Dear Critter Corner: Our dog is constantly digging in our yard. He digs holes in the grass and rips up flowers and plants. I’m concerned about not only the state of our yard, but also the possibility of him hurting himself. What can I do to stop him from digging?
Digging is a normal canine behavior. A dog may be investigating underground animals or interesting smells, burying something, seeking activity, or creating a cooler place to rest. Some dogs may simply enjoy digging.
So instead of asking how to stop this behavior, consider ways to make your dog’s love of digging safer for them and less destructive to your well-kept garden. One solution is to create a sandbox or other designated area in which you can teach your dog to dig. To teach your dog to dig in the sandbox (instead of your prized hydrangeas), you can entice your dog by hiding items they like, such as toys, in the sandbox and reward your dog with a treat or praise when they dig them up. Instead of an actual sandbox, you can also use a kiddie pool filled with sand. You may also need to supervise your dog outside or use barriers to protect your plants while they learn where digging is allowed.
Another similar complaint is chewing items that the owner doesn’t want their dog to chew. Like digging, chewing is natural for a dog. Rather than trying to stop this behavior, it can be more effective to encourage dogs to chew items that are safe and appropriate. Many dogs enjoy bully sticks or toys made for chewing. Because no chew or toy is appropriate for every dog, choose items suited to your dog’s size and chewing style, and consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain. Always supervise your dog while they are chewing and replace an item if pieces become loose or it becomes small enough to swallow.
Whether you’re concerned about your dog’s digging or chewing, keep in mind that these are normal canine behaviors. Rather than trying to stop your dog from being a dog, channeling those behaviors in safe and positive ways can help protect your dog’s welfare and your garden.
Barb Izzo is a Behavior Training Specialist for the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Behavior Department. For more information, please visit phs-spca.org, call 650-340-7022 x314, or email behavior@phs-spca.org.