Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 10/31/2006

Question
I have a female Lab/malemute that I adopted from an anmimal shelter. I have had her for about 3 years. She is spayed, and also had a hysterectomy due to complications when she went into her first heat cycle. Her name is Toya. She weighs 160 lbs, and she was that way when we first got her. During the summer months, she likes to dig holes around the house or where ever to lay in to keep her cool which I don't blame her but it's really starting to make me mad cause she keeps digging new holes all over and then I have to fill them in to find them dug again the next day. I ahve a certain area where I let her dig, but now she is doing it against the house and it looks like crap. I used to have a different dog that did the same thing so I ran some wire off of my electric fenceing for my horses and it gave him a good zap, but that gets to be a lot of work being this new house of mine is no where near our fence. do you have any suggestions as to how to get her not to dig in certain areas?  

Answer
Dear Joleen,
Thanks for the question. It sounds as if you understand why she is digging - good for you!
Obviously the area where you "let her dig" does not provide the same cooliing effect as the areas against your house.
Provide her with shelter from the heat so that she will choose to go to the shelter you provide instead of digging beside your house.

Ideas -

Build a kennell with a roof to shade her from the sun and safely place an outdoor fan in the covered area. Place a kiddie pool in the kennel so she can cool off there.

Can she stay inside on hot days?

Happy Training!
AT