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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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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:
In-Person Service Counties:
Essex, Morris, Union, Middlesex, & Passaic counties
We are located in:
Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ 07054
DISCLAIMER: Behavior modification is a collaborative process that depends on the consistent implementation of training techniques by the owner. While we specialize in fostering positive behavioral changes, no trainer can guarantee specific outcomes or "cure" a dog's behavior. As behavior is influenced by numerous factors, including environment and individual circumstances, the dog's behavior remains the responsibility of the owner.
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