; a simple trip to the dollar store will get you several toys designed for dogs without breaking your wallet. But be creative too! Small buckets, plastic baseball bats, and all-plastic garden stakes all make for good safe fun outdoors.
2. Cover up! Dogs usually like to dig on the same spot over and over. So yes, the game really begins when you say "No" and cover the hole again with dirt. Try to play smart by covering up the hole with a heavy object, like a brick. Another effective (yet smelly) technique is to use the hole as a natural composter by dumping their feces inside and covering the hole again with dirt. Pretty soon your dog will find out the not-so-coveted treasure and move on. You will probably have to repeat it a couple of times on new holes for the message to sink in.
3. Joy! Transfer their need for adventure to an activity where they can release energy and satisfy their curiosity. Most dog trainers and behaviorists recommend adding exercise to the mix, including daily walks for at least 30 minutes.
We want to learn... and help!
If you are one of the lucky ones with a natural-born digger in the family, share with us your techniques by leaving a comment below! How do you deal with their eternal quest for that hidden treasure?
