Has Your Dog Been Tearing Up the Yard?
Your Cairn terrier Chaz enjoys life to the fullest. During your four-year-old canine housemate’s brisk walks, he eagerly sniffs the trees and soaks up the attention from his human fans. At the dog park, your feisty pooch leads his small dog buddies in gleeful races around the grounds. However, these activities are just the warmup for his favorite sport: yard-digging marathons. For several days, your intensely focused dog has been tearing into your backyard, creating a series of foot-deep holes along the fence. Although Chaz looks pleased with himself, this destruction must stop. Tomorrow, he’ll visit your Lakeville, MN vet for a physical exam and behavioral counseling.
Cause of the Digging Frenzy
Maybe your fidgety dog craves that next exciting activity. Or, because he’s intensely curious, he might be desperate to know what’s under the grass or beyond the fence.
Your canine companion might be instinctively playing out his “wild dog” days. Long ago, his ancestors dug out snug little dens, probably for protection from predators and the weather. Unfortunately, your dog’s antics could function as a “gateway behavior” to other bad habits. You could be subjected to non-stop barking or destructive chewing, among others.
World-Class Canine Diggers
Chaz’s terrier heritage could qualify him for the Canine Digging Hall of Fame. Compact dogs such as terriers and dachshunds were originally bred for low-to-the-ground hunting work. To ferret out small game such as badgers and rodents, these determined pooches dug until they flushed out their victims.
Because your yard probably doesn’t contain that desirable prey, your dog will settle for run-of-the-mill gophers and moles. Finally, if your fiercely focused pooch does have that “digger” gene, you’ll have a difficult time convincing him to give up his passion.
Channel That Boundless Energy
Find a constructive outlet for Chaz’s boundless energy. Give him more (and longer) neighborhood walks. Increase his dog park trips, and throw in a few rounds of fetch. If your vet approves, get your pooch into vigorous sports such as canine agility or fly-ball. Finally, if your dog is somewhat high-strung, or has previously displayed destructive behavior, ask your vet to find him a satisfying job.
After your Lakeville, MN vet gets Chaz to cease his obnoxious antics, you can begin to repair your pitiful-looking yard. If your dog seems intent on destroying your property, contact us for expert advice.
