8. How do you stop dogs from digging?

Dogs dig because it’s fun (dirt plays back) or for exploration reasons. This is a normal behavior and if dogs are allowed to engage in the behavior unsupervised, it will persist and escalate because the behavior is reinforced (remember … it is fun). Management includes not allowing dogs in areas unsupervised where they have dug before, block off problem areas to prevent access, always be in the yard with your dog to prevent digging and engage your dog with other activities (play, training). Also, you can create an acceptable digging area by providing a digging box or area with sand or dirt that your dog and easily dig in. You can encourage its use by burying favorite toys (first shallow then more deeply) in the box. —John Ciribassi, DVM, DACVB