06/22/2025
DIGGITY DOGS DILEMMA
These pictures are of my Schnauzers, blissfully digging huge holes in the garden, hunting for crickets.
Digging is not a naughty or bad behaviour, but a very normal, natural, instinctive way of expressing a genetic, emotional or physical need.
Terrier type breeds in particular were specifically bred for their digging ability to hunt for and flush out vermin or other pests.
Dogs don’t understand the human concept of maintaining a beautifully manicured lawn with plants or why we may get so angry when they destroy and dig it all up.
Digging can be really challenging to prevent. There are also so many different reasons that dogs dig – genetics, prey drive, boredom, frustration, stress or anxiety, hiding valuable resources, creating a comfy place to rest, seeking heat or cold, barrier frustration or even trying to escape.
There is never a guarantee that preventing a natural behaviour will be successful, but some simple management, ensuring dogs have sufficient physical and mental stimulation and providing alternative outlets for this behaviour should create an improvement.
If all else fails, ask yourself if it’s really worth getting so stressed about, or if it’s better for both us and our dogs to give up the manicured garden in favour of the more natural dog look?
