HOLEY MOLEY! Stop Your Dog From Digging As much as you love your dog, no one wants a backyard filled with holes. They’re unsightly, messy, and even dangerous. Plus, if your dog favors digging near the fence, it’s not great for neighbor relations. But some dogs really love to dig. So what can you do to protect your lawn — and your sanity?
Next, you’ll want to ensure that your dog has all the exercise, entertainment, and attention they need. Take your dog on two walks a day, play fetch, get them new toys to chew on, and give them plenty of belly rubs. If they don’t have excess energy to burn and have other, more appealing activities to engage in, they’re less likely to dig. Your dog may also be detecting the presence of rodents in your yard and consequently following their scent. It’s instinctual hunting behavior. Call an exterminator and ask them to assess your yard for invasive pests. If any are present, they’ll know how to get rid of them.
Digging is an instinctual behavior in dogs, tracing back to their wolf ancestry. Dogs dig to hunt prey, hide their food, cool down or conceal themselves, or try to escape an enclosed area. In some cases, humans have made this instinct stronger by breeding certain dogs for their digging skills. So, you’re facing an uphill battle, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. Since you can’t ask your dog why they’re digging, you’ll likely have to try several preventive methods. Start by making sure your dog is comfortable, with adequate shelter and shade, so they won’t have to create their own.
If nothing works, your dog may just really love to dig. To save the rest of your yard, consider creating a designated digging area filled with loose soil and buried toys and treats. Praise your dog when they use this area, and redirect them if they start digging elsewhere. It may not be ideal, but it will be an improvement over what you had before.
Finally, remember that punishment after the fact doesn’t work. Your dog won't connect the discipline to the digging, and they’re only doing what comes naturally. If you need specific tips on how to get your dog to stop tearing up the yard, feel free to ask for additional guidance during your next vet visit.
Sardine and Flaxseed Cat Treats Inspired by HomemadeDogTreatsNow.com
Clients Spreading the Word
Kari Kuta Dina McEwen Frank Dorrington Richard Belden Dottie Whitlock
Rick Witt Cody Purcell Janet King Allen Minerich Sandi Medina
INGREDIENTS
• • •
3 4-oz packages of sardines
• • •
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 egg
2 tbsp flaxseed 1/4 cup parsley
2 tsp coconut oil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. 3. In a large bowl, mix together flour, flaxseed, and parsley. 4. Place the sardines, egg, and oil in a food processor, and mix until finely puréed. 5. In the bowl, combine the wet ingredients with the dry, stirring to combine. 6. Line a counter or cutting board with flour and roll dough out to 1/4-inch thickness. 7. Using a cookie cutter, cut out small shapes. 8. Bake the treats on the lined baking sheet for 10–12 minutes. 9. Allow to cool. Store in an airtight container.
We Reward Referrals!
3
WWW.SURFACECREEKVETERINARYCENTER.COM
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator