How To Stop A Dachshund Digging
Learning how to stop a Dachshund digging may take a little time and effort, but it can be achieved successfully. Dachshund training is certainly necessary, when all you can see each time you look out of the window is your canine friend digging holes in the yard. We are all aware of the fact that it is a dog’s natural behavior to dig in order to bury his food, or to chase after and reveal his prey. However, when a Dachshund is digging the garden, something needs to be done. The problem with digging is that is can cause numerous problems to your dog’s heath. Their health, and perhaps even their life, can be endangered by fertilizers, insecticides and toxic plants just to name a few.
Most dog owners presume that the common solution to stopping a Dachshund from digging is shouting at them or hitting them. However, this will not stop the dog from doing what humans consider to be incorrect. Determining the reasons why your Dachshund is digging is the first step towards a hole free garden. Dachshunds are renowned for hunting burrow-dwelling animals; therefore, it is their nature to dig, whether it is a specific area, at the roots of the trees of shrubs, or in a path layout. Search for signs of pests in your yard or garden, as the possibilities are that your Dachshund is hunting out his prey.
When you are discovering how to stop a Dachshund digging, it may be a good idea to provide your dog with an acceptable area for digging. Choose a particular place where it is acceptable for your dog to dig. Cover that area with sand or loose soil and train your dog that this is his place to dig. If your dog begins to dig in the wrong area, he should be distracted immediately and taken to his acceptable digging place.
Your Dachshund will most likely dig if he is left in the yard for a period of time with no toys or playmates. It is important to walk your dog for at least one hour every day, or play games such as Frisbee or fetch so that he is entertained and using up his energy. Training commands and tricks will also prevent him from becoming bored, which will prevent him from digging to seek attention. Dachshunds love to play with toys that have his favorite food stuffed inside them. These toys will keep them entertained for hours.
You may find that your Dachshund is trying to dig along the fence line or under the fence, which would imply that he is trying to escape. Burying the fence one or two feet below the surface will prevent this disappearing act. Chicken wire can also be placed at the bottom of the fence which is very effective, as is burying large rocks along the bottom of the fence line. However, when your dog is trying to dig his way out of the garden, this may be the time to put him on his leash and take him for a good walk.