Corgis are high energy herding dogs that need a job. If yours is spending too much time alone in the backyard, they will find something to occupy themselves. Maybe it’s eating your plants (some of which may be poisonous, by the way) or maybe it’s digging. Digging is done for a variety of reasons, including boredom and not enough exercise. It not only destroys your yard, but can be dangerous if your dog digs out of the yard. The following are four tips to get your Corgi to stop digging.
#1 – Management
While you are working on solving the digging problem, which won’t happen overnight, don’t leave your Corgi 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. Providing more exercise for your Corgi will help quench his desire to dig.
#3 – Self-play Toys
Boredom is another reason why your Corgi 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 Corgi might just love the feel of the dirt in his toes and the smells he unearths. Your Corgi 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 Corgi 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.
