Digging and chewing are natural behaviors in all dogs. It is normal for your dog to dig and chew as it is for your 6-year-old child to
run and play. MOSTLY, if your dog decides to dig up your garden, or chew up your shoes, it is because he is bored, or lonely. If there
is nothing to do, they will make themselves some fun.
Digging or chewing can also be a sign of stress - a new dog still settling in to a new home, changes to the family routine or a marriage
break up. In a situation like this, try to stick to the dog's regular routine and give him or her plenty of attention. Dogs worry about
being ignored and forgotten just like children do. Dogs are pack animals and need to feel as though they are part of your pack. Changes
to your dog's "pack" can be very unsettling.
It is a good idea to:
1 Provide a sandy digging area in your yard for Fido
2 Organize for someone to exercise your dog if you work long hours, i.e.: Jog the Dog
3 When you are going out for the day, leave your dog some things to do, such as:
* Raw meaty bones to chew
* Commercial home alone dog toys and treat balls
* Home made dog toys
* Radio for them to listen to
* Children’s' swimming pool - i.e., plastic clam style - for hot weather
* Frozen treat-sicles - Doggy icy poles!
If everything else fails and nothing will stop your dog from digging up your flowerbeds… have your gardener or make it a do it yourself
project.
Take a strand (3 or 4 feet in width, depending on the size of your flowerbeds) of chicken wire or conventional farm fencing, lay it then
pour soil or compost over it, and plant your flowerbed.
For those who have existing flowerbeds, take wire cutters and make openings large enough to go over the widest part of the plant or
shrub. Make sure the chicken wire is pliable enough for bending, once the chicken wire has been laid and fastened (Ornamental garden
stakes work well), pour soil or compost and cover wire.
Dogs feet and nails are extremely sensitive and this will keep him from ruining your precious blooms.
Copyright © 2003 - 2008 Tip of Tex K-9 Rescue, All rights reserved.