Dogs dig, (some more than others) and no matter where you live, the summer months increase the likelihood that your K-9 companion will dig. This increase in digging is often motivated by their need to find a cooler place to lie. In some parts of the country, it may be that the ground is no longer frozen and your dog is outside more. We all love our dogs, and digging is an innate behavior which allows them to perform certain tasks which they find rewarding.

. Digging helps a dog hunt for creatures living under ground
. Digging can lead to treasures buried in the ground
(Example: those black tubes we call drip systems)
. Digging can create more comfortable living conditions. The ground is always cooler a few inches down especially near concrete foundations.
. Digging can provide a way to escape an environment
. Digging can provide a way to store something for later use
. Digging can be purely recreational

What Can Be Done to Manage your Dog's Behavior?

First, ask yourself why your dog digs. What reward is your dog looking for? I can assure you that it is not a covert means your dog has discovered to irritate you.

Do's
. You need to accept responsibility for controlling the environment and managing the behavior. Blaming the dog is not constructive.

Redirecting the Behavior

. If you know that your dog is digging to find a cool comfortable place to lie, perhaps you can create such a place. It could be an alternate spot where you can wet the ground to encourage your dog to dig there.
. Perhaps its time to create a cool comfortable place on the porch.
. When your dog is digging for treasures, you can bury some toys or bones in an area you would prefer him/her to dig.
. Burying your dog's stools in areas that are unacceptable for digging is a natural deterrent.
. If you believe your dog's digging behavior is motivated by frustration and boredom, an exercise plan and a daily routine can help. You may also want to talk to a behaviorist in your area.

Don'ts

. Scold your dog in the aftermath
. Let your dog watch you fill in holes
. Let your dog watch you plant flowers or bury drip systems
. Let your dog watch the landscaper plant flowers and lay drip systems
. Give your dog access to freshly laid sod

Often, the easiest and most positive solution for you and your dog is to remove the temptation by incorporating the Invisible Fence® brand solution. Now you can give your dog the freedom it needs and protect those landscaped areas you want protected. Everyone, including the dog, will live happily ever after!