Any ideas on how to convince a puppy that digging holes in her new back yard is a no-no?

 

Some breeds are more prone than others for digging. Dogs let loose with nothing else to do and no one with whom to play can resort to their instinct to dig. It is possible to confine digging to an appropriate corner of the yard by reinforcing positive behavior. Pets, like children, need supervision and positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors.

Some helpful links:

http://www.petfinder.com/journalindex.cgi?path=/public/animalbehavior/dogs/1.2.27.txt

http://www.ehow.com/how_2206_stop-dog-digging.html

http://www.findlocalpets.com/pet-education/dog-training/dog-digging-in-yard/

 

Also try filling the holes with rocks so when Fluffy goes back to keep digging, they will be deterred.

 

Now that is a unique suggestion. Thank you.

 

I had a german shephard that dug hole due to being alone during the day. I got a book on training dogs, the soultion was to take the dog to the hole fill the whole with water and hold the dogs head under until he though he would be drowned. Then after a few days of not digging, you go out and dig a hole with a shovel and do it again. I tried this and it worked. I know that it sounds mean but it kept her from digging holes. If your dog is a puppy then it's easier. If she or he is grown they can be very strong and it become a hard job to hold them. Good luck with whatever works for you.

 

Jimrs, I don't know what book you had or where you got it, but that is cruelty! Dogs dig for many reasons, and one of the most frequent reasons is boredom. You and your dog would do better to spend that time and energy walking your dog and let them see the outside world. I DO NOT recommend this method to anyone. It's cruel and inhumane.

Newt

 

Jimrs, that is absolutely horrible! That's definitely cruelty and you could (and should, IMO) go to jail for doing something like that! There are obviously bad dog trainers just as there are bad psychiatrists and just because someone says so, doesn't mean we have to do it. Shame on you.