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January 25, 2012

We have an outdoor dog that loves to dig. Nothing we've tried has worked. Do you have other recommendations as to what can be done to save our yard from being destroyed but also allow her more freedom?

Full Question:

Hello,

We have an outdoor dog (beagle, cocker spaniel mix) that loves to dig. She digs anywhere and all the time. We have tried a lot of different things to get her to stop but because she is outdoor it is hard to catch her in the act. We have had to fence her in a paved portion of the yard in order for her to not dig while we are gone and can only let her out to play when someone is watching her. We have even hidden to where she didn't know we were there and used a shock collar to get her attention when she started to dig and it did not work. Do you have other recommendations as to what can be done to save our yard from being destroyed but also allow her more freedom?

Thanks,
Natasha

Cindy's Answer:

Digging is almost impossible to stop unless you can supervise 100% of the time. It’s a self rewarding activity that dogs do just for the joy of it. Some dogs do it out of boredom, so giving your dog more attention and exercise may help.

You can fill the holes the dog has dug with dog poop and then cover it, but it will only keep the dog from digging in that location. Usually they just start a new excavation.

I gave my dogs their very own sandbox and buried toys and treats there to give them the idea that they CAN and SHOULD dig there.

Treat toys that the dog has to work at to get the food out also helps combat boredom. We sell a number of treat toys.

The Bob-a-lot and the everlasting treat balls are big favorites here.

I hope this helps,
Cindy Rhodes

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