The Hole Story: Why Jack Russells Dig

This post was written by London Dog Walker on August 8, 2011
Posted Under: London Dog Walking

Various dog breeds suggest particular types of behavior. These traits and behaviors are both welcome and unwelcome, and in the cast of the Jack Russell, one of the most common traits is a propensity for digging. Indeed, they will want to dig so often that it’s a defining characteristic of the Jack Russell.

Why Do They Dig So Much?

As with most things about the Jack Russell personality, they dig because it’s in their nature. Digging is a remnant of their breeding as hunting dogs, which impacts a lot about their personality. Fox holes would regularly have to be dug up to catch the fox and today the Jack sometimes still thinks he’s on the hunt.

If you would like to resolve your Jack Russell’s digging problems quickly, check out: Jack Russell Digging.

Jack Russell Digging – Should You Allow It?

If your Jack is just digging a little bit outside, that’s generally not too harmful. Provided you’re comfortable with a couple holes in your garden here and there, this shouldn’t be a big ordeal and will let your dog exercise his instincts. Yet digging isn’t only confined to outside, but can occur inside as well with playful little digs to your carpet. Digging really isn’t a problem for many owners, as it tends to be a source of joy for Jacks, but if it’s a problem for you there ware ways to prevent your dog from digging.

Stopping Jack Russell Digging Behaviour – If You Want To

Watching a Jack Russell dig, especially inside, makes for fantastic entertainment. While fun to watch, this can be far less fun if you find your dog’s digging has damaged your garden. You could well find that your precious flower beds and lawns have been destroyed by your dog wanting to find whatever’s buried beneath them, meaning that you’ll need to try and curb the behaviour as much as possible. What should you do? Here are some ideas to try.

Plant A Few Roses

Dogs are smart enough to stay away from sharp thorns, so add some roses anywhere you don’t want your dog to dig and he’ll stay away.

Create An Acceptable Digging Space For Him

Create a sandbox or clearly marked area where your dog is allowed to dig. If he starts to dig elsewhere direct him here instead – he’ll soon understand.

The Distraction Treatment

Jacks bore easily and sometimes dig to cure their boredom. Solve this problem by always giving your dog exercise and toys to keep him stimulated.

Just a reminder that if you are looking for a great free site with lots more information about resolving lots of common Jack Russell Problems including digging and others, then check out: Jack Russell Digging.

Supervision

If you really can’t bear the thought of holes in your garden, simply watch him when he’s outside and tell him “no” when he starts to dig.

These are just a few tips that you might want to try, and when it comes to your Jack Russell digging indoors the last two could work wonders. Distract him when he starts to dig and discourage him from doing so, and that way your furniture might stay intact.

Accepting The Need To Dig

While you want your home and garden to be free of damage, you must also accept that digging is central to your dog’s character and should not be totally suppressed. The best thing to do is embrace the fact that these dogs are diggers and try to love that about them; if this is too challenging, this may not be your breed afterall.

I sincerely hope that you got some benefit out of this article. You also may be interested to check out the following dog training product review:  Complete DIY Dog Training.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Print
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay
  • Diigo
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • Ping.fm
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Technorati
  • Tumblr
  • Twitter

Add a Comment

required, use real name
required, will not be published
optional, your blog address