Expert: Have4Paws - 3/26/2010

Question
how do I correct my Beagle from digging in the yard?

Answer
Hi Bill, sorry for the delay, computer issues seem to plague me............

DIGGING


It is instinctive for dogs to dig....... Some do it to find a cool spot to lie in, while others are just so tempted by whatever they smell there that THEY CAN’T IGNORE IT. But ……Do you remember the old adage of “idle hands are the devil’s tools”?  THIS is most likely the cause in most dogs…...they are just plain bored!

I have heard of many ideas on how to curb digging (I.E., putting poop in the holes they dig in, cutting their nails extremely short so they are very sensitive when they dig) but have yet to see one work and the nail one is just plain inhumane!

More often than not if you cure the boredom you will cure the digging!

First you need to keep them away from the area they are digging in. Buy some chicken wire and close off the area temporarily. We then need to address the boredom. I have found that the following three toys work extremely well for dogs that are left outside or alone (without their humans) and are bored:

 BUSTER CUBE
 KONG
 STERILE WHITE BONES

All three can be purchased at the pet store and are items that you “pack with treats”. They are challenging and require persistence and determination to get the treats out which occupies your dog for hours. I have had good success with these.

These "tools" should ONLY be given to your dog(s) when they are left alone (without you home!), outside or inside, so they become coveted and desired. If you give these to them when you are home it reduces their novelty and their desirability. They should be looked upon as productive and effective baby-sitters for dogs. By the way, When you are home you should be keeping track of your dogs at all times anyway so they aren’t getting into mischief. Fencing off the areas they dig in while you are setting these new patterns is essential. If they find new places to dig you will need to fence those off also. Make sure to fill those areas in with dirt again and preferably not with new soft topsoil which is enticing. And don’t be fooled into thinking if you put manure down it will turn them off. You will come home to find dogs that have rolled in it and stink just like it! They have a completely different idea of what smells good!

It may take a couple weeks to establish these new patterns but it will kick in. Be prepared to continue to give them these toys (alternating them) every time you leave and if you are smart you will do it forever. By the way, this works well for dogs that chew things in the house as well as for separation anxiety.

My three can’t wait for me to leave because they know they will get these. Each one of them went through their own short-lived stages of mischief and this cured them hands down. I will continue to give these to them every time I leave for the duration of their lives because I know they love them and it keeps them out of trouble. You should also consider this if you want to never worry about what’s going on at home while you are away! Dogs never get tired of the challenge of foraging for food.

My suggestions for what to stuff them with and the things I have had the best success with are;

 For the sterile white bones use either Pupperoni or Snausages because they are pliable and can be squished inside the bone in such a way as to make it hard to get out (the whole point!)
 For the Kongs use Livasnaps if available, they wedge in the holes really well.
 For the Buster Cube use anything big enough to not fall out easily.

I wish you good luck and if you have any further questions feel free to contact me again