Dog won't stop digging

**mcl5000** · 08-06-2011, 07:56 AM

So I have a 5 month old lab/sheltie mix, and he's a nightmare outside. Literally 100% of the time he's outside, he's digging somewhere or running to another spot to dig. No matter what we do, he just won't stop. Digging takes precedent over treats, toys, his pool, etc. We've tried everything I can think of. Flipping him on his back, 'no', the hose, picking him up and setting him down on the concrete patio, pulling him over to the patio, and the list goes on. The only thing that stops the digging is taking him inside. He digs so furiously that in 5 or 10 seconds, he'll dig a 3-4" deep hole. Our yard is now filed with these holes, and our yard is now more dirt than grass.

I've read most of the tips on how to get them to stop, but it seems like the majority of methods involve burying something in a spot he likes to dig. That's the problem. He doesn't care where he digs. He digs in a new spot almost every time.

The other method I've read is to make a designated digging spot. We really don't want to do that, for multiple reasons. If that's the only solution, so be it, but I'm wondering if there are any other tips that people have for dogs that don't dig in the same spot every time.

It's getting to the point where we're going to have to keep him on a leash when outside, but I hate that idea. He gets so excited when one of us is holding his leash, because he knows he's going for a walk. I don't want to ruin that for him if I don't have to.

edit: He goes for about 1 hour of walks every day (2 30 minute walks) in the field by our house, and he has never attempted to dig there.

**BigBrownDog** · 08-06-2011, 08:25 AM

Digging is entertainment for him. You have to do something that he finds more entertaining (like maybe longer walks, playing fetch in the yard - something) or he will continue to entertain himself in this manner. In my experience once dogs hit 2-3 years old, digging is less exciting. My 2 have FINALLY stopped.

And really the only way you can break him of this is to use a leash or a long line so you can interrupt the activity. But if your dog is mentally and physically tired (from the above longer walks and games) you won't have as much of an issue.

**mcl5000** · 08-06-2011, 08:29 AM

Thanks for the reply. It's actually funny, because in the past couple days, I took him on longer walks than usual. The digging has been MORE furious...lol. I'll try even longer, and see if that does anything. He won't really play fetch (or anything) outside, because I guess digging is more fun for him. He won't even wrestle or anything. I play fetch and just play around with him in general for a couple hours every day inside, and he loves it, but it's just not his favorite thing to do outside I guess.

Thanks again.

**Jan** · 08-06-2011, 08:56 AM

Does he get any off-leash walks? 60 minutes/day of leashed walks isn't ehough exercise for many dogs. Maybe he's not physically tired.

**BigBrownDog** · 08-06-2011, 09:23 AM

Shelties (like a lot of herding dogs) can get a little OCD about some things.

**Tanya** · 08-06-2011, 10:48 AM

I echo jan's question - are these walks off leash? IF they are on leash it isn't just adding exercise TIME you need but adding free plaky exercise where the dog can play.

and yes, shelties can be ocd at times. Have him on a long line i the back yard (and always be there with him) and reel him in. Are you using high value treats? Are you trying different toys to play fetch? are you being alot of fun (high pitch voice, movement, etc)?

**Spike's Mom** · 08-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Spike has a designated spot (knock on wood we haven't had much of a problem with him digging elsewhere) Is he hungry and there is something good that he's digging for? Grubs? Maybe if you can teach him "all done" and let him dig a bit and you can work your way to no more digging. Sounds like my hub when he was a kid - he had holes all over the yard lol Good Luck!

**mcl5000** · 08-07-2011, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by Jan

Does he get any off-leash walks? 60 minutes/day of leashed walks isn't ehough exercise for many dogs. Maybe he's not physically tired.

No he doesn't get any off leash walks. We've only had him for month or so, and he's not ready to be off a leash outside of the yard yet. Would a long leash accomplish the same thing? Basically just letting him go where he wants? We're currently trying to train him to walk next to/behind us, so I don't know if letting him run free would be the best thing to do at this point, but if it would tire him out more, we can do that.

Originally Posted by Tanya

and yes, shelties can be ocd at times. Have him on a long line i the back yard (and always be there with him) and reel him in. Are you using high value treats? Are you trying different toys to play fetch? are you being alot of fun (high pitch voice, movement, etc)?

I think we're being fun! We're always playing with him, and we've purchased so many toys to try and figure out what he really likes, and he does have quite a few things that he absolutely loves inside. But like I said, when he does get outside, he's really not interested in them. He may play with them for a minute or two when we first go out, but then it's right to digging.

**Tanwen** · 08-07-2011, 02:42 PM

I'm having the same trouble with my little Jack Russel - I no longer have a lawn...just potholes with a few strands of grass in between. I was watching a Victoria Stilwell episode the other day (couple had a rescue Patterdale) and she suggested a sand pit...hide a few toys and/or treats. Max loves his but whether it will save what little is left of my garden remains to be seen.

*All terriers are genetically programmed to dig - it's what they've been bred for...so can't blame a dog for doing what comes naturally; all I can try to do is offer him an laternative and encourage him to use it. *