Dog Obedience Training - Why Do Dogs Dig?

Dogs dig for several reasons but the main one is because it is a natural inherited trait. The dog's ancestors in the wild would bury food that was excess to immediate needs so that they could dig it up later, when needed. So a dog digging a hole to bury his bone is not being naughty. He is just following his built in hard wired instincts.

Bitches that are pregnant will dig a lair to have their pups in. This is also a hard wired inherited trait and is something the bitch has little control of. She will find a spot which is quite, secluded, shady and easy to excavate and this is very often right under the foundations of the house.

Another inherited trait is for dogs to dig to get under or around obstacles blocking their path or stopping them getting at food or at a bitch in season. Fences will be dug under if there is a bitch in season nearby. And if a mouse, a rat or a rabbit is detected, or suspected, a terriers instincts kick in and he digs for the critter.

When it is a hot day, dogs will dig a shallow hollow to reach cooler subsoils.

Then there are the manic and problem diggers who seem to delight in digging up your prize roses, eat your most expensive bromeliads, or dig holes all over your prize croquet like lawn. These diggers are most usually just bored and needed to do something to keep themselves occupied.

If you fertilise your garden with an organic blood and bone fertilizer, you may find your dog is digging to reach this tasty treat. Yum yum. Very often they may not actually eat the blood and bone but it does make for a great doggy perfume.

Digging is an undesirable habit that is easily controlled by using dog obedience training techniques, as long as you can determine what sort of digger you have. Watch your dogs habits and discuss the issues with a dog obedience training instructor with experience in dealing with behavior problems.

Nev Allen has been training dogs for 30 years and wants to help you to make your puppy a good canine citizen. If you want to understand all that is involved with dog obedience training, clicker training and dog ownership then you can read articles and watch videos about these fascinating topics at http://dogobediencetrainingblogs.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nev_Allen