Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Smudge!
Meme of the day: And no, I won’t delete any photos!
Dig It! Why Pups Love to Dig
If you’ve ever glanced out your window only to find your dog happily flinging dirt into the air, you might have asked yourself, “Why does my dog dig in the yard?” The sight of freshly dug holes can be frustrating, but understanding why dogs dig can help you embrace their behavior while finding ways to manage it.
It’s in Their DNA
Digging is a natural instinct for dogs. Many breeds were historically bred to hunt burrowing animals or to help farmers by chasing pests underground. Terriers, Dachshunds, and Beagles are just a few breeds with a particularly strong digging instinct. Even if your pup isn’t chasing after a critter, that ancestral drive might still be alive and well.
Seeking Comfort or Shelter
On hot summer days, you might notice your dog digging a shallow hole and then lying in it. This is their way of creating a cool spot to relax. Some dogs dig to create a warm den in colder months, mimicking how their wild ancestors would take shelter from the elements.
Boredom and Excess Energy
Dogs are intelligent, energetic animals that need mental and physical stimulation. Without enough playtime, walks, or training, they might resort to digging as a way to burn off energy or entertain themselves. Think of it as their version of a DIY project – only messier!
Burying Treasure
If your dog has ever hidden a favorite toy or bone, you’ve witnessed a behavior rooted in survival. Wild dogs bury food to keep it safe from scavengers and return to it later. Even though your dog enjoys regular meals, that instinct can still kick in, prompting them to stash away precious items in the yard.
Hunting Instincts
Dogs have an acute sense of smell and hearing, making them excellent hunters. Digging becomes a mission if they sense a mole, gopher, or other underground critters. In their eyes, the yard becomes a hunting ground, and each hole brings them closer to their prize.
How to Manage the Digging Understanding why your dog digs is the first step in curbing the behavior. Here are a few tips to help:
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Provide Plenty of Exercise: A tired dog is a happy dog. Regular walks, playtime, and training sessions can satisfy them mentally and physically.
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Create a Dig Zone: Designate a part of your yard where digging is allowed. Bury toys and treats there to encourage your dog to focus on that area.
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Interactive Toys: Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing gadgets can keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom.
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Address Pests: If your dog is digging to hunt underground animals, consider humane ways to manage the critter population.
At the end of the day, digging is a natural and often joyful activity for dogs. By understanding the “why” behind the behavior, you can redirect their energy into positive outlets — and maybe even enjoy watching them dig, knowing they’re simply following their instincts.
Family Photo of the Day: Frankie and Bailey!
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Sources:
Dog of the day: IG smudge_the_border_terrier
Meme of the day: IG the3retrievers