Your amstaff may be cute and all, but they are also a dog! Digging can be an instinctive behavior in some dogs. If it often happens or with regularity, it can eventually become obsessive-compulsive. It is important to understand this digging compulsion, so you don’t get frustrated with your pup and try to train them not to dig.
Why do dogs dig?
Some researchers believe that digging is an instinctive behavior in some dogs and may play a role in marking territory. The theory is that when an animal digs, they expose its stomach lining directly to the air, which then signals to a potential mate or other individuals of the same species that “here lives an individual who has access to nutritious food.”
One study published in the journal Applied Animal Ethology examined why some dogs dug more than others and discovered that when fed fatty treats like gourmet sausages, chicken liver, beef tallow cakes, and fat-rich kibble that contain high levels of protein (meat byproducts), salivary glands release xylosides which stimulate saliva production, making the mouth moist for digestion.
When feeding these types of treats, instead of eating them whole (such as with other dogs), chewing first before swallowing helps distribute small amounts of nutrients throughout the food rather than concentrating them in one area, which could cause indigestion if eaten whole due to its high-fat content. After reading this article about why some dogs dig more than others, you might think twice.
Why does Amstaff dig?
Amstaffs seem to dig because they enjoy the sensation of the cool, soft ground beneath their paws. The feeling of the earth moving and scratching may also be pleasurable for your amstaff. If this is a behavior you are trying to stop, it is important to keep an eye on your dog’s activity levels and note what times in the day they tend to dig when they have access to outdoor areas.
You could also purchase a special playpen or crate that allows them to lay down without digging so they can enjoy playing and digging without digging.
How do you get a dog to quit digging?
Most digging is instinctive and can’t be trained away. However, you can take steps to deter your amstaff from digging as well as preventing them from getting into trouble in the first place.
Some ways to stop your dog from digging include:
1. Set up a barrier of sorts – such as a fence or kennel to keep your amstaff away from dangerous areas like flowerbeds, sidewalks, under the shed, etc.
2. Do not let your dog out without supervision in places they may have an urge to dig.
3. Provide plenty of exercise opportunities for your amstaff, so they have another way to expend their energy (i.e., don’t leave them indoors all day).
4. If you are worried about the damage done by your amstaff, consider adding more security measures around the property (such as collars with GPS trackers).
Do dogs grow out of digging?
Unfortunately, digging is an instinctive behavior that cannot be “trained” in dogs. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if your dog is just being playful or if they are actually digging, so you might need to take precautions and teach your pup how to play with toys instead of their own paws. If you want to stop your pup from digging, try implementing the following training strategies:
- Create a distraction -You can use many great distractions when teaching your pup not to dig. Make sure it has something that will keep them entertained and distracted while you’re talking to them.
- Create a negative association -If your dog usually digs in one specific area like the backyard or in the vet’s office, make sure you teach them not to dig there by using aversive training methods such as treats or a spray bottle filled with water.
- Don’t allow them access -Keeping your dog on a leash when you’re outside will also help prevent digging because they’ll have nowhere else to turn their attention but on you.
