Digging is as natural for a dog as rummaging through a refrigerator or drawer to find items is to humans. Dogs dig for specific reasons, to locate things or to escape and run to or from something. While many owners feel they are at their wits end when it comes to dealing with this situation, rest assured, there is an easy solution. Giving the dog away is not the answer because you have only transferred the problem to unsuspecting owner and if they don't have an answer, off the dog goes to yet another home or worse.

Many times dogs dig because they are lonesome for the companionship of other animals. It doesn't have to be another dog. Dogs are pack animals and as such, are at home with any animal that provides companionship whether young, old, big or small.

Let's consider for a moment how the dog views his world.

• Is he confined to one area all day with no interaction with others, either people or animals?

• Is he tethered on a line behind a fence where he cannot see any activity?

• Does he have playtime with others?

• Is he only given attention when being fed and watered?

These thoughts are most overlooked by ones seeking an answer to their dog's digging behaviour. Dogs not only want but need companionship to be healthy. Isolation can do terrible things to animals and if that animal happens to be of the 'pack' nature, which all dogs are, it is contrary to how their species exists and survives.

Some dogs acquire a protein buildup in their joints and muscles from limited or no exercise. This can cause involuntary muscle spasms. Since they are unable able to control this, they become irritable and anxious which can lead to a dog that nips seemingly for no reason. Exercise will take care of this problem. It is also a key role in keeping them healthy mentally.

If possible, designate an area where your dog can freely dig. A simple solution is to fill a container with sand large enough for the dog to get in. Many individuals use a small plastic pool, the kind children play in. Place the container or pool in an area that is cool in summer and warm in winter.

To help your dog understand that digging is done only in the box, bury toys or treats (sliced hotdogs, for example) in the box. Your dog will naturally start digging for the treats. Praise your dog each time he brings up  what you have buried. If he starts to dig anywhere other than the sandbox, do not scold but lead him over to the sandbox and begin digging in it yourself.

Dogs are very smart and will eventually make the connection of where acceptable digging may occur. It may require a few times of you taking the initiative before he makes the connection that it is okay to dig in this area.

To deter boredom, place several toys or treats in the box before you leave for work. The dog will spend its time digging in the correct place rather than digging up your roses. Remember that dogs like to dig in freshly turned earth, so turn the dirt over in the sand box every now and then and toss in some fresh dirt.

Keep a close eye on freshly planted areas, as these will be very attractive to your dog. To deter digging in these areas, pick up the dog feces in the yard and place in areas where you do not want him to dig. Yes, it sounds disgusting but we can assure you it works 100% of the time as a deterrent.

You should never allow dog feces to accumulate on your lawn since this is a source of worm infestation if they are continuously in contact with the feces by running through it.

We have several small avocado trees planted in our yard that were chewed on a regular basis and on the verge of dying. We placed the dog feces near the plants and covered it over with a small amount of dirt. None of our dogs would go near the trees after that. The trees are now about two feet tall and growing. 

Try it! You are thus helping your dogs to remain healthy by eliminating the waste in the yard while simultaneously protecting areas of your yard you do not want disturbed. Easy, inexpensive and healthful for all.