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6 Ways to Stop a Dog from Digging Up Your Garden

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Ways to Stop a Dog from Digging Up Your Garden

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of freestocks-photos @ Pixabay

While digging is an instinctual behavior for a dog, it is definitely frustrating to deal with a garden full of holes. While this may initially seem like difficult behavior to deter, here are six effective ways in which you can stop a dog from digging up your beautiful garden.

1. Work Off That Energy

Some dogs are couch potatoes, whereas others require more exercise than average to keep them happy.

One of the most common causes of digging is a lack of exercise. This quickly leads to boredom. It then doesn't take long for a dog to realize that a great way to work off his energy is by using his paws to dig!

If you think that this may be why your dog has been digging...

There is an easy fix to this!

Simply take your dog for a long walk or a good run. This will allow them to work off excess energy. Other types of activities are great too, from swimming to playing fetch.

Once you take your tired pooch back home, you will likely find that he won't have the energy to dig any more!

2. Check for Rodents and Other Animals

Is your dog a natural hunter?

Many breeds, from terriers to pointers, are. This means that they will constantly be seeking out prey to satisfy their urge to hunt. This will often be in the form of rodents, who tend to burrow their tunnels deep underneath a garden. The only way for your dog to get to them is by digging.

So, how do you stop a dog from digging for rodents?

This is a hard one, because a hunting dog's drive to hunt is really so strong.

Your best bet would be to take the steps necessary to clear any rodents or other unwanted creatures away from your garden.

This can be difficult to do on your own, so you may need to call in the help of some professionals. However, once they are able to empty your garden of those creatures, your dog won't have anything underground to hunt for any more. This should be enough to stop him from digging. 

3. Offer Up Some Distractions

As mentioned above, dogs often dig when they are bored. However, this can quickly turn into a habit, meaning that they then start to dig even when they aren't bored.

The best way to tackle this is by offering up a few distractions to your dog whenever he starts to dig.

Can't think of anything that would distract your dog from digging?

A long-lasting chew tends to work quite well! Not only will this give your pooch something tasty to gnaw on over a long period of time, but it will also do the world of good for his gums and teeth (so long as you pick the right chew).

Interactive treat toys are also a good idea. These encourage a dog to work for their reward, providing both physical and mental stimulation.

A chew is a good way to stop a dog from digging
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of guvo59 @ Pixabay

 

4. Set Up a Doggy Sandbox

Some owners don't want to discourage their dog's natural digging behavior, but also don't want to see their garden full of holes.

Well, one way to stop a dog from digging up your garden is by providing your dog with a designated area where he is allowed to dig.

A sandbox is perfect for this, whether you opt for a free-standing box or simply create a pit of sand in the corner of your garden.

One thing to keep in mind...

You will need to spend some time training your dog with the sandbox. Make sure that he understands that while he is allowed to dig in the sandbox, digging anywhere else is a big no-no.

5. Create a Shady Area for Your Dog to Cool Off

Does your dog like to lie down in the holes that he has dug?

If so, the reason that your dog is digging is to find a cool spot to relax. The soil underground is so much cooler than surface level. This is why it is common for dogs to dig themselves a cool hole in hot weather.

The best way to overcome this is by providing your dog with cool, shady areas. This means he won't have to dig in order to find comfort. 

Trees and hedges are great for this. If you already have a few trees in your garden, try stretching a tarp between two of them. This will create a cool, shady spot beneath. You could also invest in an umbrella or tent for your pooch to relax under. If your dog tends to get extremely hot in the heat, you may want to consider placing a cooling mat, or even a damp towel, in a shady spot to encourage your dog to relax there.

6. Deter Your Dog From His Favorite Digging Areas

If there are certain spots in your garden where your dog seems to dig the most, you can place a few deterrents around to stop a dog from digging.

Many people find that placing citrus peels around their garden works quite well. Most dogs hate the smell of citrus, so will stay away from these. Cayenne pepper, and even vinegar, work in a similar way.

If your dog does not like water, then a motion-detecting sprinkler system could be a good idea.

If you would prefer to go down a more natural route, look for plants that will prevent a dog from digging. Any shrubs that have thorns would work, as would rose bushes.

Another option would be to bury some netting or chicken wire in the areas where your dog commonly digs. Flat rocks work well too. These will make digging much harder, hopefully deterring your dog.

If you want to stop a dog from digging in your garden, it is important to get started as soon as you begin to notice this behavior. Each of these six methods are extremely effective, so long as you are able to work out why your dog is digging in the first place.

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Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

By Alina Jumabhoy

Socializing a Puppy: Why, When and How

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Socializing a puppy is something that you need to do from the very first day you bring your pup home.

How exactly do you go about doing this?

Here is everything you need to know...

WHAT DOES SOCIALIZING A PUPPY MEAN?

Socializing a puppy means that your puppy should be meeting as many new people and animals as possible. It involves exposing your puppy to different environments, sights and sounds, making these experiences as pleasant for your puppy as possible.

Why It's Important to Socialize a Puppy

Socialized puppies grow into dogs that are comfortable with the world around them.

Proper socialization when young means that a dog is less likely to develop any behavioral problems. On the other hand, pups who are not socialized properly can often develop fear or aggression issues when they are older. This is particularly the case when the dog is exposed to something new.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SOCIALIZE A PUPPY?

Your puppy goes through what is known as a socialization period between the ages of seven weeks and four months.

The socialization that takes place during this period will have a permanent impact on your pup's personality and character as an adult.

It goes without saying that this is the most important time to socialize a dog.

Of course, if you are buying a pup, you won't be bringing him home until he is about eight or twelve weeks old...

This is why it is so important to buy a puppy from a responsible breeder. They will know how to socialize the pup during this time, and will start doing so from when the puppies are just three weeks old.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A PUPPY

Socializing a puppy by introducing him to children at the park
Photo by Show 131/ CC

When it comes to socializing a puppy, there are a few basic steps that everyone should follow:

Exposure to New Things

The world will seem like a strange place to your puppy, and an important part of socializing is exposing your pup to all of this.

Here are some examples:

  • Different people – including men, women and children of all ages. Exposing your puppy to people wearing different types of accessories, such as hats and umbrellas, can also be helpful, as can introducing your puppy to people in wheelchairs or men with big beards

  • Different animals – such as other dogs, cats, chickens, other birds and livestock

  • Different floor surfaces – including carpet, tiles, laminate flooring, marble, grass, mud, sand and wood

  • Chaotic environments – such as train stations, school playgrounds, crowded markets, construction sites

Involve Family and Friends

When it comes to socializing a puppy, this is something that the whole family should get involved in.

Your puppy needs to learn that these new experiences are safe, no matter who he may be with.

It can also be useful to have your puppy accustomed to being handled and looked after by other family members. If you need them to watch your dog while you are away, your pup won't mind this one bit!

Puppy Classes

Signing your pup up for puppy classes can also be a great tool when it comes to socializing a puppy.

What do puppy classes involve?

They will help you to teach your pup everything from basic commands to fun tricks. They are a great way for your puppy to meet other dogs and people in a safe environment.

Keep It Fun

Not only should your puppy be exposed to all of the above, but you need to also make sure that each experience is a positive one for your pup.

Keep your socializing time fun and playful, bringing along treats and toys to distract your puppy if he becomes fearful of anything. Reward positive behavior as much as possible. 

SOCIALIZING A PUPPY WHO IS UNVACCINATED

Socializing an unvaccinated puppy by carrying him around
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Well-bred puppies will naturally have antibodies from their mothers, but many veterinarians advise that puppies do not walk in areas where unknown animals may have walked. This is to prevent them from picking up a disease before their full course of vaccinations has been completed.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't socialize your pup...

You can still expose your pup to all of the suggestions mentioned above. Just hold your puppy in your arms, or purchase a bag that makes it easier to carry your pup around. Even allowing your pup to see the sights, sounds and smells of the world from an open car window can make a huge difference to his development.

HOW TO SOCIALIZE A SHY PUP

Whether due to a traumatic experience, genetics, or their breed being particularly sensitive, some puppies are simply more shy than others.

This can make socializing a puppy quite the challenge...

A shy pup will react fearfully to new situations, but this makes socialization even more important.

However, you do need to make sure that you take it at your puppy's pace. If your pup seems fearful of something, put more distance between your pup and the object, and allow your puppy to explore it in his own time.

Your pup's body language will tell you when your puppy is afraid. Signs of this include:

  • Shivering

  • Excessively salivating

  • A submissive posture

When your puppy is showing signs of fear at a new situation, try not to provide too much comfort.

This can be hard to do, but you want your puppy to gain the confidence to deal with those types of situations on his own.

However, this doesn't mean that you can't reward your puppy. This is especially important when they have made any progress and shown their braver side.

While it is important to keep socialization fun and positive for any dog, this is even more the case with a shy pup.

Make sure that you do not intimidate or raise your voice at your pup. You need your pup to learn that he can really trust you. 

Remember, always set your puppy up for success.

Properly socializing a puppy is absolutely crucial if you want your pup to grow into a healthy, happy and well-balanced dog. The socialization period is not very long, so make sure that you put extra time and effort into ensuring that your pup gets as much socialization as possible during this time.

What are some of your favorite ways of socializing a puppy?

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An Introduction to Dog Body Language

By Alina Jumabhoy

An Introduction to Dog Body Language

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Johann @ Pexels

Have you ever wished that you could really understand what your dog is trying to tell you?

Well, you can! It all comes down to dog body language. Dog's make use of a wide range of different body signals that can tell you exactly what they are feeling and thinking.

Sometimes, what you may think your dog is trying to tell you could be the complete opposite, which is why it is so important to have an understanding of dog body language.

Of course, you could be studying this for years and still not know all there is to know, but here are some dog body language tips to get started with...

A WAGGING TAIL DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN A HAPPY DOG

If a dog is wagging his tail, then this means that he is happy, right?

In some cases, yes, but, in others, definitely not.

This is one of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to dog body language, as tail wagging can mean quite a few different things.

The key is to look at how the tail is being wagged:

  • Held high with a stiff wag – this means that the dog is agitated and is not going to submit, which could result in a bite. This is especially the case if the dog's ears are also up

  • A low and slow wag – this could be a sign that the dog is nervous or scared

  • A large and loose wag – this is a sign that the dog is friendly and happy

  • A low and rigid wag – this could mean that the dog is fearful

WHAT ARE THOSE EARS TELLING YOU?

It doesn't matter whether your dog's ears are long and floppy or short and erect. Those ears can tell you so much about what your dog is feeling.

How?

Take a look at the base of your dog's ear, along with the direction that this has moved in.

If the base of the ears have moved forward, then this means that the dog is alert. The ears will also usually be pointing in the direction of whatever has caught your dog's interest. Ears that move out to the side are a sign of uncertainty and worry. Ears that are held just slightly back show that your dog is feeling relaxed. If your dog's ears are held tightly back, then this means that your dog is worried but is willing to appease you.

THE SUBMISSIVE GRIN

A labrador doing a submissive grin, which is an example of dog body language
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Have you ever noticed your dog showing all of his teeth and “smiling” when he greets certain visitors?

This can sometimes be a frightening sight, as it can easily be mistaken for a snarl.

However, this is actually called a submissive grin, and is the complete opposite of a snarl.

Your dog does the submissive grin in order to show others that she is not a threat, and is instead being fully submissive. This will usually be accompanied by a few other submissive signs, from lifting a paw to licking the lips to squinting the eyes.

Many owners find the submissive grin incredibly cute. There is nothing wrong with turning this impulsive grin into a learned behavior.

How can you train your dog to grin on command?

Every time your dog grins, say a cue word, such as “smile” or “cheese”, and then give your dog a treat. It will not take long before your dog associates the cue word with the grinning action. Soon, your dog will be able to smile whenever he is asked to. Imagine all of the hilarious photos you will be able to take after teaching your dog this trick!

RAISED HACKLES

Just like the submissive grin, many people initially think that if a dog raises his hackles, this means that he is being aggressive.

This is not strictly true.

The hackles, which refers to the hairs that run from the neck down the backbone, all the way to the tail, end up raised when a dog is stimulated. This could be caused by anything from a frightening clap of thunder to the excitement of a visitor. Fearful dogs can also raise their hackles when they are afraid.

This isn't something that dogs do consciously. Instead, it happens in the same way that the hairs on our arms stand when we experience a burst of adrenaline.

So, how do you know why your dog has his hackles raised?

Again, this is why understanding more about dog body language is important. Take a look at the other parts of your dog's body, from the tail to the ears to the mouth. This will give you a better picture of what your dog is really feeling. 

LEARNING ABOUT THE SIGNS OF STRESS IN A DOG

When a dog is stressed out, this will immediately show up in his body language. However, the cues can sometimes be quite subtle. This means that many owners miss them unless they know exactly what to look for. 

So, how do you know if your dog is feeling stressed?

  • Excessive panting, even though it is not hot

  • Yawning, as this is a way for dogs to calm themselves down

  • Lifting a front paw when approached

  • Excessive lip licking

  • Scratching himself unnecessarily

If your dog also starts to drool, pace, whine or tuck his tail underneath his body, then these are signs that your dog is experiencing fear as well as stress.

It goes without saying that if you see a dog experiencing this, you need to try to diffuse the stressful or fearful situation as much as you can. Rather than punishing the dog, try to work out the root cause of the stress so that you can work on this together.

In order to be a responsible pet owner, you do need to have a basic understanding of dog body language. This is something well worth spending some time learning. Not only will it come in handy time and time again in terms of training, but it will also help to strengthen the bond between you and your pooch.

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5 Fun Dog Tricks to Teach Your Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Fun Dog Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Snap_it @ Pixabay

Teaching your dog some new dog tricks is not only a great way for the two of you to bond, but it also provides a great form of mental stimulation for your pooch.

If you and your dog have already got the basics covered, here are 5 fun dog tricks that you can move on to next.

GIVE ME A KISS

Is your dog particularly affectionate?

If so, this is a trick that you will both no doubt love, and it's actually quite easy to teach.

All you need to do is encourage your dog to lick your face. With each lick, immediately say the word “kiss” and shower your dog with plenty of praise. A treat at this stage may also be helpful for dogs that aren't naturally fond of licking.

Keep repeating that process, saying the word “kiss” each time your dog licks your face.

It won't be long before your pooch associates the two and gives you a kiss whenever you ask for one.

To test it out, simply say the word “kiss” and wait for your dog to come over and give you a lick. If your dog simply stares at you blankly, this means that you need to spend more time on cementing the cue word into your dog's brain.

SPEAK

Teaching your dog to bark on command requires a little patience on your part...

It all comes down to waiting for your dog to bark naturally on his own. Each time he does, you need to be ready with a treat. Make sure that you say your cue word, such as “speak” as soon as your dog has barked, and follow this up immediately with a treat.

Since you aren't able to trigger this behavior yourself at the start, it can take a while for a dog to associate the cue word with the barking.

However, consistency really does pay off with this trick, so be patient and allow your dog to learn this one in his own time.

BALANCING A TREAT ON THE NOSE

You have likely seen numerous photos and videos of dogs with all sorts of food items balanced on their nose.

Ever wondered how this trick is taught?

It's not actually that difficult, so long as your dog knows the “leave it” command.

Begin by asking your dog to sit in front of you, and then gently rub your hands over his nose to get him used to the sensation of an item being placed there.

Then, hold a dog treat near to your dog's nose and repeat the phrase “leave it”. Once your dog understands that he can't eat the treat right away, move your hand directly above your dog's nose and continue with the “leave it” command. Make sure that you consistently praise your dog so that he knows that he is on the right track.

The final step is to place the treat onto your dog's nose, repeating the “leave it” command. Wait a couple of seconds before giving your dog a cue to let him know that he can now eat the treat. Alternatively, remove the treat yourself before feeding it to your dog.

This trick can take some time to learn, especially if you have a food-obsessed dog. However, once your pooch masters it, this is one of those dog tricks that will really impress your friends and family.

SIT PRETTY

Also often known as “beg”, this is one of the easiest dog tricks to teach your pooch.

Ask your dog to sit, and then kneel down so the two of you are at the same level. Hold a treat out for your dog to sniff, and then slowly lift this above your dog's head.

Your dog should naturally lift their front paws off the ground in order to reach the treat. As soon as those paws come up, say your cue word, such as “sit pretty”, and give your dog the treat.

Repeat this process about five more times and then end the training session. It is important not to overdo this trick, as it can strain your dog's muscles. However, performing this trick in moderation is a great way to strengthen your dog's core.

Is your dog not strong enough to support his body weight when sitting pretty?

Your pooch may need a helping hand at first, at least until his muscles have strengthened. You can do this in two ways:

  • Stand behind your dog when practicing this trick, so that your dog can use your legs as a back support when sitting up

  • Use your hands to support your dog's paws once he has lifted them himself

HUG

This is one of the cutest dog tricks out there. After all, who wouldn't want their beloved pooch to give them a hug?

If your dog naturally loves to wrap his paws around your neck, then teaching this trick is extremely easy. All you will need to do is repeat the word “hug” and follow this up with a treat each time your pup naturally performs this behavior.

For everyone else...

Ask your dog to sit on the floor in front of you. You can then either use the “sit pretty” command mentioned above to encourage your dog to lift his paws himself, or you can lift them for him, placing your dog's front paws onto your shoulders once they are in the air.

Once your dog is in this hugging position, say your cue word before giving your dog a treat. Then, say “okay”, or any other release word that you use, before removing your dog's paws from your shoulders.

Repeat the process a couple more times before ending the training session.

Does your dog get too excited when you try to teach this trick?

It may help to keep your pooch on a lead while practicing. This will enable you to prevent your dog from jumping all over you.

When it comes to teaching your dog a new trick, consistency and patience are key. Make sure that you always say your cue word at the right time, as soon as your dog has performed the desired action, as this will help to speed up the rate at which your dog learns the trick.

What are some of you and your pup's favorite dog tricks? Let us know in the comments section below!

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