Dogs digging the ground: A daily behavior.

On a sunny weekend afternoon, a rustling sound came from the corner as a dog was rapidly digging the ground with its front PAWS. Dust was flying everywhere. I believe many dog owners have encountered such a scene. The common behavior of dogs digging up the ground may seem simple, but behind it lies many secrets. Why on earth are they so obsessed with digging the land? Is it due to nature or are there other special reasons? Today, let's delve into the reasons behind dogs digging up the ground together.

1. Innate instinct: The continuation of ancestral habits.

Wolves are the ancestors of dogs. When surviving in the wild, digging the ground is of vital importance to wolves. When food is scarce, wolves perceive underground food with their acute sense of smell and obtain it by digging the soil with their PAWS. In the cold winter or when threatened by natural enemies, wolves will dig holes in the ground to build nests, inhabit and breed. Wolves will also bury their leftover prey underground and dig it out when needed. Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time and mostly live in human families, the instinct to dig the ground is still deeply engraved in their genes. The instinctive behavior originated from ancestors manifests differently in dogs of various breeds and personalities, making the act of dogs digging the ground even more intriguing.

2. Environmental requirements: Seeking comfort and a sense of security.

Dogs are very sensitive to environmental changes. Digging the ground is often their unique way to adapt to the environment and pursue comfort and a sense of security. On a hot summer day, when your dog is sticking out its tongue from the heat, it might find a corner in the yard and start digging the ground. This is because the temperature at the lower layer of the soil is relatively low. Dogs dig the ground and turn out the cool soil to create a natural "mat" for themselves, achieving the purpose of heat dissipation and cooling. Just as humans look for air-conditioned rooms and fans in hot weather, dogs are also fighting against the heat in their own way.

When the dog is ready to rest, it will also dig the ground to tidy up the sleeping place. It may repeatedly dig in the doghouse or its favorite corner to make the ground flatter and softer, and also adjust the surrounding items to the right positions. This behavior originated from the habits of their ancestors when they survived in the wild. At that time, they needed to dig a safe and comfortable pit to avoid natural enemies and bad weather. Nowadays, although dogs are in safe homes, the pursuit of a comfortable sleeping environment remains unchanged. For instance, when strangers come to the house or there is a lot of noise outside, the dog will dig the ground in the place it considers safe, trying to create a small space that makes it feel at ease.

3. Emotional expression: The external signal of the inner world.

Dogs can't speak. They often express their inner emotions through behaviors. Digging the ground is a common way for them to vent their emotions. When dogs feel bored, such as when their owners are busy with work for a long time and have no time to play with them, and there are no other pets at home to keep them company, they may kill time by digging the ground.

Anxiety is also a common emotion that causes dogs to dig the ground. When the owner is about to go out and the dog realizes that it is about to be separated from the owner, it may experience separation anxiety and then dig the ground to relieve its inner unease. Every time a dog owner goes out to work, his Border Collie will frantically dig the ground near the door, accompanied by loud barking. It won't gradually calm down until the owner has been away for a long time. This kind of ground-digging behavior triggered by separation anxiety is actually a manifestation of a dog's deep dependence on its owner.

When dogs are in an extremely excited state, they will also dig the ground to release their excess energy. For instance, when you take your dog out to play and open the door when you get home, the dog might excitedly wag its tail and keep digging on the doormat. That is its way of expressing the joy of coming home and the excitement after playing.

4. Physical instinct: A manifestation of physiological needs.

When a dog's nails are too long, it can make them feel uncomfortable, just like a human wearing ill-fitting shoes. At this point, the dog will grind its PAWS by digging the ground to keep its nails of the right length and shape.

For pregnant female dogs, digging the ground is an important signal of labor. A few days before giving birth, the female dog will instinctively look for a safe, secluded and comfortable place to welcome the arrival of the new life. If your dog is a pregnant female and you notice that she suddenly starts digging the ground frequently, accompanied by symptoms such as restlessness and loss of appetite, you should be ready to welcome a puppy.

Coping strategy: Guide the dog to behave correctly.

When faced with a dog's ground-digging behavior, as the owner, we should not simply blame it. Instead, we need to understand the reasons behind it and guide it in a scientific and gentle way.

Adequate exercise is crucial for dogs. Taking a dog out for a walk or playing frisbee and other games every day can consume its excessive energy and reduce the behavior of digging the ground. For instance, an energetic Border Collie needs at least 1 to 2 hours of outdoor activities every day.

Providing dogs with suitable toys such as leaky balls can divert their attention from digging the ground. Putting snacks in can also exercise their intelligence.

From a young age, train the dog to give basic instructions such as "stop". Guide it in time when it shows signs of digging up the ground, and reward it if it follows the instructions.

It is also necessary to create a comfortable and safe living environment for the dog, prepare suitable dog beds and bedding according to the season, and keep the environment clean and quiet.