When it comes to dog training there are two differing sides of opinion when it comes to dogs and their digging habits. Firstly, many dog trainers think that a dog is a dog, and we should permit him to express his true canine nature by allowing him free reign over the yard and flowerbeds. The other dog training experts feel that a flowerbed is a flowerbed, and no dog should even think about expression his dogginess if such an expression comes at the price of a ruined flowerbed.
Most leading dog training experts favor the middle ground for training your dog. Although many dogs do love to dig, and it is healthy for them to be permitted to dig once in a while, there’s a difference between allowing your dog to express their inner puppy, and allowing him to run rampant in the backyard. No dog training professional would agree that a dog should have to come at the price of a garden, and vice versa. When if comes to dog training, flowers and dogs can coexist peacefully if you train your dog correctly. If your dog’s developed a taste for digging, it will just take a bit of time, and some ingenuity, on your part to resolve the dog training problem satisfactorily.
To start with, if you have yet to adopt a dog and your concern for the fate of your garden is purely hypothetical, consider the breed of dog that you would like. If you’ve got your eye on a specific mixed-breed dog, what aspect of his mixed dog heritage seems to be the most prominent?
Dog breed often plays a significant role in any given dog’s personal opinion of digging as a rewarding and valuable dog pastime – many terriers and Nordic breeds in particular (Huskies, Malamutes, some members of the Spitz family for example) seem to particularly enjoy digging.
Every dog training expert will, of course, say that when you get right down to the sum and substance, every dog is first and foremost an individual, and there’s no real way to predict whether or not your chosen four legged friend is going to be a burrower or not. However, if you’re trying to reduce the likelihood of an involuntarily-landscaped garden as much as possible, It is suggested you stay away from all breeds of terrier (and for those that did not know, the name means ‘go to earth’, after all!) and the Nordic breeds.
Why do dogs dig?
Dog training professionals often agree on the following reasons, and they are in no particular order, as to why a dog will dig:
* General Lack of exercise. Digging is a good way for a hyped-up, under-exercised dog to burn off some of their nervous energy.
* Boredom. Bored dogs will find a ‘job’ to do, something rewarding and interesting, to help the time pass by.
* Digging is often the ideal solution for a bored dog: it gives him a sense of purpose, and distracts him from an otherwise-empty day.
* The need for broader horizons. Some dogs are just escape artists by nature – no matter how much exercise and attention they get, it’s nearly impossible to confine them to an area. For a Doggy-Houdini, it’s not the digging itself that is the reward, it is the wonderful unknown that exists beyond the boundaries they were confined to and dogs love to explore a world of unfamiliar scents.
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The Chow Chow
Chow Chow History and origin:
The Chow Chow is a member of the Spitz family that is known for over 2000 years. This Chinese breed was once used for guarding and hunting. His thick coat protected him in harsh weather and, unfortunately, provided clothing for the infamous Mongols, who also reportedly used the dog for food.
Description:
The Chow Chow stands 16 to 20 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 50 and 65 pounds. He is a powerful dog with a short, broad muzzle. The coat may be rough or smooth. Through coat is dense, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat; he sheds profusely, particularly in early summer and needs daily brushing. The smooth coat is shorter and less dense, but sheds just as much. The color may be red, blue, black, fawn, or cream.
About the Chow Chow:
The Chow Chow is a beautiful dog who tends to be very loyal to only one or two people. Intelligent and intensely stubborn, the Chow is highly resistant to training, particularly when learning the “Down” command. Proud and moody, this dog likes to take the lead and have his own way. He does not like to be touched on the head, legs, or feet, even by his owner, and can be very difficult to groom. The Chow is extremely aloof with strangers and can be vicious, even to family members. He will not tolerate lots of people coming and going and prefers a consistent, predictable environment. He can be very dog-aggressive and has a high prey drive toward small animals. The Chow may bite a stranger who reaches out to pet him. Training must begin early and must be firm and persistent. This breed despises the very idea of submitting to anyone and may attempt to bite even his owner if so inclined. Socialization is crucial and will be the cornerstone of successful ownership of a Chow. Spoiling this breed will create a bossy, dangerous animal. As a Chow owner you will very likely have to deal with challenges to your authority, and you will probably face some aggression problems with this breed, no matter how effective a leader you are. The Chow needs regular exercise each day to stay fit. He is susceptible to hip dysplasia, entropion (a curling in of the eyelids), and skin disorders, and he does not do well in warm climates.
Feeding:
Recommended feeding for this breed is 1-1 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete dry food.
Ideal home:
This breed is not suitable to live in an apartment. A house with a well built-in fence and secluded yard is essential. If you lead a predictable, quiet life, an owner with strong leadership skills, and prefers an aloof, protective, serious dog, then this might be your breed. Chows are not advisable for those who have children. The elderly and the disabled may not be able to establish dominance with a Chow and should consider another breed. There should be no other small animals in the home with a Chow. Spoilers may create a dominant, dangerous animal that bites. Time to train and socialize the Chow Chow must be made available.