Dogs develop an odd behavior due to various reasons such as digging. A garden is a place to relax and entertain on summer evenings, but if the dog ruins the yard by digging, it will be dangerous as well as expensive. This habit needs to be figured out as soon as possible.
Reasons for Digging
Dogs are adorable and eager to please, but they are complex when trying to sort out some behavioral issues. However, the owner should know the cause of such behavioral effects before trying to modify the problem. The reasons why a dog starts digging have been discussed below:
Puppy days
Puppies are curious, and they explore the world by chewing, digging, making holes and indulging in similar activities. This is a very typical activity for puppies and they mostly stop as they grow.
Adult Habits
If pups are not given proper training, what they used to do before, they will continue to do in the future. For instance, they started digging in their puppy days, and are not checked, they will continue to do this activity when they are adult. Hence, one needs to check them and train them as it will allow them to understand the difference between right and bad behavior.
Separation Anxiety
This type of destructive behavior often occurs when dogs suffer from anxiety behaviors. They feel anxious when they are left alone, and they might start up digging due to distress. Digging means they will indulge in an activity that will allow them to escape from their loneliness and will leave them occupied with undesirable behavior.
Escaping Confinement
This is another type of anxiety that the pet suffers from. The dog's requirements might not meet in a fenced area, and it might want to go outside to get a treat which it can’t ignore.
Eating plants & roots
Sometimes plants, soil, and roots are tasty treats for them to ignore which results in digging. This type of digging is easy to uncover as there is an only limited number of holes in the garden that are focused on specific types of choice in the garden.
For hiding purposes
This is another type of impulsive behavior that the pet might have inherited. It is also a reason for digging which is very easy to spot. One can offer them bone or toys and thoroughly check what they try to do with it.
Tips to Solve this Issue
Before one starts getting irritated with this type of action, one can take some measures to check these issues.
Proper Exercise
Every dog should get adequate exercises regularly for keeping its energy level in check. On an average, every pet requires little walks for 30 minutes twice a day with enough play time. Additionally, one can take them to public places, and dog parks where it can play and mix with other pets and people. Improper exercise can cause behavioral problems and lead cause of many health issues.
Keep it Busy & Surrounded
It might feel bored and lonely if it stays alone for a longer duration. Owners should spend some time with them by interacting and playing to make them feel happy and busy. One can also teach them new tricks, train them or only spend some quality time together.
Chew on
Some owners think that only a puppy requires chewing items, but the fact is they need it even when they grow up. There are various advantages of healthy chewing, and a right bone will keep them busy and happy for a longer duration. Doing nothing, not even chewing can make them feel them bored, and it can lead to digging.
Climatic Conditions
Owners should shelter them from extreme climatic conditions. They dig to keep themselves warm in winter and cool in summer. If one leaves them for longer hours offer them shelter from wind, rain, and sun or else, they will make accommodation for themselves.
Professional Help
Treating behavioral issues are problematic, and it requires patience and consistency. However, owners can use the above-discussed tips to stop the pet from digging, if it continues to repeat the activity one should seek medical attention. Veterinary behaviorist are ideal for them, they have customized classes to treat behavior problems in pets.
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