How To Stop An Akbash Dog Or Puppy Digging
The Akbash dog is a very large dog weighing in between 90 and 130 pounds when they are adults. They have a white coat and are either a longhaired or shorthaired. Both have a thick undercoat, which is why they do best in colder temperatures. These dogs are flocking guard dogs and bred in Turkey to guard the flock against predators. Since most people that own these dogs do not use them as to guard their flock, they do make terrific-guard dogs to watch over your family.
This breed is devoted to its family and makes a loyal family pet, but early training is necessary as the dog can be stubborn if the owner does not give precise and clear training. It does very well when it has room to run, such as a huge yard, and regular walks for exercise help with his excessive energy.
Because of their size, they can begin doing things you may not like, such as digging. This behavior begins when they are puppies and if not corrected, will continue into adulthood. This is a working breed, so if you do not give this dog something to do, it gets bored easily and can develop destructive behaviors, such as digging in inappropriate areas. Dogs like digging, but digging excessively or digging up carpet is destructive and can end up costing you a bundle to replace.
One single item to remember when trying to change a specific behavior in any dog is it takes time, and you must be consistent. You cannot begin changing a digging problem with your Akbash, and then the next day ignore the digging issue or you will be sending mixed messages. This breed needs lots of exercise both physically and mentally. There are many toys and different items you can purchase for your dog that stimulates his mind. For instance, a toy that you place a treat in and the dog has to really work to get to the treat. The Akbash thrive on this because they have a mission and are “working.”
If your dog or puppy likes to bury bones, replace the bones with another toy, sometimes this is all it takes for the digging to cease. If you dog digs in the garden for instance, you might need to fence the area off so that the dog cannot get to the garden. Remember, digging is a natural activity for dogs and resisting the temptation for some is too much, so removing the temptation is the next best thing.
If you do not wish to have a fence, then you will need to be with the dog at all times when he is near the area that he digs. If he begins digging, immediately remove him from the area. When he does not dig, praise him and give him a treat. You will need to repeat this many times, so that the connection to not digging and a treat is ingrained.