How To Stop A Rottweiler Digging
When learning how to stop a Rottweiler digging it is imperative that you determine the reason why he is digging in the first place. Listed below are some reasons why your Rottweiler may be digging:
* He simply enjoys digging.
* Your dog may be seeking your attention.
* He may be bored and digs for mental stimulation.
* If he is digging under the fence, he may be looking for a mate.
* Dogs like to dig freshly turned soil.
* Dogs find the smell of fertilizer irresistible.
* They may be digging themselves a den, similar to how they would in the wild.
* They may be digging a hole to cool themselves down or warm themselves up.
* Some breeds are prone to digging as it is bred into them.
* The dog may be hunting for small critters that live in your garden.
* They may dig holes to bury their bones and other food items.
The golden rule, when trying to change any behavior in your dog, is to be consistent. It is important that you make it clear to your dog what is acceptable and what is not.
Once the reason for your dogs digging has been determined, you must then pinpoint the solution. If particular methods are applied correctly, they will help to control your dog’s digging problems.
Providing your dog with lots of exercise, both physical and mental, will help to burn off excess energy, which should prevent him from digging out of boredom.
If your dog digs in order to bury a bone, then the simple answer is, don’t give him a bone. Substitute a bone with chewing toys such as rawhide bones.
If it is impossible for you to supervise your dog, it is advised to place him in a crate, kennel, run, or indoors. This will need to be done until you have rectified the digging problem.
You can also try blowing up some balloons and burying them in the area where your dog digs. When the dog strikes a balloon, the noise of it popping with startle him. In some cases this negative association is enough to stop your Rottweiler from digging in the future.
If your dog has a favorite place to dig, try burying some chicken wire just below the surface of the area. When your dog begins digging he will not like the feeling of the wire on his paws.
Filling the holes with dog stools will also prevent him from digging in that area again. Most dogs are put off by stools and will cease digging in that place.
Never dig the garden yourself when your dog is present. Most dogs will do what their owners do; therefore, do not undertake any gardening with your dog present.
Providing your dog with his own digging area is extremely beneficial. Fill that area with soft sand and bury some of your dog’s favorite treats in it. Most dogs will automatically go to this area and leave the rest of your garden alone.
These are just some of the ways in which you can stop your Rottweiler digging and have a yard or garden that is hole free.