Beagles are intelligent, high energy dogs, which means they get bored quick. If your Beagle spends a lot of time in the backyard by herself, don’t be surprised if she develops a digging problem. Dogs digs for many reasons – boredom, to find vermin, investigate smells, escape, and possibly just because it feels good to have the earth between their toes. Whatever the reason, digging is destructive and can be dangerous if they are digging their way to freedom. If you are dealing with this, here are four tips to get your Beagle to stop digging.
#1 – Management
While you are working on solving the digging problem- which won’t happen overnight- don’t leave your Beagle in the yard alone. This way, he won’t have a chance to practice the behavior. The more he practices it, the more he will continue to dig because it’s rewarding for him. This is the easiest way to solve the problem.
#2 – More Exercise
Digging takes a lot of energy. Many dogs do it as a form of self-exercise. If you provide more appropriate exercise for your Beagle, then he won’t have the energy to dig.
#3 – Self-play Toys
Boredom is another reason why your Beagle may have taken up trying to dig to China. Providing self-play toys for your dog in the backyard is a great way to keep him occupied. The Wunderball is a great choice because when your dog drops it, it bounces unevenly, encouraging your dog to keep playing. Treat toys, iFetch, Tether Tug, and the like are all good options too.
#4 – A Place To Dig
Aside from expending energy, your dog loves the feel of the dirt in his toes and the smells he unearths. Your Beagle may even be tracking a mole or a gopher. For these dogs, you may find the only way to stop him from digging up your entire yard is to give him a sand or dirt box of his own. Use a kid box or build one yourself. Make sure it has a clearly marked perimeter and that the soil inside it is different from your landscaping so your dog can learn the difference. Bury toys and treats inside the box (shallow at first) to encourage your Beagle to dig there and not anywhere else. This is a great solution because it gives him exercise and keeps him from being bored while saving your landscaping. And there’s no risk he will dig himself out of your yard.
