How to Stop a Mastiff Dog or Puppy Digging
While some dog breeds may be more prone to digging than others, it is important to know that each individual dog will have their own vices. Some simply do not care for digging and will never bother with it while others can’t seem to get enough of it. If you have found that your Mastiff loves to dig up your yard, you might want to get it under control. After all, the Mastiff is a might big dog who can create mighty big holes in the yard.
Now, if you want to completely stop your Mastiff from digging, it is important to make sure that you are always out in the yard with him. This is the only way you will be able to catch him in the act of digging and that is the only time when the training will work. If you try to correct your dog regarding a hole he dug ten minutes ago, he will not get the point. He will be confused and will wonder just why it is that you are scolding him.
Catching your dog in the act of digging is vital. You want to be right there with him so you can actually stop him in the beginning stages of a hole, this way, your yard does not become a total mess. You will find that the training process will go much smoother this way. Once you catch your dog starting to dig, give him the “stop” or “no” command and then lead him to another area of the yard. Distract him with a fun toy or a chew bone. Keep in mind, you are fighting against the natural instinct of digging. This could take a little bit of time.
If you would like to allow your Mastiff the chance to dig, but want to control where he digs, there are some easy steps that you can take. You will want to select a part of the yard that you would not mind being dug up. Some people chose a spot behind a shed or garage. This way, it is out of site and the Mastiff can get his thrills from digging.
A way to control the situation a little more would be to purchase or build a sandbox. You can fill it with sand or dirt and hide some toys and chews in there. Whenever you notice your Mastiff starting to dig, give him the correct command and then lead him over to the sandbox. Once your Mastiff starts to dig in the proper spot, praise him. Before too long your Mastiff will learn where it is okay to dig and where it is not okay.
Just make sure that you a re being consistent and that you are not giving up. You have to correct your Mastiff each and every time he digs in the wrong spot. Otherwise, the training will take twice as long and that is not something that you will want to deal with.