XPost: rec.pets.dogs.behavior   
   From: janet@bestfriendsdogobedience.com   
      
   On Mon, 11 Apr 2005 23:39:05 -0500, "les"  wrote:   
      
   >We got a Mixed Lab from the pound a couple months ago and   
   >it has begun digging in the yard. It takes 15 minute breaks out   
   >there so it's not a matter of long boring excursions (our fenced yard offers   
   >plenty of entertainment besides...rabbits, squirels, etc.)   
   >I've tried watching from a window to correct him immediately, but   
   >of course it NEVER happens while I'm on duty.   
   >   
   >What drives them to this behavior?   
   >Any way to stop this besides babysitting him, which hasn't worked   
   >yet?   
      
      
   Digging is FUN.  It's great exercise.  Moles, voles, all sorts of   
   things may intrigue a dog to dig.   
      
   Apparently, 15 minutes is as long as it takes for your dog to be bored   
   by the fun rabbits, squirrels, etc (they leave pretty quickly and then   
   there's nothing to play with!).  I can't think of why I'd need my dogs   
   to be outside for 15 minutes without supervision, but one would get   
   really bored and bark to come in, the other would just hang out -   
   different dogs.   
      
   You can teach an approved digging spot, but that means you need to be   
   out there and training. General obedience training is a good idea as   
   well.   
      
      
   --   
   Janet B   
   www.bestfriendsdogobedience.com   
   http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/bestfriendsobedience/album   
      
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