UrbanAnimal

Print

E-mail

Text

Dear UrbanAnimal,

Our two-year-old Labrador retriever, Dang, is driving me crazy. He's a beautiful dog, sweet-natured, loves people and other animals, is intelligent and ... a compulsive digger. Dang gets lots of exercise and attention but he's continually digging up my backyard. Where there's dirt, there's Dang. How do I stop this habit?

Elise

Dear Elise,

Just like us humans, each dog comes equipped with a unique set of traits and habits, likes and dislikes. It sounds as if Dang has all the important stuff covered: he's beautiful, sweet and intelligent. Many of us would be delighted to report wanton digging as the only "fault" in a two-year-old dog. But I understand your concern.

His habit could result in health issues ranging from ingesting parasites and toxic foliage to cutting paws or mouth on a buried piece of glass, rusty nail or a bit of old wire fencing. And "moonscape" isn't usually what we shoot for in backyard design.

Let's look at why Dang feels the need to re-enact a scene from The Great Escape. The most common reasons for digging include boredom, entertainment, exercise, an unaltered dog searching for an escape route, searching for certain nutrients, stomach upset, a hard-wired genetic issue, seeking a cool place to rest and, last but not least, it just plain feels good. Dogs don't dig or destroy things through spite or any other human emotion.

You've mentioned that Dang gets lots of exercise and attention so we can rule out boredom, lack of entertainment and exercise. Many unaltered dogs will desperately dig under a fence in their quest to join the neighbourhood singles and meet up. But if Dang is neutered, it's safe to assume that raging hormones aren't involved.

Some animals sift through dirt in search of certain nutrients they aren't receiving through their normal diet or they're attempting to calm a tummy upset. If Dang isn't actively eating the dirt, you can strike those reasons from the list. But if he is eating it, book an appointment with your veterinarian to find out if a medical issue is the culprit.

Dogs that are genetically inspired to dig generally include breeds developed to tunnel for vermin but it's such a common pastime for many breeds types, I wouldn't discount thrill-of-the-hunt as one reason why Dang finds it so appealing.

Now we're down to three possibilities as to why Dang digs: hunting, seeking a cool place and "Man-oh-man ... this feels soooo good."

Basically, Dang digs digging. It puts him in touch with his inner dogness. It makes him feel good. It's cool to the touch, it releases fabulous odours and, what the heck, he may score a little something for dinner while he's at it.

I'm a great believer in allowing our pets to wallow in freedom, explore their roots and study their navels. We spend a great deal of time moulding our animals to fit into our human world; isn't it fair that we try to fit ourselves into their world whenever possible?

I would suggest giving Dang a designated dig spot in your yard. Choose an area that is suitable to Dang's physical size and erect a dog-safe wooden or plastic fence with a walk-through. Then loosen up the earth to check for hazardous material and release those heavenly scents that dogs love so much.

Toss in Dang's favourite toy or treat and call him to join you. Use lots of happy talk and praise when he digs in the designated area. Over the next few weeks, supervise Dang when he enters the yard and encourage him to dig only in "Dang's Dig Spot."

If he excavates elsewhere, say "No!" firmly but gently and lead him to the designated area, toss in a toy or treat with lots of happy, encouraging talk and praise when he obeys.

I know what you're thinking, and you're right - my suggestion won't stop Dang from digging. But in many cases, this particular trait is hard-wired and the solution requires behavioural repositioning. Your other options include yelling, supervising on a 24-hour-a day basis, paving your backyard or hoping Dang will "grow out of it".

Providing a dig pit will save your frayed nerves and keep Dang happy.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.