Suggestions To Stop Dogs from Digging...

[Princess Marie Belmont]

Filling in the holes: Put charcoal in the hole. Then try refilling the holes with junk. Dogs quickly lose interest and pretty much stop digging. Fill the hole with whatever is at hand -dead leaves, sticks, pine needles, rocks or even dog feces. Fill the top 2 inches or so with dirt. The dog finds the stuff, gets discouraged and often quits digging. They seem to get the idea they'll never know where they'll find junk, and it's not worth the effort to dig only to find junk so they quit. <
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>Surprises in the hole: You can try burying a water balloon in one of the holes which will pop in its face when it starts digging (surprise). <
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>A sandbox: Try to remember that digging is a natural tendency for dogs. So, if there is any place where your dog may be allowed to dig, you should encourage it (and only in that place). Designate an area where the dog can dig. Many people build a sand box for their dog. Place the box in an area that is cool in summer and warm in winter. <
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>To teach the dog to dig only in the box, place or bury toys or treats (sliced hotdogs, for example) in the box. Encourage the dog to dig up the toy or treat. Praise the dog. Repeat until the dog willingly jumps in and digs. Watch the dog. When it starts to dig in any other place, quickly go out and take your dog to its box. Show it (by digging yourself), that it should dig in its box. <
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>To deter boredom, place several toys/treats in the box before you leave for work. The dog will spend its time digging in the correct place rather than digging up your roses. You can also sprinkle animal essence (available at hunting supplies places).<
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>Remember that dogs like to dig in freshly turned earth. So get out that shovel and turn the dirt over in the sand box every now and then. Toss in some fresh dirt. Keep a close eye on freshly planted areas, as they will be very attractive (bury some extra hotdogs in the sandbox when you are putting down new plants). <
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>Put a cheap wooden deck over the area of the backyard. Or get a roll of rabbit cage wire (Home Depot) and lay flat over ground, stake it down. Also you say you walk him, so section off your yard with the wire leaving enough room for a toilet area.<
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>Line the yard. for extreme cases you can line the yard with chicken wire and put a layer of sod over that. Use paving
icks or blocks around the edge to prevent the dog from injuring itself on the edge of the chicken wire.<
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> <b><i>"I have the fiery determination of a Vampire Hunter coursing through my veins"</i></b><i></i>

[Ingrid]

Some say dogs dig because they are under stress. In that case maybe a good rawhide bone will fix the problem for awhile.... <i>Edited by: Ingrid  at: 11/12/00 12:00:01 am<
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[soloist]

Either that or a diversionary tactic such as<
>the company of yet another pet. Th-<
>ough it must be certain that <
>they can get along. Som-<
>etimes dogs dig w-<
>hen they are <
>lonely a-<
>s we-<
>ll. <b>soloist</b>Strictly PSX game reviewer...<
> as of 10-6-99<
>ClickHere!<i></i>