Why Do Dogs Love To Dig Holes
by Jerry Welsh
Filed under Dogs
Dogs have many undesirable behaviors – digging holes is one of them. Pet parents have to learn to live with the unwanted behaviors of the pet not only because dogs are well loved pets but also because these are innate behaviors of dogs. Whenever given a chance, a dog will dig. Because dogs do not know that the inclination to dig is an unacceptable behavior, an owner would come home one day to a lawn with crisscrossing tunnels and a dog with a very proud look on the face.
The silly dog would think that digging holes would please the master. We love our pets but surely we do not love their destructive behaviors. Dog owners would always want to be with the pet thus locking the dog in a kennel to prevent it from digging holes will not be a very good idea. Would knowing the reasons behind the dog’s unacceptable behavior help? Dealing with the reasons why the dog digs can be a better solution to modify the destructive behavior.
The dogs’ unwanted digging behavior will always be attributed to boredom. The undesirable behavior of dogs always list boredom as one of triggering factors. Dogs are not only energetic, they are social animals too. Being energetic and social animals, dogs will develop the destructive habit of digging holes if not allowed to let off steam or not given opportunities to bond with the family.
Dogs would always want to receive attention from the family but because of tight schedules, pet owners may not have the time to bond with the pet thus the destructive digging behavior will be developed. In the eyes of the dog, the reprimands of an angry master would be more acceptable than being ignored. A dog would dig holes to escape confinement. Dogs have the inclination to roam. Dogs will be curious of the sounds and scents on the other side of the fence. The dog will dig tunnels under the fence to get to the other side.
Digging is fun for the dog. Digging holes would be a pleasant activity for dogs especially if the temperature is hot. Dogs would lie on the newly dug hole to keep cool. Dogs in the wild would dig holes to bury food and prey. If we store our foods in refrigerators, dogs would use holes for storage purposes. Dogs will be seen digging holes to bury bones and other “treasures” that can be unearthed when food is scarce.
More about why dogs dig holes at Sarah’s Dogs.
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