You’ve heard me say that dogs bark. I have some bad news. . .they also dig. Some enjoy the smell and feel of dirt as it is flying in the air and their bodies get dirtier as they become more engrossed in their task. Some breeds enjoy burying treasures in the yard so only they can return to them later.
Here are some reasons that a dog digs:
To make a cool place in the soil where they can relax
They are bored and it seems like a good thing to do
Instinct says, “What are you waiting for man, there’s earth to uncover! You might find something to eat”
They are young and goofy and everything is fun
To bury a bone or toy for later
They are certain they can get the rodent that just entered it’s home
Here are a few things to stop or at least detour your dog from digging:
Put their poop in the hole they just dug
Sprinkle cayenne pepper in the hole
Give them a place to dig that is theirs. Frame in an area or use a kiddie pool and fill it with sand. Bury some of their bones to encourage them to dig there.
Train them to stay away from the area where they dig by teaching them boundaries
If they are being left outside all day while you are at work and you come home to holes in the yard, this is a good indication of boredom. Another dog to play with might help (that could go either way – help with more holes or help with the boredom!) If you don’t give them something to do, they will find something.
First off, I don’t think dogs are capable of the type of bitter emotion that is summed up in the word “hate.” So, if you come home to a mess or something that appears to be your dog expressing his dislike for you, I suggest you look a little deeper.
From what we know currently about dog psychology, they aren’t capable of spite. Pooping on the couch or on your bed during a time of transition or training may certainly feel spiteful. I know what you’re thinking. . .”they know what they did! You should have seen how they cowered when I walked in.”
They will have a “look” because one thing they do know is that when you come home and there is poop where it shouldn’t be or something destroyed , you are furious. I’d cower too! What to do about it? Nothing, nada, zip, zero, zilch. If you aren’t able to catch them in the moment they (insert whatever the behavior is), it is best not to bring a lot of focus to it.
Your dog may be feeling a bit territorial, needing exercise or a “job,” or there may be some other changes that are affecting them so they respond in a way that is demonstrative like pooping inside or chewing something. Trust me, they don’t hate you. If the behavior is consistent, something more is going on that is worth your attention and perhaps a consultation with a dog behaviorist.
Dogs react to changes in their life just as we do. They just do it differently!
Dog training not only benefits the dog. It also benefits the trainer. I guess you could say there is a selfish motive to training your dog. Here are some ways that dog training benefits the trainer (that’s you!)
A sense of confidence that at least someone listens to you!
There is someone who is always glad to see you – even when you ask them to sit or eat their dinner.
The treats they eat won’t make you gain weight.
You can smile as the people with the fully-extended retractable leashes connected to uncontrollable dogs walk by as your dog sits (patiently?) and waits.
The veterinarian’s staff will greet you with a smile.
Friends will want to visit because they admire how well you’ve worked with your dog.
Dog training is a lot more than just being able to give commands. It’s not about being able to control and order your dog around – it’s about building a positive relationship between you and your canine companion. (You might be able to add “boasting rights!” to your list)
When looking for the right dog for your family, here are some important considerations:
Size does not indicate temperament; i.e., don’t get a tiny dog because you think it will be a lap dog and love being cuddled or a large dog because it will be a good watch dog.
Because a dog is in a shelter does not mean that it won’t be an amazing family pet. A lot of them were family dogs and don’t automatically come with behavior problems.
When you are getting a dog from a breeder, ask to see the parents or at least one parent of the puppy. A reputable breeder has nothing to hide. It’s good to see the puppy’s environment.
Learn about breeds, and while it’s good to do your research, don’t trust it 100%. Meet the dog for yourself. Ask about this particular dog rather than believing “everything you read!”
Contact a trainer/behaviorist, rescue organization, etc., for guidance and take your time finding the right dog for your family.
An older dog can make a wonderful companion without all of the work of a puppy.
Don’t get a dog because it’s “free.”
Don’t get a dog because it’s “expensive.”
I’d be more than happy to assist with additional information and help in finding the best dog for you and your family.
I want to strongly encourage any one who gives their dog rawhide chew toys to reconsider. There are other options that are far more safe. I know, I know, “we’ve used it for years!” Maybe so.
I experienced this first hand when my dog quit eating and what we found was a rotting piece of rawhide in his belly. Dogs do not digest rawhide so if they break off a small piece and swallow it, hope it passes. Otherwise, it can rot in their stomach or intestines until surgery is required to remove it. Not to mention the pain and infection they will experience as a result of it.
As you read in Casper’s story, he had a piece of rotting bully stick in his abdomen. He is obviously well-loved. Perhaps you’d like to donate. If nothing else, be aware of the potential hazards of your choice of dog chews.
I like to mention when I find a good product. Here’s another favorite of mine! It has to do with a method for picking up dog poop. You might wonder why I’m referring to it as a method. Well, it is – or can be.
When you have more than one large dog, there may be more dog poop than one cares to talk about (or at least not in mixed company . . .that would be the kind of company that only has cats!)
Bending over using a plastic bag is not only a lot of plastic but you could injure yourself in the process! Not to mention the need to be up-close-and-personal with the undesirable. A rake and shovel can also be damaging to the back.
I found that the large Jumbo Jaws Scoop does the job with less effort from me! It has a handle with a lever that when squeezed opens up the spring-loaded “jaw,” and it picks up on any surface. I won’t go as far as saying that it makes it a “fun” task, but it definitely makes it easier.
To make certain that the mess cleanup remains outside, read my e-book on Housebreaking.
It is never too late for you or your dog to change an unwanted behavior. Some people give up (on themselves and their dog) or surrender to the undesirable behavior. Others wait until the behavior has escalated and considered intolerable before contacting a trainer or behaviorist.
I am here to tell you that it’s never too late! Waiting may not have been the best choice, but you’re here now and so is your dog’s wonderful(?) behavior. It’s never too late. Shifting the behavior slightly and looking for gradual improvement is a good place to start. Don’t expect what was accepted for years (or even months) to disappear.
I have gone to client’s homes to work with their new pup only to find that the senior dog loved the attention and focus of the training as well. As adults, we can still learn (and should be learning) new things all of the time. We shouldn’t expect less of our canine adults. I’ve never sensed that a dog was saying – “I’m too old for this stuff!” Even arthritic, hearing and sight impaired dogs respond to the added attention, energy, and focus of training.
You and your dog are never too old to change an unwanted behavior and to learn a few new tricks!
Training your dog to respond to you and your commands; i.e., “quiet” when barking, “come” when called, etc., is very important. There are times when you aren’t at home or unable to get to them quick enough if they are extremely distracted. For those times, I found a great product. It is made to use outside.
The product (my personal assistant) is made by Guardian. It is designed to look like a bird house. It is made of plastic and houses an electronic device that triggers a high-pitched tone when a dog barks. In other words – your dog runs outside, barks and the dog will hear a sound at a frequency heard only to them. It distracts them and since they don’t enjoy the sound, they refrain from barking.
Depending on the distraction, it may not work 100% of the time. It’s meant as a tool – as an addition to training. Perhaps you’ll find it useful too.
What is an appropriate amount of affection to give a dog? Here are a few guidelines:
When bringing a puppy into the home, give moderate affection while beginning to establish where they will stay (i.e., crate, kennel, confined area).
DO NOT carry them around thinking it is helping them to bond with you. They will bond more naturally when they are allowed to walk around like dogs do. =) You can create problems with separation if you give too much affection initially (or at any time really).
The first two weeks for a rescued dog are very important. I affectionately refer to them as “coma dogs” during that time when everything is perfect and we are amazed at how calm they are. Don’t mistake this as their full “potential.” Give affection for a reason as in with praise for good behavior. Let them adapt to their new environment slowly and remember that they are joining your family and not the other way around.
Don’t mistake not giving affection with having to speak firmly and ignoring them. Just give balanced affection and attention so that they realize the order of things and where they fit. Changing the rules on them after the newness wears off isn’t fair to either of you.
Those are a few of the basic guidelines to follow. There are definitely other variables, but that’s for another post! For now, enjoy how to hug a Great Dane.
