Digging

[CharlieBrown]

So my 17 week old sheltie has discovered his love for digging. Luckily he doesn't try to dig his way out of the yard but he just loves digging in pot-plants and the vegie garden.

How do I stop him from doing this? Its quite warm here in Australia and I'm not sure if he's just doing it because the soil is nice and cool or if hes just being naughty.

Here is a photo of his latest antic!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151305724605373&l=45c9018b77

 

[JacqueZ]

Aww, look at that big smile! He's so proud he helped you garden

Maybe a pool with just a little water would give him an alternate cool place for resting. I know mine loves to be under the deck in the summer, resting on the cool dirt.

 

[Ann]

He looks very pleased with himself! We have a digger too, Pixie. In every other respect, she's the most pristine princess you will ever meet, and never does anything else doggie. But she loves to dig holes in the yard -- only when I'm not looking of course -- and comes in with little brown paws so I always know who the culprit is!

I don't meant to discourage you, but she's 7, and still excavating. Obviously we haven't figured out how to discourage it!

 

[kagzigian]

I agree with Ann, he really does look quite pleased with himself. All 3 of mine are "gardeners". Perhaps you should try putting him to work

 

[CharlieBrown]

Thanks everyone. Charlie never knew the garden existed untill my dad went out to redo the garden and well now he knows its there lol. He loves chasing the rake too so maybe he is a little Gardener. Maybe he thinks he's helping? Lol

I already bought him a little pool and he goes in it sometimes but I didn't have water in it yesterday so maybe it's my fault lol

Oh we'll, how can you get mad at that face!

 

[sable]

He is so cute. This brings back memories of my Lil' Lady. I had a deco tree, and she had to dig in it as a pup. I planted flowers and she did not like the arrangements I quess, so she would dig them up.

Its one of those things, you just can't take your eyes off of him. LOL

Lady was leashed to my waist until she figured out she could have the run of the house if she didn't dig, or get into trouble. Outside a NO was given out.

Ok now she doesn't dig in the dirt, she digs her bedding to nest. Its really just a comfy thing for her.

Your boy is just preparing the dirt for some new plantings. Adorable sheltie!
Sorry I had to giggle, his darling little face tells the whole story.

They just have to have a job.

 

[Shelby's mom]

So cute!!! Shelby was a digger when she was a pup. She would just look at me with a muddy face. She eventually outgrew it. She does still like to dig when we go camping. Especially if there is sand or stones. Sometimes I think she digs looking for bugs or worms. She always has her face in any bug she can find. I can't believe she hasn't had an ant up her nose yet.

 

[Caro]

Perfectly natural behaviour for a dog to dig - esp a pup who's still exploring the world. The best solution is to give the pup his own place to dig.

You could section a part of the garden off for the pup or just make a sandpit. I used a large plastic container (one of those under the bed ones) and filled it with sand for my two - shelties don't take up much room after all. You can use dirt instead of sand - just make sure it isn't fresh dirt. Bury some toys or treats and he'll learn that's the spot to dig. Keeps your garden and pot plants intact and satisfies his need to dig, plus it's so darn cute to watch.