Dogs to dig or not to dig

There are a number of reasons dogs dig. A hole can provide a cool spot in summer and a warm spot in winter. Sometimes dogs are attracted to the soil if they are deficient in certain nutrients or there may even be remnants of something attractive under the ground.

Other times a dog will just dig to entertain himself or expend energy but please note that where he digs is important. If your dog only digs immediately at the fence it’s probably an escape attempt.

I believe it is a good thing to have a place where your dog is allowed to dig seeing it is a very natural thing for a dog to do. We were lucky because when we got our new dog our existing dog had already begun a type of cubby in the allocated area.

There is absolutely no point in rousing on a dog for digging in the wrong place unless to catch him in the act. You can drop a few nuggets of his poo into the holes and he won’t dig there any more. A sand pit just for him is an ideal place to encourage your dog to dig. You can even hide the occasional toy in there for him to find.

Dogs will be dogs. Some love digging more than others. Provide lots of exercise and remember that dogs can’t join a quilting class to keep occupied.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)