Q: Why Do Dogs Dig?

by Paw Nation Staff (Subscribe to Paw Nation Staff's posts): Sep 15th 2009 @ 1:00PM Filed Under: Dogs, Pet Training, Meet the Breeds

"Not diggin' my hole?" Photo: uberphot/Flickr

By Mary R. Burch, PhD, American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Director

A: Dogs can make a minefield out of your yard for a number of reasons:

Left alone in a backyard, some dogs dig as an outlet for frustration. Digging provides something to do when an active, intelligent dog is bored out of his mind.

Confined dogs will often dig to get out of a fence. There's a big wide world out there and the dog wants to see it.

Some breeds - terriers in particular - often dig because it's in their genes. These are go-to-ground dogs who dig to find moles, lizards, mice, bugs, and any other critters in the hunt of the day.

Dogs who are outside in the heat will dig to expose cool earth that they can lay on to lower their body temperatures.

Dogs who like bones often bury their bones and dig them up later.

Not diggin' your dog's habit? The best thing you can do for a bored dog is provide mental stimulation through daily play and training sessions. The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program is a great place to start training all dogs and owners.

You can design a digging pit in your yard so there is a designated place for your dog to dig. Burying bones or favorite toys will help your dog learn that this place is an approved digging area.

Finally, in warm weather, bring your dog inside so that he doesn't have to handle the heat on his own. If you don't want to give your dog access to your whole house while you're gone, a designated climate controlled area with water and toys will be much appreciated by the canine member of your family.

About the Author
Mary Burch is the director of the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Program. She is one of the 50 Certified Animal Behaviorists in the United States. With more than 25 years of dog experience, Dr. Burch is an international expert on dog therapy. She is the author of nine books, more than 200 articles and has been a lobbyist on legislation concerning hazardous dogs and responsible dog ownership.

Learn more about your favorite breeds at the upcoming Meet the Breeds event in New York City on October 17th - 18th. For more information, visit MeetTheBreeds.com.

Tags: meet the breeds, MeetTheBreeds

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