Is your shih tzu digging like a mad dog? If your Shih Tzu suddenly decided to become a mini excavator, and what used to be your yard now looks like some kind of archaeological dig site. Every now and then, Shih Tzus can develop a taste for digging that might be quite hard to break.
Don’t sweat it. We’ve got some pawsome tips to ensure your furry friend finally gives up their digging habit once and for all. Let’s get started!
Understand Why Your Shih Tzu is Digging
Let’s get inside your Shih Tzu’s head. Uncovering the reasons behind why they dig is important in stopping the behavior. Here are some common reasons.
Boredom – Very likely, your pup is bored and just needs something to do. Digging may be their way of getting some entertainment.
Instinct – Dogs are natural-born diggers, and they often dig to make a cool spot to lie down for a nap or bury their treasures, like bones.
Energy – Shih Tzus are small dogs with an energy that may surprise their owners. The digging behavior might simply be a behavioral attribute for expending excess energy.
Anxiety – A dog may dig if it’s suffering from anxiety or has a stressful day.
Give them Plenty of Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A tired dog is a happy dog. Keep your Shih Tzu on their toes with plenty of exercise to knock out all the excess energy. Daily walks, playtime, and an occasional agility drill or two will do miracles here. Include mental stimulation with puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games to keep their mind busy and away from thoughts of digging.
Address Anxiety and Stress
If you think your Shih Tzu digs due to anxiety or stress, then you must resolve the underlying problem causing their mental health issues. Find the triggers for their anxiety such as loud noises, separation from you, or changes to their environment. Give them a safe space where they can “escape” to when feeling anxious. Try calming aids, such as anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers to help them relax.
Create a Designated Digging Area
Now, if your Shih Tzu simply loves digging, why not provide them with a specified and accepted area for this behavior and let them have at it? Build a small sandbox or dedicate an area of your yard for digging. Bury some treats or leave their favorite toys there so they understand where it’s okay to dig without getting in trouble. This way, they satisfy their digging instinct without causing chaos around the yard.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
The basis of training is positive reinforcement, so if your Shih Tzu is digging where they’re allowed to dig, or if they stop when told to, reward them with treats, praise, and playtime to tie good actions to good consequences. Consistency is important, so get the family involved in training and rewarding the dog’s good behavior.
Limit Access to Digging Spots
Another idea on how to stop your Shih Tzu from digging is to limit their access to places they like to dig. Install garden fencing or block these spaces using barriers. Cover the ground with rocks or mulch to make digging in those areas seem less appealing. Just make sure whatever strategy you use is safe for your pup.
Supervise and Intercept Digging
Watch your Shih Tzu while they play outside. If you catch them digging in places where they shouldn’t, stop them immediately with a firm but gentle command like “No” or “Stop.” Send them to their designated digging area of shift their attention to other more cooperative actions such as a toy or playtime.
Suggest Alternative Activities
Sometimes, the reason your Shih Tzu may be digging is because it’s their instinct and an outlet for blowing off stress and boredom. Offer substitute activities that satisfy these needs. Introduce interactive toys, play fetch games, or send them to basic obedience training to keep them busy and diminish the tendency to dig.
Keep It Interesting
Boredom is a major reason dogs dig. Keep your Shih Tzu’s yard interesting by rotating toys or setting up easy obstacle courses. Hide treats in the yard for them to sniff out. This strategy keeps them occupied and their mind off digging.
Be Patient and Consistent
Breaking your Shih Tzu’s digging habit won’t be easy; it requires patience and persistence in training. Stick to your plan of action, and whenever they exhibit good behavior, reward them. Keep your cool with them when addressing digging incidents. Soon enough, they’ll learn that there are better ways to use their energy than digging up your yard.
Seek Professional Help If Needed
If all goes to pot and your Shih Tzu is still a digging dynamo, then perhaps it’s time to consult somebody with an outside perspective and experience with the issue. Meet with a certified dog trainer or an animal behaviorist to hear what they have to say. Professionals offer tailored tips and training techniques to deal with your pups’ digging habits. Sometimes, it takes the intervention of a third party to solve the problem.
Let’s Bury this Issue
And there you have it, folks. A little patience, consistency, and understanding will get your Shih Tzu to stop turning your lawn and flowerbeds into Swiss cheese. Keep them busy with exercise and mental stimulation and reward them with positive reinforcement. If need be, designate a digging area, avoid triggering underlying anxiety, and make the yard interesting and engaging. Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to curbing your Shih Tzu’s need to dig up your yard.