How to Stop Your Poodle From Digging

If your poodle is digging up your yard or garden you need to find out the reason for their behavior. Most dogs, and poodles are not exception, dig for one of two reasons. Either they are bored and looking for attention or something entertaining to do, or they are seeking shelter to get away from the elements or because they are frightened. While some experts suggest that you identify the reason your poodle is digging before trying to stop the behavior, some suggest an all around approach to the problem.

Eliminate discomfort and Perceived threats.

The first thing you need to do is check the area where you are keeping your poodle when he is out of doors. Is there adequate protection from sun, wind, rain, and other elements. He will need a shelter that provides coolness in the summer and warmth in the winter. Somewhere where he can stay dry and feel secure. Once you have determined that his shelter is sufficient to meet those needs then you need to check and see if there is anything in or near this area that your poodle could perceive as a threat.

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This may be a bit more difficult because, things you view as non frightening may not appear so to your dog. For instance if the area he stays in while outside is close to a fence line, then the antics of the neighbors young children may seem frightening to a dog who has not had much contact with boisterous humans. Likewise, loud banging of doors by the neighbors or even other animals may cause some anxiety that your dog wishes to escape from. If there is anything that could make your dog anxious, then moving his area to somewhere more quiet and less busy may be solution.

Give your dog something to do.

Once you determine that your poodles outside area is comfortable and free from perceived threats then the next thing you need to do is make sure that your dog is not digging out of boredom or for attention. The best way to keep a dog from boredom digging is to make sure that he has enough stimulation to keep his mind occupied doing other things.

Spend at least an hour a day actively playing with your poodle. Have him chase a ball, a stick or other object. Give him the attention and the exercise he craves.

When you are not entertaining him make sure he has toys and things that will allow him to entertain himself. Puzzle toys that engage his mind in trying to figure out how to get the treat inside are good choices for exercising his mind and keeping him busy. Choosing other toys he enjoys playing with will help keep him entertained as well.

If all else fails you can either set aside a designated digging area and work on getting your poodle to only dig there, or keep him inside only allowing him out of doors when you have the time to supervise him closely.

Stopping a dog from digging, may be difficult but can be done if you exercise patience and work to meet his needs.