Why Toto...

Why?

Toto's digging habits can turn your yard into a mess. Understanding why your dog digs can help you restore your garden and prevent future digging disasters.

  • Seeking cooler ground

  • Creating a den-like space

  • Boredom

  • Exploration

  • Pent-up energy

  • Give social signal 

    (spread or hide scent)

  • Burying or retrieving items

  • Breed-Specific tendencies

  • Communication

  • Escaping confinement

  • Attention-Seeking

  • Self-soothing / Stress relief

NOTE: Dog behavior is complex; your dog may be responding this way for one or several of these reasons (or reasons not listed).

Digging Myth Busters

Getting the facts straight helps us make informed decisions about our dogs' behavior, leading to better understanding and more effective training!

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MYTH #1:

Dogs dig because they enjoy destroying things.

Dogs dig for many reasons, but they're not doing it to be destructive. It's a natural behavior that can be triggered by a desire for cooler ground, burying items, or creating a comfy spot. Understanding why your dog digs can help you manage the behavior more effectively.

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MYTH #2:

Dogs dig to spite their owners.

The idea that dogs dig to spite their guardians implies a level of vindictiveness and intent to cause harm that dogs simply do not possess. Dogs do not have the cognitive ability to engage in spiteful behavior. Digging is an innate behavior driven by their natural instincts and needs; don't take it personally!

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MYTH #3:

Providing more exercise will stop my dog from digging.

While exercise is crucial for a dog's physical and mental well-being, simply increasing exercise may not address the underlying motivations behind your dog's digging behavior. It's essential to understand why your dog is digging and address those specific needs. Additionally, training and positive reinforcement can teach your dog alternative behaviors, reducing the need to dig.

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MYTH #4:

Punishing my dog for digging will stop the behavior.

Punishing a dog for digging is unproductive and is unlikely to stop the behavior. Digging is an instinct for dogs, and they may not understand why they are being punished, leading to confusion and fear. This can damage the bond between you and may cause them to become anxious or fearful. They can learn to dig when you're not around Furthermore, punishment does not address the underlying cause of the digging.

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MYTH #5:

My dog will later outgrow their digging behavior.

While some dogs may naturally reduce their digging as they age, many will continue to dig without intervention or training, especially if the behavior serves a specific purpose for them. You can address your dog's digging behaviors through positive training, environmental management, and by providing appropriate outlets for natural behaviors.

Is all that digging getting to you?

Let's talk!

When is it time to work with us?

Digging causing damage to your property

Behavior is excessive & difficult to manage

Unable to determine the underlying cause

Digging persists despite training efforts

Safety & health concerns

Seeking expert and personalized guidance

You're feeling frustrated or stressed

How positive reinforcement can help with digging:

Addresses root cause of the behavior

Provides acceptable outlets for natural instinct

Provides enrichment to reduce boredom

Implements management & prevention

Enhances communication between dog & guardians

Restores and heals damaged bonds

Contact Us:

💬 TEXT: (408) 882-1976

In-Person Service Counties:

Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda

We are located in:

Gilroy, CA

DISCLAIMER: Although behavior may be modified, the dog is never “cured”. A dog’s behavior is ultimately the responsibility of the owner. As a result of the changeability inherent in all behavior, I cannot offer a guarantee of an animal's future behavior.

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All rights reserved.