Stop Dog Digging: How to Stop a Dog From Digging

Digging can be a very destructive and dangerous behaviour. You don’t want your dog escaping into the street or destroying your newly planted garden. But, many are at a loss when it comes to how to stop a dog from digging.

Whenever you are trying to change a dog’s behaviour it is important to understand why he is behaving the way he is. Looking at things from the dog’s point of view will often save you a lot of time, money and headaches. There are many reason why dogs dig. Dogs dig out of boredom. They like to bury food, they like the smells. Dogs like to dig for shelter, either from the cold or from the heat. Some dogs dig in hopes of finding small animals and others just plain enjoy digging.

Once you feel you know why your dog is digging you can begin the process of changing his behaviour.

To stop dog digging first, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. Play challenging games with him so that he also gets mental exercise each day. Make sure he has toys to play with to keep him occupied, but avoid buying things that he might want to bury. Don’t buy the big bone instead get him a kong. They last longer and can be filled with treats.

Buy a squirt gun. Every time your dog starts to dig, spray him. This works well, but of course you have to be around to catch him. You can also try this method using the sprinkler. Bury it just below the surface and turn it on the moment he starts digging.

Try burying some chicken wire in his favourite spots. Dogs do not like the feel and will stop.

Some dogs are attracted to something on the other side of the fence. Always make sure that there are no holes in the fence and no gaps at the bottom. If you have to, use chicken wire to fill in the spaces below the fence. It is a good idea to bury some of the wire at least a foot away from the fence

If your dog has a certain spot that he likes to dig, bury some of his own feces in the hole. There are very few dogs that want to dig through their own waste. This is a bit messy but is probably the most effective way of getting your dog to stop digging.

Another alternative is to provide your dog with his own digging area. Designate a spot where he is allowed to dig. To encourage him to dig in his own ‘spot’ try burying a toy filled with treats. Make it into a fun game for him. Reward him when he digs in his area. If he starts digging somewhere else, go to his spot and call him in an excited voice. Reward him for coming and praise him for digging in the right spot.

Once you know how to stop a dog from digging, like all unwanted behaviours, most can be altered with time, patience and consistency.

Bathing A Dog

All dogs need to have baths. Some more than others. Most dogs do not need to be washed more than once every couple of weeks because bathing a dog to often will dry out his skin. Every breed is different, so it is important to find out how often your particular breed should be bathed.  But there always is that extra bath, the ‘what did you roll in bath‘.

As an owner you want to make the whole process of taking a bath as easy and as painless as possible for both of you. Bath time should be, if not a happy time, at least not a total war zone.

Get everything ready in the bathroom before you get the dog. You are going to need to get any brushes and combs that the dog requires. Have dog shampoo and conditioner handy. Be sure you have towels, and the blow dryer, his leash, and a few treats. A change of clothes for you as well is highly recommended.

Once you have everything ready be sure that all windows and doors are closed. You do not want to be chasing a wet dog around the house. If you know your dog does not like his bath put him on his leash. It often helps to have another person around if you can arrange it, especially with larger dogs.

Always brush your dog before getting him wet. It is far easier to remove any knots and tangles when he is dry. If necessary cut out any mattes that you find, being very careful not to cut his skin.

Some people recommend filling the tub before getting the dog. But if your dog is really dirty you are going to have a tub full of very grimy water once the dog gets in. If you intend to use the showerhead to spray the dog be certain that you test the water . Start with his head area, but be sure not to get water in his eyes or ears and work your way towards the tail. Be certain to get all of the dog’s stomach and underside.

Once your pet is completely wet start shampooing. It is best to put the shampoo on your hands first and start lathering before moving to the dog. Work your way from head to tail. Talk to your dog throughout the process. Keep your tone cheerful and light. Give him the occasional treat. Don’t forget to carefully wash his paws, but be very gentle because dog’s paws are very sensitive. If you  are using conditioner make sure you follow the directions on the bottle.

It is very important to thoroughly rinse your pet. Shampoos and conditioners can be very drying and irritating to a dog. Once again start with his head area and work your way down. When you are certain that all the shampoo and conditioner are off, it is time to start drying.

Before he gets out of the tub use your hands to gently remove as much water as possible from his coat. Gently but firmly run your hand down his sides, his legs and his tail. Try to get his stomach if you can. Get a towel on him quickly, hopefully before he starts to ‘shake’. Many dogs shake their coats to try to remove the excess water. If you get the towel on quickly, you can prevent the bathroom from being totally soaked. Gently rub the dog all over. Hopefully you have prepared well, many dogs are going to require more than one towel.

Some dogs don’t mind the blow dryer while others are absolutely terrified of it. If you have a young dog it is important to introduce them to the blow dryer early. Once again keep things light, reward and praise while drying.  Make this a pleasant time for you and your pet. If your pet is showing real signs of anxiety around the blow dryer, STOP and try again next time. Be very careful using a dryer on your dog. What feels alright to you may be too hot for the dog. It is best to keep the heat setting on low or if possible turn it off altogether.

Once your done bathing your dog and he is dry, be sure that you reward him, give him lots of praise and a treat or two. Turn him loose, so that you can clean the bathroom.

Is My Dog Pregnant? How to Tell if Your Dog is Pregnant.

The sooner that you are able to discover whether or not your dog is pregnant the better. And, the sooner you will be able to get her any pre-natal care that she may require. If you have been attempting to breed the dog, you are almost certainly going to know when conception took place. About three weeks after an attempt at conceiving your pet’s doctor should be able to tell you if the attempt was successful.If it is an unexpected pregnancy, then it will probably be at least six weeks before you will be able to tell. 

Is My Dog Pregnant?

There is no sure fire way on how to tell if your dog is pregnant but if you suspect that she may, there are early outward indications that you can look for. Signs of a pregnant dog may include:

• Swollen teats
• Lack of appetite or she’s eating less
• Her vulva may be red and inflamed
• She is experiencing some vaginal secretions

Your dog should go to see the veterinarian as soon as you discover her condition. The veterinarian will be able to recommend any changes that may be needed in your dog’s diet and also tell you if she will require any special care. Remember that it is very important that your dog stays fit during pregnancy so regular exercise is a must. You may also notice that your pet is sleeping for longer periods of time and she may begin to eat more food to help provide for the puppies.

How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

Eight to nine weeks is the normal length of a dog pregnancy. During the last couple of weeks you may want to consider making a birthing area for your pet. You should line the box or crate with soft, warm blankets. Your pet may need assistance during her delivery so it is recommended that you do not leave her alone during the last few days of her pregnancy.

How to Stop Your Dog From Chewing Up Your House

Every dog likes to chew things. It is up to you to teach your pet what he is and is not allowed to chew. You do not want this behaviour to become a problem. If want to know how to stop a dog from chewing the first thing you need to understand is why dogs chew.

Dogs chew for a variety of reasons. If they are young they may be teething, which any owner will tell you can be a trying time. Some dogs chew out of boredom or loneliness.  Once you have figured out why your dog is chewing you can start to correct, or at least curb the behaviour.

Make sure that your dogs has chew toys. These are his toys that he is allowed to play with and abuse.

Remember that if you do not catch your dog chewing don’t bother scolding him.  Unfortunately, if you come home and discover your shoes in pieces it is too late to correct the dog. Any reprimand at this point is meaningless to the animal. Owner’s will claim that their dog knows that he has done something wrong when they come home and find something chewed to bits. The truth is, the dog knows that the owner is angry and upset, just by the tone of voice that the owner is using. Sadly, the dog has no actual clue as to why his owner is upset.

If you have a young dog try not to give him any opportunity to chew on things that he is not allowed to. If you have to be gone, put the dog in a crate or in a run where he can’t get into trouble. When you are home you can start monitoring his habits. Leave him in a different room and watch how he behaves. If he starts chewing immediately go in and correct the problem. Leave him in different rooms and vary the lengths of time that he is there.  This will also help to train the dog to get used to not having you around all the time.
 
If you do catch the dog chewing, give a sharp ‘no’ command, or use the ‘leave it’ command.  Then be sure to give the dog one of the toys that he is allowed to chew on. Praise the dog when he chews on the appropriate thing.

If your pet has taken a particular liking to a piece of furniture, you might try rubbing something on it that your dog finds distasteful. Many people like to use bitter apple, but if this does not work try hot sauce or something else you know your dog does not like.

Most of all be patient and consistent and in no time your dog chewing problems will be a thing of the past.

Dog Leash Training – Getting Your Puppy Used to The Leash.

Once you have picked out a proper leash you will probably want to start training your puppy to walk with it attached. This is not a difficult thing to do and you should begin your training as soon as possible. Not just for you, but to make sure that puppy doesn’t get into danger. The last thing you want is puppy running on the road or eating something dangerous.

Start by getting the new family member comfortable with his collar. Put it on him when he is in the house playing. Be sure that the collar fits correctly. Your dog may try rolling or pawing to try to get it off. Being able to put two fingers between his neck and the collar is usually a good measure. Watch to make sure that he cant get it off. Some dogs are real escape artists. Try and keep him distracted, and give lots of praise. Make it a positive experience.

The next step is to attach the leash. A short, light leash is the best to start with. Let the puppy smell it and get used to it. Allow him to drag it around the house. He will soon loose interest in it. Make sure that you do not leave the animal alone with his leash dragging.

Once you have gotten him used to the leash, pick it up. Remember, this is not a game of tug of war. If your puppy starts to pull, STOP. Do not move. Call the dog and get him to focus on you. Do not pull back on the leash but don’t move. Once you have the puppies attention continue moving. Keep treats handy during this stage and give lots of praise as the dog follows you around the house.

If your puppy decides to sit down, don’t start yanking on him. Call his name and reward him when he comes to you. If you have to get down to his level and have a treat or toy handy. Keeps these initial session short and fun. There should be no pulling done either by you or the dog. If he starts pulling, stop. Call his back and praise. You want him to learn that walking with a loose leash close to you is when he gets rewarded.

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