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Stopping the Digging Problem
If your Standard Poodle is constantly digging, whether it is in the garden, the flower beds, or the back yard, no doubt it can be quite frustrating. Unfortunately, many dog owners find that their dogs love to dig, and it can be quite difficult to undo the behavior. In order to stop your Standard Poodle's destructive behavior, it is important that first you understand why your dog is doing it in the first place. 1. He Wants Attention - One of the main reasons that your Standard Poodle may be doing it is for attention. If a dog feels like he isn’t getting enough attention from you, it may be a way that he can get the attention he craves. 2. For Some Fun - Another possible reason that your dog may want to dig is because it is fun. Often this will happen if your dog does not have a variety of other activities going on. He may be doing it because he is bored and just wants something fun and interesting to do. 3. To Find Protection - Some dogs are looking for some manner of protection. They may be trying to find a place to get out of the sun, or to find a cooler place to be. In some cases, some dogs may be trying to get away from wind or rain as well. 4. Trying to Escape - In some cases, your dog may be trying to escape. This especially happens if you have your dog in a kennel or fenced in. He may want to get out to other dogs or even to get out so he can come find you. 5. Hide and Seek - Many dogs like to bury bones, or even to find a bone that they have previously buried. In some cases they may also bury some of their excess food as well to find later. Now that you understand a few of the reasons that your Standard Poodle may be digging, you probably want to know how you can curb or stop the problem. The following are a few tips that will help you eliminate the problem with your dog. Tip #1 - Spend Time with Your Dog - One of the best things you can do is to make sure that you spend plenty of time with your dog. If your dog feels loved and you are spending time with him, he is less likely to dig to get your attention or because he is bored. Tip #2 - Make Sure Your Dog Has Protection - You should also make sure that your dog has adequate protection so your dog will not feel the need to try and find it. Make sure that your dog has a shady area outside and that he has a house that is well insulated as well. Tip #3 - Designate a Digging Area - In some cases, it may be difficult to totally break your dog of the habit. In this case, you may want to designate a specific area that your dog is allowed to dig in, and then teach him where he is allowed and not allowed. This will save your yard, garden, and flower beds. Tip #4 - Avoid Showing Your Dog Attention - Many times your dog is trying to get your attention, and even punishing him will be seen as a form of attention on his part. If he finds he does not get attention, then he may stop. Tip #5 - Use a Tasty Treat - Many times you will be able to distract your dog. One of the best ways to do this is to provide him with a tasty treat. Giving him a nice rawhide bone or Kong®-type toys filled with treats will give him something to chew on. He will enjoy it as well, which will probably stop the problem, at least for the time being. Tip #6 – You can temporarily deter the problem in a certain areas if you bury chicken wire or rocks in the hole to take attention away from the area. If after following all of the tips above your dog still wants to dig, your best bet is to keep him indoors with you. When you do let him out, he will need to be supervised.
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