HELP----DIGGING-----

[JADEROCKY]

Our 4 mth. is digging our yard up. When we catch her we stop her.She isn't digging to keep cool, I think she just likes digging. Any tips?

[Kozmo]

Hey Digger!
Fill the holes with gravel, and then cover the gravel lightly with soil or the remaining turf. Most dogs do not like the feel of the gravel and they will stop digging once they hit the stones. You have to make the correction while he is commiting the act.
My Elroy digs holes and buries his bones all the time, only for Kozmo to come by later dig them up and steal them. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/biggrin.gif
Hope this helps,
Kozmo

p.s. You can buy assorted flowers and plant them everywhere your Rottie feels appropriate! lol http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/smile.gif

[Ladybeth1]

I had the same problem with my Odin at that age. No matter what I put in the hole, gravel, rocks whatever, he'd still dig. Until I started putting his poop in the hole, then he wouldn't go near it! Stinky, but worked. At 10 months, he doesn't dig holes anymore! http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/biggrin.gif

[Michael C.]

Yes! Poop does the trick. I have a sodded back yard and the digging made me loose a few hairs!! It eventually stoped around 9-10 months for us, so there is hope. Make sure there are lots of toys to play with also. What I did to help my grass grow back was put chicken wire down where she dug. That way she could not dig, and the grass could grow back!!

Mike

[ann_h]

I think some dogs just enjoy digging, and you can fill a hole with a deterrent, but they'll just go to another spot. I HAVE a dog like that! My problem was solved by building a small (5x5) sandbox and taking her there and showing her that I didn't mind what she did to that spot. I go out several times a week and bury "surprises" in the sand (treats or toys) and she loves to hunt for them. She hasn't bothered the remaining two acres in several months. Now I feel I can make a decision as to what to do about the 43(!!!) holes that were made in the yard prior to building the sandbox. Maybe several backyard ponds?

[Teena]

The house we bought caame with a ready made sandbox out back. I just got a new pup & he's been showing signs of being a digger also. We went out played, er worked on cleaning the grass out of the sandbox today. He & i both had great fun! I think it's a good idea for them to have their own place where it's OKAY to dig, roll, bark & act like a clown. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/wink.gif The sand is also easier to dig in, that the dirt in the yard. http://www.rottweiler.net/rottie/wink.gif
Teena

[Sampson's Mom]

We resorted to the same tactics as Ladybeth. Sampson dug up every flower I planted until my neighbor suggested burying his poop in my flower beds. Not only did he stop digging, it was the best flower garden I ever had!