Hi dog lovers!
Our little 6 month old puppy loves to be outside and has taken up a passion for digging holes in our backyard! I'm looking for advise on how to train not to dig, or other suggestions - mainly to keep her from tracking so much dirt in the house. We wipe her paws off now, but she doesn't like it so she avoids coming inside if she thinks we're going to clean her off. It's getting to be a bit of a battle! We're thinking about trying some booties with her, but I'm not sure she'll leave them on, or even let us get them on her. Any ideas?! Thanks!
~J.
Thanks for all your responses - you mamas made me realize something. Adrian is a very good, but energetic puppy. She gets regular walks, has started doggy day camp for dog socialization, we do some training at home (no classes, yet), and is generally well-behaved.... EXCEPT when we're in the back yard where she digs! She thinks that is HER territory and she calls the shots. So, we're moving her training from just indoors, to outside as well! You guys are great!
When I was a kid we had a dog that would dig. My Dad took a balloon, blew it up and put it in the hole where the dog liked to dig, then covered it with dirt. When the dog went to dig she popped the balloon, the noise startled the dog and she never dug again. Something you could try. Good Luck.
S.
Hi J.,
I'm really new to this site and have never posted anything, so please forgive me if I seem long-winded. I have a small dog (Toy Fox Terrier) currently, but have raised Golden Retrievers in the past. We had one that loved to dig in the garden, but after she learned some basic commands, we were able to teach her not to dig just by saying "No" in a firm tone each time we saw her start up. I think the response from the Chihuahua owner was on point-get your puppy into obedience classes so that she learns who's in charge and how to listen to you. Another trick that might work is this: As soon as you see her start to dig, give her a firm NO, and then hand her something appropriate to chew on, thus distracting her.
As for the feet wiping, we always brought the dogs just inside the door and told them to sit and stay. They each would wait to have their feet wiped clean, but again, that's a basic command that's usually learned in an obedience class. I know that Petco and PetSmart both offer low-cost puppy classes, but you might also find some good recomendations (sp?) from your veterinarian.
Good luck!
E.
Dogs need lots of exercise. If they don't get enough they have a lot of built up energy and need an outlet, chewing and digging is when this happens. Try walking your dog more often, or if you have a big enough fenced back yard, and you don't have time for walks, you will need another dog for her toplay with and get her exercise and keep her company. I usually have an age difference with my dogs, so you're not training 2 puppies.
J.,
There is a product that is sold at Petsmart called No dig and works pretty well you can also sprinkle cayanne pepper where she is digging and that will stop her as dogs don't like it. Have you gotten her into puppy traing Classes you may want to look into that as well. Good Luck!
Aww! Having a dog in the family so rewarding. It's nice to have a loyal companion that's always happy to see you :). As far as the training, I'm not going to be very helpful to you. I've just now gotten my 3 year-old Chihuahua housebroken. I have seen that from time to time that pet store or vet clinics will offer free training sessions. Perhaps you could look into something to that effect? The best of luck to you!
Dogs usually dig when they are bored. Stop leaving her outside unattended and she'll stop digging. If you must leave her outside, you'll probably want to consider building a kennel that has a concrete base.
Hi J.. I feel your pain! We have a mini golden doodle who just turned a year old and has destroyed our back yard with holes. who knows what break up will uncover! Sorry, but no advice.
