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Post by deathsmistress on Jun 13, 2011 21:17:50 GMT -5
I have recently been struggling with Nicci's tendency to dig. I have a really nice backyard and I would rather not have a digging dog. There are all kinds of anti-digging products on pet store shelves, but I'm also interested in any techniques you all might have to discourage this messy habit. Any ideas?
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Post by suziriot on Jun 13, 2011 21:32:23 GMT -5
Is she doing this while you are present?
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Post by deathsmistress on Jun 13, 2011 22:56:39 GMT -5
Not exactly. I've caught her while I was inside, but every time I go outside to address the issue she thinks I'm out there to play so she runs over to me before I can correct the digging. I don't want to  her after she's run to me. That seems like it would be confusing for her, like she won't know why she is in trouble. Of course now that I have said all that, I remember reading that dogs dig when they are bored. Another part of the struggle is that I can't always superviser her. Do I leave her inside unsupervised and set her up to fail by allowing her opportunities to get in trouble? Or do I leave her outside unsupervised and set us all up to fail by not really get correcting her when she digs? |
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Post by sugar on Jun 14, 2011 8:08:09 GMT -5
Exercise her a lot more and look into getting "thinking" toys for her. Like Buster Cubes or for other kinds of puzzle toys. She is probably bored and digging is helping her get her energy out (which you want to correct soon).
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Post by emilys on Jun 14, 2011 9:23:30 GMT -5
some people advocate finding her a place where she CAN dig...
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mhaze
I Love RPBF!
Posts: 455
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Post by mhaze on Jun 14, 2011 12:05:31 GMT -5
some people advocate finding her a place where she CAN dig... i have always liked this idea. i wonder if anyone has tried it. do most dogs get that it's ok to dig 'here' but not 'there'? |
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Post by maryellen on Jun 14, 2011 16:15:53 GMT -5
you can build her own sandbox, and train her to just dig there... and of course up her exercise. instead of leaving her in the yard, take her for a walk around the block a few times.... every night..... mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation
and yes once you make her own spot to dig and REWARD for just digging there she will understand that is her spot to dig... it will take some time and patience but it can be done
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mayhemkb
Member
Otter as a pup
Posts: 87
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Post by mayhemkb on Jun 14, 2011 16:25:08 GMT -5
I helped a client train their dog to do this. Worked out spectacularly. The dog was a puppy and it took 5 minutes to start the dog off and less than a week to train him. I dug in it first and he imitated me and we went from there.
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Post by loverocksalot on Jun 14, 2011 18:57:01 GMT -5
Yes Rocky has a digging spot. I Put mulch in an area under trees and hammock. He loves to dig himself a bed there. It happened by not scolding him for digging there. If I catch him digging in the grass I just say no digging there. Also he has a huge hole he has been working on since he was a puppy. Think because there are aunts or termites it was a tree stump that he dug away as it rotted. I think grubs is another reason they dig. I have had a grub problem started last year and I think it is back because my moms dog has been shoving her nose in the grass and trying to dig.
Im thinking getting rid of grubs might help stop any digging but then have to use poison or use the natural stuff which I did however it takes a few seasons to get full effect.
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Post by deathsmistress on Jun 16, 2011 22:34:11 GMT -5
Thank you all for sharing your suggestions and experiences. Now that Nicci is current on shots we are walking daily. I even come home on my lunch break and get in at least one trip around the block; it's great for both of us!
We went to the pet store yesterday for food and a new collar (she's getting so big!) so we looked for the puzzle toys. It's amazing to me how many options there are other than squeeky toys if you are actually looking for them. I have been to a pet store at least once every week in the last two months and I have never noticed the Buster Cubes before! They even have her color, which is pink by the way. What we ended up bringing home is a kong made of hard plastic with a screw top. The bottom is weighted and the top has a little hole in it. It's like one of those sock 'em blow up deals you can get for kids; they punch the clown face and it falls down but comes right back up! So as Nicci knocks the kong down it spills food all over the floor. I must say it is HIGHLY ENTERTAINING for everyone involved. No digging yet but we also haven't left her outside alone long enough to get bored.
Thanks again everyone! Good luck with the grubs Carolann...
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Post by tjamison2001 on Jun 17, 2011 11:14:51 GMT -5
They sell some non toxic spray at lowes that keeps all kinds of critters (anything from dogs, cats, squirrels ect.) away from plants and stuff. It is also sold in granular form. It smells HORRIBLE! I was thinking of getting some to keep the fruit rats off the roof and trees. I opened the bottle and smelled it... I could STILL smell and taste it 3 hours later! It says it lasts for 2 months. The guy at the store says it works great. Just don't spray it anywhere in the house... lmao
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I look forward to learning much here