Have you ever faced the problem of your Dachshund digging holes in your garden?
Dachshunds are energetic and curious by nature, which is why they sometimes show digging behaviour, like scratching at carpets, digging in the garden, or burrowing into beds. I was also irritated by my dachshund digging behaviour because he used to dig everywhere — from the garden to his own bed — as if he were trying to find something we had hidden. He would even make little holes, like he was on a mission to uncover a secret! Digging behaviour is also an instinct in the dachshund breed, as they were originally bred for hunting. Even so, we need to overcome this behaviour through proper training. I’ve also trained my dachshund to stop his digging behaviour.
In today’s blog, I’ll be sharing some effective methods to stop dachshund digging behavior — the same techniques I used to train my own dachshund to break this habit.
Why do dachshunds tend to dig
Instinct
Dachshunds dig because of their hunting history. They are originally bred in Germany to hunt small animals like badgers, rabbits, rats, and other burrowing animals. So digging was part of their job, and they dug the ground and hunted burrow-dwelling critters. Even if your dog doesn’t see any animal like this in their life, this behaviour is hardwired in their brain.
Boredom
Dachshunds are smart, curious, high-energy, active little dogs. When they don’t get enough mental stimulation and physical exercise, they easily get bored, and when they get bored, they start doing unusual things like digging in bed, the garden, carpet. Digging is a way to entertain themself.
Separation anxiety
They are very loyal, affectionate dogs; they are strongly bonded to their owner. When they are left alone, they feel uncomfortable and anxious, and they tend to dig to overcome anxiety.
To get comfy
Not every time your dachshund digs to release stress and anxiety, sometimes they start digging to just be comfortable. It is also instinctive behaviour, which also happens in wild dogs. When they need comfort, they tend to dig and make a cosy nest to sleep or lie down.
To cool off
This especially happens in warm weather. Your dachshund may dig the dirt to find a cooler space to lie in. By digging dachshund finds the coolest layer to escape the heat.
Here are some simple and effective steps to help get rid of your dachshund’s digging behaviour:
Provide enough Stimulation and exercise
If your dachshund is not getting enough exercise and stimulation, then it can be a reason for digging behaviour. Because dachshunds are a very active, curious, and high-energy breed, when their bodies are not active enough, they are likely to feel bored. That’s why you need to provide them enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them away from digging behaviour.
You can include puzzle games, walking, mild running, and interactive games to keep your dog engaged with these activities and less likely to engage in digging behaviour.
Designate a Digging Area
This is another effective method to reduce dachshund digging behaviour. For example, if your dog loves to dig in your garden, you can make a small digging area for them by filling sand, small rocks and other soft material like dirt near your garden and encourage them to dig in that place. By consistent effort, you can definitely make your dog dig in this specific area.
Block Access to Favourite Dig Spots
This seems like the opposite of creating a designated digging area for them. This is also very helpful to keep your dog from exhibiting digging behaviour. For example, if your dachshund loves to dig in the garden, apply a fence around your garden so that your dachshund can’t enter it for digging.
- Cool and Comfortable Environment:
- Dachshunds tend to dig when they are in uncomfortable conditions or in hot weather to find a cool layer. Make sure they are in a cool, shaded, and comfortable place to rest and ley. You can provide them with a comfortable dog bed for ease of rest.
Help with Separation Anxiety:
- Sometimes your dachshund tends to dig just to release their separation anxiety, then you need to do something for reducing separation anxiety, in this situation you need to work for their separation anxiety instead of their digging behaviour, for reducing separation anxiety in your dog you can train you dog by positive reinforcement and treat them which can helps to feel safe to them when they are alone in home.
Praise and positive reinforcement
- This can be most powerful tools to treat your dachshund’s digging behaviour because this affects your dog’s reward system. Anytime you see your dog not digging and praise and reward them with their favourite treat.
This doesn’t make sense at first, but trust me, this is the most powerful way to change your dog’s habits.
Conclusion
Digging behaviour is a dachshund’s natural behaviour. We can’t fully avoid them from digging, but we can definitely manage it by providing enough exercise and stimulation, designating a specific digging Area, blocking access to favourite digging spots, providing a cool and comfortable environment, helping with separation anxiety, and praise and positive reinforcement.
