Warum gräbt mein Hund so gerne?

Have you found holes in your yard or garden? You may be quick to blame that a ground squirrel, mole, or even a pocket gopher may have done the damage but the truth is it could actually be that it was your dog that dug up those holes. Although you will become frustrated with your dog’s digging behaviors and saddened to see all your pretty flowers and plants have now been ruined, let us first take a look at why dogs dig. If you wonder, why does my dog loves digging, stay with us, and read our informative article.

Genetics

Some dog breeds are more biologically inclined to dig. Some hunting dogs were bred to hunt and search for prey. For example, Terrier means “earth dog”. Terriers were born and bred to dig. It is natural instinct for these types of breeds to dig in the ground, especially if they hear a particular sound or smell a certain odor. 

Boredom 

If your dog is left alone for long periods of time, they will get bored and turn their attention to doing something fun like digging.

Separation Issues

Boredom and lack of attention can also lead to some levels of stress, anxiety, and separation issues leaving them wanting to take out their energy and feelings of loneliness on digging. 

Escape

Dogs dig to create a cool place to lie and rest in to escape the hot summer heat. Some dogs also try and escape from an enclosed area and will be determined to dig under fences in the yard to crawl out. 

Burying Treasure 

Dogs like to dig and bury their “treasures” such as food, toys, bones, or other rewarding resources. They are trying to stash and hide their resources which is a natural behavior. 

How To Prevent Your Dog From Digging

• Allow Only One Spot

You don’t want your dog to end up digging everywhere in your yard. You can show your dog ONE specific spot that is an acceptable area for them to dig. Allow your dog to watch you bury a few yummy smelling treats or and encourage your dog to dig only in that one spot. Your dog will learn that this is the only area where the treasure can be found and nowhere else. 

When training your dog to dig in a specific area, it is important to create a designated spot that is appealing to them. This can be done by adding sand or loose soil to the area so that it is easier for your dog to dig. You can also bury toys or treats in the designated area to encourage your dog to explore and spend time in that spot. Additionally, it is important to consistently reinforce the behavior and praise your dog when they dig in the designated area. This positive reinforcement will encourage your dog to continue digging in the appropriate spot.

• Bring Dog Indoors 

Don’t let your dog out in your yard unsupervised. If you know you will be out of your house and away from your dog for a long period of time, then it is best to bring your dog indoors and cut off their access to your outdoor yard. 

• More Exercise and Playtime

Take some time out of your schedule to give your dog adequate exercise and more playtime. Take your dog out for a long walk, play a game of fetch, toss of a ball or even a game of tug-of-war with a fun squeaky toy. Providing your dog with these fun activities will burn out their physical energy preventing boredom. If you are gone from your home, provide them with a chew toy such as a Kong and stuff it with yummy treats so your dog can be occupied. 

Another way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and prevent boredom is to take them to new places for exercise and playtime. For example, you can take your dog to a dog park or on a hike in a new area. This will give your dog an opportunity to explore new sights and smells, which will help to keep them engaged and excited. Additionally, enrolling your dog in an obedience class or agility training can provide mental stimulation and activity that will keep them entertained and engaged. 

• Mental Stimulation

Along with exercise and playtime, you can also provide your dog with fun and challenging activities such as puzzles and tricks training. Teaching your dog tricks training will not only prevent boredom but it will get them mentally stimulated, a confidence boost, and it will create a fun bond between you and your dog. Check out some of our tips on tricks training under Strengthen Your Friendship Program in der Dogo App!

Eine weitere gute Möglichkeit, Ihren Hund geistig zu stimulieren, besteht darin, ihn mit neuen Menschen und anderen Tieren bekannt zu machen. Sozialisierung kann dazu beitragen, Langeweile und Ängste zu vermeiden, indem Sie Ihrem Hund neue Erfahrungen und Möglichkeiten zur Interaktion mit anderen bieten. Gehen Sie mit Ihrem Hund in ein hundefreundliches Café, besuchen Sie eine haustierfreundliche Veranstaltung oder vereinbaren Sie Spielstunden mit anderen Hunden. Diese Erfahrungen tragen dazu bei, Ihren Hund zu sozialisieren und ihn glücklich und beschäftigt zu halten. Außerdem ist es wichtig, das Verhalten Ihres Hundes während der Sozialisierung zu beobachten und ihn positiv zu bestärken, wenn er sich angemessen verhält. Dies trägt dazu bei, das Selbstvertrauen Ihres Hundes zu stärken und positive Interaktionen mit anderen zu fördern.