Collie Digging

There are two ways to correct any dog behavior problem, turn it into something focused, controllable or useful or try to extinguish the behavior completely.

When the behavior occurs when you aren’t home, which is usually the case with Collie digging, it is almost impossible to extinguish or eliminate the behavior.

This is because it is too much fun while it is happening for the dog. When you get home several hours later and try to correct them, the dog simply doesn’t get the connection and he or she is confused and doesn’t understand why you are angry.

Like barking and chewing, Collie digging can start from boredom. If your dog is bored and is digging to burn off energy, providing a good romp or a play session as well as some toys can be a good way to minimize the chance of Collie digging.

Of course, having a companion dog to chum around with while you are gone can also be a very good answer, but not one that every owner can provide.

Collie Digging Just Needs Focus

Collie digging can also occur because the Collie sees stuff going on outside the yard which is way more entertaining and fun than what is going on in the yard. This is escape type digging and it is a serious problem and a great risk to the dog.

Although originally bred to be a farm dog and work sheep in Scotland, the modern Collie is a family pet as well as herding dog and he or she needs routine interaction with the family to feel content and happy. Usually providing a lot more interaction time with the dog and the family can solve this type of digging issue.

Often in cases of boredom or loneliness Collie digging can be corrected or minimized by filling in the missing elements in the dog’s life.

Adding lots of physical activity, getting the dog out to a dog park to play with other dogs, jogging or a good long walk before staying in the yard and having lots of things to play with when left alone may solve the problem. However, for a few digging issues this may not be 100% effective, especially if digging has become a habit for the pet to pass the time of day.

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Dig Here  – Good Dog

If your Collie digging behavior has become a habit, the best option is to cordon off a section of the yard or garden and make it the digging zone. At least this way the digging is controlled and your landscaping won’t be paying the price.

Start off by tilling the soil at least 12 inches to create the perfect digging environment. Hide a few toys or treats in the area, which should be at least six feet by six feet, and then praise the dog for digging to find them. Repeat this for a few days and soon your Collie digging will be focused and centralized in this area.

Make digging in the area a desired activity for the dog. If you find them digging elsewhere, simply hide a few more treats or toys and remind them that this is the area they are to dig.

Keeping the soil soft and appealing to the dog usually solves most of the digging in any other part of the yard.

Preventative Measures

Dogs of any breed don’t like digging in mud unless they are on the hunt. To discourage digging in flower beds or other areas you can use a soaker hose or simply thoroughly wet down the area when you are leaving the dog out in the yard.

There are some commercial powders and pellets you can put on the soil to repel the dog from the area, but these should not be used if you have children in the family  as they can be harmful if ingested.