How To Stop A Portuguese Water Dog Or Puppy Digging

The key to solving any behavioral issue with any dog is CONSISTENCY. All family members need to act the same way when the canine does something it’s not supposed to. Another key is activity. Take him on walks, jogging or bicycling runs, play fetch with him in the back yard. Just anything to wear him out. A tired dog is a happy dog! Take him to the vet. Often, there’s a physical reason for his bad behavior.

Every dog still has a pack mentality and every pack has a pecking order with no two dogs being equal and having an alpha, or leader. Make sure that you show him that YOU are his alpha by always being first. Like first out the door, first down the steps or first to eat.

Keep reinforce your dominance over him most of his life. If the hierarchy ever breaks down, the Portuguese Water Dog will try to take over! He is a loyal, lively, water-loving dog. It is very active and has the stamina to keep on going and going…It is highly intelligent, so it is a fast learner, but it is also sensitive to the sound of your voice.

Here are a few things to try before you banish him to the basement:

Provide a “Right” place to dig. Designate a corner of the yard for digging. Mark it off with flags or plastic tape, something visual so the dog can be sure that THIS is his spot.

Build him a sandbox or an Earth box. If he doesn’t dig where he’s supposed to, don’t reprimand him. (“BAD DOG!”) UNLESS YOU CATCH HIM IN THE ACT. Follow the three-second rule for punishment on anything. If you don’t catch him in the act or within three-seconds afterward, you should just forget it and resolve to watch him closer next time. Some dogs love to dig in a grassy area only, so if he ignores the box, consider planting grass there.

Provide a pool. Some dogs dig a shallow pit in the shade to expose the cool earth. A kiddie pool filled with just enough water that he can lay down in it and it not be over his head should provide enough coolness. Provide fresh, cool water in the pool every day.

If he still digs somewhere hr shouldn’t:

For dog that digs in the same spots over and over. Not breathing in, pick up a pile of his poop and drop it in the hole. Fill the rest if the hole with top soil and tamp down firmly. Now lay chicken wire over it and temp down some more. Cover the bare spot with sod.

Boredom. Dogs don’t have the sense of time that humans do Minutes gone are hours. Hours gone are forever to a dog. Boredom in a dog can also lead to other destructive behaviors. Like barking all the time. Deal with problem digging, for it could escalate.

1.      By far the cheapest way to go is to ask a neighbor, friend or family member to take your dog for walks and play with him for a few hours every day. This is in addition to you playing and walking with him.

2.      Hire a dog sitter. It’s just like the above, but is a stranger. Be sure to be present when your dog meets her for the first time so he will be sure to accept her.

3.      If you have the money, but not the time, a doggie daycare is the answer. Make an appointment beforehand and drop him off in the morning and pick him up at night. Specially trained people will interact with your dog all day.