How To Stop Your Australian Cattle Dog From Digging

Australian cattle dogs are extremely intelligent and active dogs requiring high levels of both physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. If unable to get the stimulation they need these dogs will often develop less than admirable habits. One habit a bored Australian cattle dog will develop is digging.

Not only does having holes in your yard or garden create an eye sore but it also poses a danger to anyone who walks in your yard. Twisted or broken ankles are just two of the injuries that occur quite often when people step into holes dogs have dug. Therefore keeping your Australian cattle dog from digging is necessary not only for your dog and the look of your yard, but also for the safety of those who visit your home. Here are a few tips on how to stop your Australian cattle dog from digging.

Dog Obedience and Field Training

As soon as your Australian cattle dog puppy is old enough, enroll him into dog obedience classes and field training classes. These classes will help your dog learn good manners and stimulate his mind. After the classes are over, run him through his paces daily to keep his mind sharp and focused on following commands to help prevent him from getting bored. Keeping his mind and body stimulated will help prevent your Australian Cattle dog from finding his own ways to combat being bored.

Active Play

Because Australian cattle dogs are a breed to be working dogs, it is in their nature to be physically active for long hours each and every day. Short walks once or twice a day will not meet this dog’s needs for active exercise so in addition to obedience exercises, he will need to be engaged in active play several times a day to help keep him from digging. Catching flying discs and other active running activities done on and off throughout the day will help keep your dog active and feeling less bored.

Providing him with large balls and puzzle toys that will give him active play when you cannot be with him will help to keep him from digging when he is alone.

Use His Own Natural Tendencies

One of the best ways to keep your Australian Cattle dog from digging is to use his own natural tendencies to keep him occupied. Australian Cattle dogs love to be constantly near their owners, and they love to work. When working outside why not use these two tendencies to your benefit to keep your dog from digging. Allow him to stay by your side and teach him to do small chores that will keep him occupied. For example, when weeding the garden you can pull up the weeds and have him carry them and place them in a cart. He can also be taught to fetch small tools and do a variety of other tasks. These tasks will help keep him alert, engaged, and stimulated which is all your Australian Cattle dog really needs to keep him from digging.

Keeping your Australian cattle dog engaged both physically and mentally and not leaving him outside unattended for long periods of time are the best ways to stop your Australian Cattle dog from developing a habit of digging.