Animal Antics !
“Help! My dog is digging up my yard. What can I do?”
This is a question I am often asked. However before the behaviour can be addressed we need to
understand why dogs dig. Here are the top 7 reasons.
1. Burying Treasure. Dogs love to bury all sorts of things, most of all their most valued treasures like chew
toys and of course bones and other food. This is an inherited trait from their wild
ancestors who concealed their food so they could return later to eat it. This is a natural
behaviour for your dog.
2. Making a den. Another behaviour which can be attributed to their wild dog relatives. Our pet dogs love
to sleep in or under things that resemble dens. Some dogs love digging around on their blanket or bed,
others prefer the garden.
3. Entertainment. We love to be entertained and your dog is no different. Some dogs will dig to overcome
boredom others enjoy a dig as part of a game, Sandy beaches and play pits are
especially attractive.
4. Hunting. Some breeds are born to dig. Terriers, Dachshunds, Beagles, Bassets and
Bloodhounds are natural diggers bred to dig for prey and they have a high drive to do so.
5. Separation Anxiety. Dogs may dig in an attempt to be
reunited with their owner or pack or simply because th ^H۸