Do you find yourself constantly fixing up holes in your yard thanks to your dachshund’s digging? This behavior can be frustrating, but it’s a common issue many dachshund owners face. Understanding why your dachshund digs can be the first step in helping to manage and redirect this instinctual behavior.
Dachshunds have a natural instinct to dig, often rooted in their breeding history as hunters. This means their digging habits are not just a simple nuisance, but a part of their nature. Learning how to handle this behavior can make life easier for you and your furry friend.
Table of Contents
- 1) Provide a Digging Spot
- 2) Keep Them Entertained With Toys
- 3) Exercise Regularly
- 4) Use Positive Reinforcement
- 5) Install a Sandbox
- 6) Distract Them with Treats
- 7) Monitor Their Outdoor Time
- 8) Fill Holes with Rocks
- 9) Use Citrus Repellents
- 10) Create a Designated Digging Area
- 11) Consult a Veterinarian
- 12) Train with Commands
- 13) Use Deterrent Sprays
- Understanding Why Dachshunds Dig
- Effective Strategies to Mitigate Digging
- Long-Term Solutions for a Digging-Free Home
1) Provide a Digging Spot
To manage your dachshund’s digging habit, designate a specific spot in your yard where they can dig.
Fill this area with loose soil or sand.
Use positive reinforcement by guiding your dachshund to this spot and rewarding them when they dig there.
This gives them an outlet for their natural behavior.
2) Keep Them Entertained With Toys
Dachshunds love to play and use their minds. Interactive toys are a great way to keep them engaged. Tennis ball treat dispensers are fun and make your dog think.
Puzzle toys can also challenge your dog’s brain. Stuff a rubber Kong with treats like dog meat or peanut butter. It keeps them busy and happy.
3) Exercise Regularly
Daily exercise helps burn off your dachshund’s extra energy, making them less likely to dig. Activities like walks, fetch, or short runs work well. A tired dog is a happy dog.
Interactive games and puzzle toys can also keep them busy. Engaging their mind reduces boredom, a common cause of digging.
Try creating an indoor obstacle course. This is fun and provides great exercise.
4) Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward your Dachshund with treats and praise when they behave well. Giving them a toy or extra playtime works too. Avoid punishments, as they can lead to more digging. Positive reinforcement helps your dog understand what behavior you want to see more often.
5) Install a Sandbox
To manage your Dachshund’s digging, set up a sandbox in your yard. This gives your pet a specific place to dig.
Fill the sandbox with loose dirt or sand. This makes it more appealing.
Bury some toys or treats in the sandbox to encourage your Dachshund to use it. This will help them learn where they are allowed to dig.
6) Distract Them with Treats
Using treats can be a great way to stop your Dachshund from digging. Keep some tasty treats handy when you’re in the yard.
When you see your dog start to dig, call them over and reward them with a treat.
This way, you reward them for stopping the unwanted behavior.
7) Monitor Their Outdoor Time
Keep an eye on your Dachshund when they are outdoors. This helps prevent unwanted digging.
Use a leash or set up a safe area like a fenced yard. This way, you can easily redirect them if they start to dig.
Spend time playing with them while outside. This engages them and reduces the urge to dig due to boredom.
8) Fill Holes with Rocks
Filling holes with rocks can stop your Dachshund from digging in the same spot again. Choose medium-sized rocks that your dog cannot move easily.
This method keeps your yard looking nice, and it is safe for your pet. Make sure the rocks are clean and free of sharp edges.
9) Use Citrus Repellents
Citrus scents can help keep your dachshund from digging in unwanted areas.
Mix lemon juice, lime juice, and orange peels in a spray bottle.
Fill it with warm water and spray the mixture on their favorite digging spots.
Dogs dislike the citrus smell, which can discourage them from digging.
10) Create a Designated Digging Area
Some dogs just love to dig. Give your dachshund a special spot where they can dig freely. Choose a part of the yard and fill it with loose soil or sand.
Encourage them by burying toys in this area. Praise them when they use it. This helps keep other parts of your yard intact.
11) Consult a Veterinarian
If your dachshund’s digging seems extreme or harmful, consider consulting a veterinarian. They can check for underlying health issues.
A vet might suggest behavioral therapy or other solutions. They can also provide advice on training and offer tips specific to dachshund behavior. This professional guidance can be very helpful.
12) Train with Commands
Use simple commands to guide your Dachshund when they start digging. Use short, clear words like “Stop” or “No Dig.” Keep your tone firm but gentle to avoid scaring them.
Be consistent with your commands. Reward your Dachshund with treats or praise when they stop digging. This teaches them that good behavior leads to positive outcomes.
13) Use Deterrent Sprays
Deterrent sprays can help stop your Dachshund from digging. These sprays have smells that dogs usually don’t like. Lemon juice, lime juice, and orange peels mixed with water can make a good deterrent spray.
Spray the mixture on your Dachshund’s favorite digging spots. This will help keep them away from those areas.
Understanding Why Dachshunds Dig
Dachshunds dig primarily due to their natural instincts and environmental factors. Knowing the reasons behind their digging can help you manage and redirect this behavior effectively.
Natural Instincts
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt burrowing animals like badgers. Their long bodies and strong paws make them natural diggers. This instinctual behavior is deeply ingrained.
Digging provides mental stimulation and can be a way for Dachshunds to explore their surroundings. Even if they don’t have access to burrowing animals, this instinct may manifest in digging up your yard.
Additionally, digging can be a way for Dachshunds to create a comfortable resting spot. In the wild, they would dig holes to stay cool or warm depending on the weather. This explains why they might dig in their bedding or in shaded parts of your yard.
Environmental Factors
Your Dachshund might dig out of boredom. Without enough physical or mental stimulation, they may turn to digging as an outlet. Try providing toys and activities to keep them engaged.
Soft and loose soil is easier for Dachshunds to dig in. This type of soil provides more satisfaction and success. On the other hand, hard or rocky ground can discourage this behavior.
Anxiety and stress can also lead to increased digging. Changes in routine, the presence of other pets, or loud noises can cause anxiety. You might notice more digging during these stressful periods.
Implement consistent routines and provide a safe environment to help minimize anxiety-related digging.
Effective Strategies to Mitigate Digging
Addressing a dachshund’s digging habit involves providing enough exercise, creating a designated digging area, and using positive reinforcement. These strategies help to manage their energy levels and direct their natural instincts in a more controlled manner.
Providing Adequate Exercise
Dachshunds have a lot of energy and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Lack of exercise can lead to boredom, causing them to dig to keep themselves occupied. Taking your dachshund on daily walks can help fulfill their need for physical activity.
Interactive play, such as fetch or tug-of-war, can also tire them out. If possible, visit a dog park so they can run freely. Set aside time each day to engage in these activities. This way, they will be less likely to dig excessively.
Creating a Digging Zone
Creating a designated digging area in your yard can give your dachshund an appropriate outlet for their digging instinct. Choose a spot in your yard and encourage your dog to dig there by burying toys or treats.
Use a sandbox or a marked-off corner filled with soft soil for this purpose. To train them, lead them to this area every time they start digging somewhere else. Reward them with treats or praise when they dig in the correct spot.
This process requires patience but is effective in redirecting their behavior. Consistency is important to ensure they learn where it is okay to dig.
Using Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dachshund for desired behaviors rather than punishing them for undesired ones. When your dog digs in its designated area, praise them and offer a treat. This method teaches them that good behavior leads to rewards.
Avoid scolding or punishing your dog for digging in the wrong place as this can cause anxiety and stress. Instead, gently guide them to the proper location and reward them immediately. Over time, they will associate their digging spot with positive experiences.
Training sessions should be short and fun to keep your dog engaged. Patience and consistency are key to successfully managing your dachshund’s digging habit with positive reinforcement.
Long-Term Solutions for a Digging-Free Home
To keep your Dachshund from digging, focus on training and keeping their mind active. Both can reduce unwanted behavior and maintain a happy home.
Consistent Training Techniques
Training your Dachshund is key to stopping their digging habit. Start by teaching basic commands like “no” and “stop.” Use positive reinforcement to reward them when they follow your instructions.
Be consistent. Train your Dachshund at the same times each day. This helps them understand what behaviors are expected. Make training sessions short but frequent to hold their attention.
Correcting bad behavior quickly is essential. If you see your dog digging, interrupt them and guide them to an acceptable activity. Giving them alternatives can reduce their urge to dig.
Mental Stimulation Activities
Dachshunds need mental challenges to prevent boredom, which can lead to digging. Puzzle toys are great for this. They require dogs to think and solve problems, keeping their mind busy and satisfied.
Interactive play, like fetch, can also help. It gives your dog a chance to burn off energy and stay engaged.
Try rotating toys to keep things fresh. Introduce new ones regularly to maintain their interest.
Another way to mentally stimulate your Dachshund is through scent games. Hide treats around your home or yard and let your dog hunt for them. This mimics natural hunting behavior and provides great mental exercise.
My name is Danny Jackson and I’m the CEO and Chief Editor behind Petloverguy.com. After spending a decade working with vets and private clients as an animal behavioral and nutritional specialist I co-founded Pet Lover Guy to help other pet parents learn how to interact with, and make the most of the time that they spend with their adopted and rescued best pet friends.
Working with Ella, our chihuahua rescue, we seek to help all dog and cat lovers have the happiest life possible.
