Archive for Dog Care

Why Do Dogs Dig Holes

Digging holes is one of the unacceptable behaviors of dogs. Digging, barking and chewing are natural behaviors of dogs thus although these behaviors can be modified they cannot be totally eliminated. Whenever given a chance, a dog will dig. Dogs are lovable and at times exasperating pets because unknowing that digging is an unacceptable behavior, the holes it has made on the garden would be presented to the master with a happily wagging tail.

Dogs are affectionate pets that have the desire of pleasing the master and digging holes can be its way of repaying the master for all the love and the care it has received. Dogs are well loved pets but it would certainly be frustrating if the garden that eats a lot of your free time will be destroyed by the dog again and again. This problem can be prevented by keeping the dog on a leash but as it is customary for dog owners to want the dog around this would not be a very good option. Would knowing the reasons behind the dog’s unacceptable behavior help? This option can be more effective method of amending the dog’s destructive behavior.

Boredom will be listed as one of the reasons why dogs develop the unwanted digging behavior. Most of the undesirable behaviors of dogs were developed because of boredom. Dogs are not only energetic, they are also social animals. Being energetic and social animals, dogs will develop the destructive habit of digging holes if not allowed to let off steam or not given opportunities to bond with the family.

Dogs would always want to receive attention from the family but because of tight schedules, pet owners may not have the time to bond with the pet thus the destructive digging behavior will be developed. The irate master would scold the dog but in a dog’s thinking, reprimand would be better than being ignored. Dogs would dig holes to gain freedom. Dogs do not enjoy being leashed because these energetic animals love to roam. Dogs will be curious of the sounds and scents on the other side of the fence. The dog will dig tunnels under the fence to get to the other side.

Digging is fun for the dog. When the weather is hot the dog will be seen frantically digging. Dogs would lie on the newly dug hole to keep cool. Dogs in the wild would dig holes to bury food and prey. If we store our foods in refrigerators, dogs would use holes for storage purposes. Dogs will be seen digging holes to bury bones and other “treasures” that can be unearthed when food is scarce.

Dog Barking Problem Tips

Of the variety of troublesome behaviors that a dog can display, one that can be especially irritating is a dog barking problem. All sorts things can cause a dog to bark, and it’s necessary to identify the exact reason so that the problem can be dealt with effectively. In all cases, barking is the result of some type of environmental factor. For example, a dog may bark to demonstrate its dominance over other dogs or animals in the area. Or the dog may bark to declare its territorial borders. And it may bark just because it likes to bark. A lack of socialization with other dogs, causes certain dogs to develop a barking problem, but for other dogs, they find that barking is a way to achieve their demands.

Curing the Problem

Many dog owners just make the barking problem worse by rewarding their dog when the barking stops; of course, this kind of negative attention is only a short-term fix.  A dog must understand that barking is not suitable conduct and will not be tolerated, nor rewarded, in any way. When an owner shouts at their dog for their barking, this only reinforces their behavior and is a form of negative attention. If an owner lets a dog in the house that has been constantly barking outside, this also sends the message that such behavior will be tolerated – and the behavior will just continue and probably get worse. If a dog is given consolation for barking or given a treat to placate him, these are also forms of negative reinforcement for the dog barking issue.

Problem barking can be corrected through several dog training techniques. One technique involves remaining indifferent to the barking when he starts up at the doorbell or ringing telephone. You should show the dog that the sound of the ringing doorbell or phone, is no cause for alarm, and you can do this by not getting up immediately when these sounds happen. During your dog training period, it’s a good idea to let the phone and doorbell ring frequently so that the dog can grow accustomed to the sound. Eventually, it won’t react when it hears household sounds.

There are also methods for stopping dog barking problems that occur when the owner is away from the house. The first way is to be sure your dog has always had plenty of exercise and is surrounded by enough toys, which will keep it busy and calm. Do not immediately give attention to a dog that was barking while you were out, wait until he has stopped, and is in a calmer state, before you give him any attention. Bark collars or loud sounds are acceptable negative responses to use when your dog is barking, and praise should be given when he is not barking.

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