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!
I am a fan of healthy dog treats; i.e., some of the chicken jerkies, lamb and rice, and there are others. I also recommend Nylabone chew toys and Kong products. Treats for your dogs are just that – treats. They shouldn’t be large enough to replace a meal. We can save that luxury for the humans!
I’ve told you some of my favorite treats. Listed below are some of a dog’s favorite treats.
plastic water bottles (the noisier the better)
nice underwear (don’t ask me how they know)
“things” that should remain in the garbage
“things” a woman really wishes had stayed in the trash
Fear not when one of the above “chews” gets swallowed. Usually, with no assistance, within about three days the object of their consumption will pass. That’s if it hasn’t already come up. I recently heard of a Labrador that took 9 days to pass a very fluffy sock.
You can just pretend that you are on a special assignment with CSI as you follow your dog around praying for the site of something that resembles what went in their mouth. If, of course, within reasonable time it hasn’t found it’s way out or your dog stops eating and/or eliminating, see a veterinarian immediately. There may be a blockage and it can require surgery if it is stuck or twisted in the intestine.
While I recommend the natural treats in the first paragraph, be aware that your dog may have other ideas!
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)
I know this isn’t a political blog, but it seems now that “everything” is political. Even Pit Bulls. Being a lover and advocate for the breed, I am insulted on their behalf. I know the lipstick comment is just an expression. It’s an expression that needs to change along with the rest of what’s happening in our amazing world.
Pit Bulls are extremely misunderstood and are one of the number one breeds to be euthanized and mostly with no fault of their own. Perhaps “someone” now running for office, should consider this before she continues to relate so well to this beautiful breed. There is NO comparison.
Why a Pit Bull would make a better VP than Palin:
They don’t wear lipstick – they don’t need it to be attractive.
They don’t judge people without knowing them – and even after knowing them.
They demonstrate unconditional love even after severe abuse.
They believe in equality and don’t condemn anyone who believes differently than they do.
You can say nasty things about them, lock them up, and try to make them mean and they will still smile (and lick your face without leaving a lipstick smudge.)
They don’t have to wear heels to make themselves tall.
They don’t have to wear their hair in an up-do to look distinguished.
They “speak” in a pleasant voice inviting your attention rather than demanding it.
They hate the senseless killing of wolves and would never authorize any form of neglect or animal abuse.
It’s no secret that the animal shelters are overcrowded and euthanizing dogs by the hundreds on a daily basis. I want to introduce you to someone that ended up in a shelter (numerous times) and kept getting overlooked.
This post is dedicated to one of my shelter rescue named Sammy. Here he is. . .notice the yawning. Just like a nervous human, Sammy yawns when he is the focus of attention and doesn’t know what to “say.” Maybe he’s camera shy. He’s never too shy for a belly rub.
Stop by a local shelter and see how you can help. The smallest contribution will go a long way.
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.
