Why do dogs dig:
- It is fun!
- Hunting (especially terriers)
- It is a social behavior- if one dog digs another dog joins in (if you plant flowers you are digging so you dog joins in)
- Gets attention (negative attention is still attention)
Prevention:
- Put in a sandbox for your dog to dig + bury stuffed Kongs or other goodies
- Keep Ornamental flower beds in areas where your dog cannot go (front yard)
- Enclose flower peds with chicken wire or garden fences
- Cover ground of flower beds with gravel instead of mulch or pine straw
- Do not yell or chase or make noises or throw objects at your dog
- Digging inside may mean you need to call an exterminator
Adapted From/ Reading Material: “Take Control But Don’t Lose Control: Help for people with Dogs that are Excellent Human Trainers”
Reading Material: “Chase!” by Clarissa Von Reinhardt