husky/shepherd puppy digging everywhere

    • Silver

    husky/shepherd puppy digging everywhere

    Hi,

    I need some advice. I have been browsing this forum since I got Katie, our 9 month old husky/shepherd, about five weeks ago. I have learned many things so far.

    After doing some research on Huskies and German Shepherds, I see that I may have my work cut out for me. [;)] Overall she is a great dog...great with my kids, other people and our cat, but one of the things I am not sure how to handle is her digging holes all over the yard. According to the research, it appears that Huskies are diggers. I know that I probably can't take out of her what is already Husky instinct, but is there something I can do to control this habit?

    Thanks,
    • Gold Top Dog
    Where does she mostly dig in the yard? If she digs neer the fenc she may just want to get out, this is telling you that she should go on more walks out of the yard. If she digs near the house she may be looking for anouther way to get inside. Best way to discourage it is to put something in her holes to distract the digging, anything like rocks, board, something that fills in the hole. But you need to figure out where she digs most and why she choose thoes spots to dig. May also me somehing underground that attaracts her to thoes spots.

    There are many other reasons for a dog to dig but I don't know exactly what they are, I hope you get some good advice from people here.
    • Gold Top Dog
    keeping her well excercized is the first thing that comes to mind...i have a couple huskies,and they started that behavior before i got my Springer bike attatchment for my bike...other wise long walks or runs...been to hot here lately for any of that tho..

     from a suggestion on this site,i got them a kiddie pool recently,and they love playing in there on hot days like today...

     good luck...and keep us posted on what you do to kick the habit..
    • Gold Top Dog
    Yes, I forgot that one, some dogs dig to get out of the heat. A kiddie pool would be a wonerful idea.
    • Gold Top Dog
    some people have posted before that they provide a place for their diggers to dig. the dogs are not allowed to dig in other parts of the yard, but have their own special digging area. if all else fails you could try something like that. better to have one corner of the yard dug up that holes all over. [:D]
    • Gold Top Dog
    ^what he said.  Some dogs are just diggers, and there ain't no way no how that you're going to break them of it.
     
    Your pup should always be supervised outdoors, especially for this reason.  As for digging...I suggest buying your pup a sandbox xD  I know a couple of people who have relentless diggers, so they bought the dogs a sandbox and the pups can dig to their heart's delight.
     
    Every now and then they have to refill the box, but it takes em awhile to dig all of it out!
    • Gold Top Dog
    providing a designated spot for digging and carefully supervising your dog is the only cure I've ever heard of. Dogs dig to make cool beds, to see what's down there, to eat tasty things under the dirt, and just because it's fun. Some dogs really get into a frenzy as they dig.
    • Silver
    It's bored needs more exercise or toys to keep it occupied. I suggest that when you catch it digging go to the spot point at it and say NO in a sturn voice. The dog needs to be taught that it is not allowed to dig. They are great diggers and great escape artists when they get bored. My Mal has been caught several times digging as a pup and I just say no or stop that to him he knows it's naughty, but they were just small holes and thankfully it has stopped I will not let him dig.
    • Silver
    Thanks for your replies...from all the advice and questions. It sounds like Katie is bored and needs more exercise. She digs only in the middle of the yard. I think I will try to take her on more walks. I will try Mallymute's suggestion also. If it persists, I will look into the option of a sandbox.

    Thanks for your help.