Canine Enrichment

TEXT: SARAH WANLESS

This month’s enrichment idea is dedicated to those digging dogs who just can’t help themselves. For many dogs, digging is an innate behaviour. Breeds like Huskies dig in the snow to create a nice patch to sleep in, earth breeds (like terriers) are natural diggers, potentially searching out rats and other rodents, and some dogs dig just because they like it. Digging is an integral part of being a dog, and thus suppressing your dog’s need to dig is not great for his mental health.

WHY DIG?

There are many reasons why a dog might dig, ranging from instinctual to practical. They may be searching for prey, making a comfortable place to sleep, escaping the property, relieving anxiety, or burying toys, bones and treats so that they won’t get ‘stolen’ by another family member (a real throwback to their wolf heritage). But, purposeful or not, one of the most common reasons dogs dig is because it is highly entertaining and a great way to relieve boredom.

This makes digging a very difficult behaviour to stop, particularly in those breeds that are more predisposed to the behaviour. Instead, it can be a good idea to ‘relocate’ your dog’s digging to a designated spot, like their very own digging pit.

THE DIGGING PIT

A digging pit is a specified area in the garden where your dog is allowed and encouraged to dig. These pits can be temporary and movable if you use a kiddie’s pool shell or sandpit (preferably placed on cement, brick or bare soil to prevent your grass from dying) or they can be a more permanent fixture, where a small pit is dug into the flower bed and demarcated. If you (or your neighbours) have cats, we highly recommend a cover of some sort, or you may create a litter tray. If you opt for the temporary option without a cover, ensure the pit is free draining.

Once your pit is prepared, it’s time to add the most important element, the sand. We recommend using either river sand or everyday kiddies’ sandpit sand. This should be readily available at your local hardware store, is costeffective and generally free of any debris. Remember that the sand will settle, so you will probably have to add more at a later stage. It is recommended that you add a layer of sand, water it to help the sand settle, and add more sand as needed. If you have opted for the permanent pit adding edging will help keep the sand off your lawn and in the pit.

TIME TO DIG

Once your digging pit has been set up, the real fun can begin. It is important that you introduce your dog to the digging pit and encourage him to use that spot rather than his other ‘favourites’. We recommend using high-value toys or treats and putting them in the digging pit as an introduction and letting your dog find them. He may then start digging without any more prompting from you. If he doesn’t, you can start to partially bury the toys and treats (added bonus of some sensory enrichment) and gradually bury them deeper as your dog gets the hang of it. It is a good idea to store outside toys in the digging pit, as your dog will visit the pit regularly to find his toys, which will create a further positive association with the pit. Dogs often mimic behaviour, so another option to build your dog’s inclination to dig in this spot is to dig with him (we’re not kidding!). Playing with him in the sand of his digging pit will encourage him and keep him engaged with the game at hand. If you find your dog digging outside the pit, redirect the digging to the allotted area and praise him when he digs in his pit.

YOU’RE NOT OFF THE HOOK!

Whilst it is a relatively easy and inexpensive exercise to set up a digging pit for your dog, it will require interaction to establish the spot as a digging spot and keep your dog interested (introducing new toys and treats will help). It will also require some general maintenance by removing unwanted objects like leaves, twigs or other garden refuse and adding more sand when needed.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

We need to remember that dogs are very different to us and have different needs and wants. Providing environmental enrichment that allows them to exercise their natural behaviours ensures that their needs are met, and their brains and bodies are stimulated.

In this way, enrichment activities such as snuffle mats (see DQ1A) and digging pits can help to improve your dog’s quality of life and happiness levels.