Puppy Digging Case Study
Owning a puppy that loves to
dig yard & garden is cause to worry about. There are times
when most of us have experienced our neighbors' dog as a threat
just because it digs up the garden thereby spoiling beautiful
flowers and plants? If this is the case, you might be
experiencing sleepless nights due this strange behavior of your
pet dog. Most of us may find this behavior of a dog, 'bizarre',
but it is just an activity for your dog which he enjoys
immensely.
Dogs and their ancestors have
been digging for years. In earlier days, dogs used to dig for
various reasons. The main reason is the temperature around them
that keeps altering from time to time. Digging provides them
warmth in cool weather and vice-versa. Dogs also believed that
burying their food in to a pit would protect it from predators.
They even enjoyed catching on their prey by digging
ground.
However, this is not the case
with dogs today. Today, dogs have become much domesticated and
cultured.
So,
why do dogs
dig?
Unfortunately, many dogs dig,
for the sheer joy of it. In fact, all dogs are thrilled to
cover themselves nose to tail with mud every single day. It is
likely that a dog digs out of boredom. Remember, dogs do
not dig to spite you; it's a natural thing that dogs do.
If your dog loves digging, the best thing would be to provide
him a "doggie sand box". Choose a spot in
your yard where your dog can dig and fill the area
with sand or loose soil. If your dog digs elsewhere, halt him
by giving the command "No". Don't forget to praise him once he
obeys the command, given to him. This cultivates a good habit
in him.
There is another option to
stop your dog digging. However this option is a bit expensive.
It's to give your dog, a Kennel area with a slab or patio
blocks as a floor. This may prove to be another solution to the
problem of digging. In fact, patio blocks are the one
reason; your dog's noses are not completely covered.
Socializing with your dog may
also prove beneficial in preventing your dog from digging. This
proves helpful as your dog becomes more cultured and obedient;
thereby making him follows all the order given by you. Once the
dog is obedient, it will dig only at places allotted to him for
the purpose.
Try not to leave your dog
alone for a long time. Leaving your dog alone for a long period
would introduce boredom into his life. Dogs are social animals
and hence, they are meant to be with us as our companions in
society. You must try to spend quality time with your dog and
take them outdoor for walks. This will help your dog not to
feel frustrated often.
The entire procedure is
extremely beneficial in providing you excellent results in a
short time. You may also try mood-altering drugs for the
extreme cases to stabilize your dog emotions. However, these
drugs must be taken by the recommendation of an experienced
vet.
The best ways to prevent your
dog digging is by keeping your dog cool. This keeps your dog
actually cool, and it won't bother the earth as its' next
choice.
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