Stop Labrador Digging Problems
Labrador Retrievers are active, highly intelligent and very social dogs. They need to be stimulated and have interactions with others to stay happy and healthy. Labrador digging is one problem some lab owners struggle with. In order to stop this problem from occurring, the first thing you need to understand is why Labradors dig.
Digging is natural behavior for dogs. There are several reasons why a dog might dig. Dogs dig to hide their food, they dig holes to lie in when they are hot or cold, and they also may dig out of boredom or feeling neglected. Another reason a dog might dig is to try to escape. The first thing you need to do to stop Labrador digging is to figure out the reasons why your dog is engaging in the activity in the first place.
How to Stop Your Labrador From Digging
If your Labrador is burying food or bones, do not give him bones or food scraps to bury. The other things you can do is only give your pet the food indoors and not allow him to have the food outside where he has the opportunity to dig.
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Digging a hole to lie in is a sign that your lab is either hot or cold. Make sure your dog has adequate shade and shelter from the wind and cold. Another option is to build or buy an insulated doghouse for your lab.
If your Labrador is trying to escape or seems to be digging out or boredom or neglect then you have a bigger problem to solve. Labrador retrievers are very social and do not like to be isolated for long periods of time. If you leave your dog in the back yard for long periods of time and he develops the habit of digging, he may be feeling neglected or not have enough to do.
To stop this type of Labrador digging there are several possible solutions. One thing is to make sure your lab gets plenty of physical exercise like long walks and playing with your dog when you are at home. You can also leave toys for him to play with in the yard to help keep him occupied.
Another option is to set up a designated digging area for your dog and attempt to train him to dig only in that area. Reward him when he digs there. If your lab continues to dig, you can try burying chicken wire in the areas that he digs. Your dog won’t like the feel on his paws and this might get him to stop.
The best solution to prevent Labrador digging may be to just not leave him alone in the yard when you are away. You can consider setting up a kennel for him in the backyard or crating him. Dogs are den animals and many respond well to crate training. You can find some very nice dog kennels at just about any pet store.
Crate Training to Stop the Digging
A crate can give your lab a sense of security and help him to relax. It will keep your dog out of the hot sun or cold weather and he will most likely sleep most of the time when he is in the crate. You can also make the crate comfortable by providing bedding and provide him with water, food and toys to make him feel at home.
Labrador digging can be prevented if you uncover the cause of the digging and find alternatives. One thing you should not do is try to punish your dog for digging after the fact. This will only serve to confuse your lab and might make him more anxious. It is better to find proper alternatives as well as making sure your Labrador gets plenty of exercise, play, and social interaction with the family.