Countless dogs dream about having a cosy home filled with love and attention from their hooman. Yet, only a small number of these four-legged furballs end up having one. The reason for this lies in the fact that there is still a large number of stray dogs out there.
Due to abandonment, neglect, and lack of proper initiative from the authorities, numerous canines are forced to live their lives on the edge. Every day, they fight to survive in harsh conditions, with no proper shelter or adequate food.
One such story comes from Rescue Mission HT, who posted a heartbreaking video of a dog fending for herself on a busy road. Scared, starving, and coping with a serious skin condition, this doggo girl needed help – urgently!
The Road To Recovery
Kind-hearted rescuers spotted the dog on the side of a dangerous road and they immediately rushed to help. With cars passing by, she was in constant danger of getting hurt, and she had no adequate shelter anywhere around.
The rescuers tried to lure the dog with delicious food, but she was extremely timid and instantly ran away.
The rescuers then followed her to an abandoned house, where she finally sat to rest, and the rescue mission began! Step by step, the dog slowly approached the unknown hoomans and started eating her food.
When she finally came a little closer, they noticed damage on her fur as well as wounds all over her body. She was missing a good part of her coat due to dermatitis. On top of all that, the dog was covered in dirt as a result of living on the streets.
This poor girl was severely emaciated, too. Not knowing where her next meal would come from, she lived her days in search of food – and spent many hours in starvation.
When she was finally taken to the rescuers’ house, she was very skinny and in urgent need of a proper meal plan.
The hoomans immediately subjected her to a vet exam, where she received the much-needed treatment for her skin condition and had her old fur shaved off. With meds and proper food, she was further taken care of at home, with kind rescuers who wouldn’t give up on her.
Family’s Princess
After only five days of constant care, the dog felt so much better. Even though she was still fearful and unsure about her new hoomans, she felt a lot better than on the first day.
She ate properly, had regular baths and checkups, and within days, she started to come out of her shell. The hoomans who saved her that day from the busy road made a life-changing decision and decided to adopt her!
Her temporary home now became her furever shelter where she could finally run free and stop worrying about having a roof over her head.
Within a few weeks, she completely transformed into the family’s princess. Her fur grew back – only this time, she looked nothing like her old self. With a lot of hard work and effort, she became a fashionable fluff who dazzled her new family with her incredible appearance.
Her long, glamorous coat matched her personality, as she became just the most affectionate girl. She loved being held in the arms of her hoomans, even though she wasn’t exactly a lap dog.
She accompanied them on the beach, on city walks, and on road trips, and even watched the sunset while being snuggled up next to her pawrents.
Here Comes The Cutest Surprise
A couple of months later, this fabulous girl met a lot of doggo furriends and mastered her socialization training. Together with her owners, the canine finally embraced the beauty of life to the fullest, accepting new people and dogs with paws wide open.
Then, the cutest surprise came!
This lovely girl gave birth to six amazing puppies and made her family’s life even more colourful. Her owners were extremely happy to have a new addition to their family, and they made sure to make their living space as comfy as possible.
The momma took care of her babies around the clock. All the pups were in excellent health, and they soon grew up into chubby furballs. At two months of age, two of her babies were adopted into amazing families, where they continued their life journey.
Later, the three other puppies found their furever homes, while the family decided to keep the last one next to its mom.
Today, this adorable girl and her baby enjoy the cosiness of their home and make every day memorable! Once a stray dog fighting to survive in cruel conditions, she now embarks on exciting adventures with the biggest smile!
If you’ve ever had a furry companion, you’ve probably encountered the aftermath of their excavation adventures. Picture this: a backyard filled with freshly dug holes, a sure sign that your furry friend has been on a mission. Dogs and digging seem to go hand in paw, leaving us wondering about the reasons behind this behavior.
You may have caught your pup in the act, dirt flying everywhere as they dig with sheer determination. While it may seem like a random pastime, there’s more to it than meets the eye. Understanding why dogs engage in this behavior can offer insights into their instincts and needs.
Understanding Canine Behavior: Why Do Dogs Dig Holes?
The Instinctual Drive Behind Digging
Digging is a behavior deeply rooted in dogs’ DNA. Historically, dogs dug dens to create safe, comfortable spaces for themselves and their pups. While your pampered pooch may no longer need a den, their innate urge to dig remains strong.
Breed-Specific Digging Traits
Different dog breeds showcase varying digging tendencies. Terriers, for example, were bred to dig and hunt underground prey. Understanding your dog’s breed characteristics can shed light on why they love to excavate your backyard.
The Many Reasons Dogs May Dig
Seeking Comfort and Protection
Dogs may dig holes in your backyard as a way to seek comfort and protection. This behavior stems from their natural instinct to create a safe space like a den. By digging, they can regulate their body temperature, hide from perceived threats, or simply find a cozy spot to rest.
Hunting Buried Treasure
Another reason dogs dig is to satisfy their innate hunting instincts. They might smell something intriguing buried beneath the ground, triggering their natural scavenging behavior. Your furry friend could be trying to unearth a hidden treasure, whether it’s a long-forgotten bone, a toy, or even a fascinating scent.
Temperature Regulation
Digging can also help dogs regulate their body temperature. When it’s hot outside, they may dig a hole to find cooler soil to lie in. Conversely, in colder weather, they might dig to create a cozy spot insulated from the chill. This behavior allows them to maintain their comfort in varying environmental conditions.
Boredom and Excess Energy
Boredom or excess energy can lead to digging as a form of entertainment. Dogs, especially active breeds, may dig out of sheer boredom or a lack of mental stimulation. Providing them with enough exercise, playtime, and interactive toys can help redirect this energy into more constructive activities, reducing their inclination to dig excessively.
Potential Problems with Digging
Impact on Lawns and Gardens
Digging can wreak havoc on your carefully manicured lawn and garden beds. Your dog’s digging behavior can uproot plants, destroy flower beds, and create unsightly holes all over your yard. This damage not only impacts the aesthetics of your outdoor space but also requires time and effort to repair, potentially costing you money in replacements and maintenance.
Escape Risks and Safety Concerns
One of the major issues with excessive digging is the risk of escape. Your furry friend may dig under a fence or gate, leading to potential escape and safety hazards. This behavior poses a danger to your dog, exposing them to the risks of getting lost, injured, or encountering dangerous situations outside your property. It’s crucial to address digging problems promptly to prevent these escape risks and ensure your pet’s safety.
How to Manage and Redirect Digging Behavior
Training Dogs to Dig in Designated Areas
If you find your dog constantly digging up your backyard, one effective way to manage this behavior is to train them to dig in specific areas. Encourage your dog to dig in a designated spot by creating a digging pit filled with sand or loose soil. When you catch your dog digging elsewhere, gently redirect them to the designated area. Consistency is key in reinforcing this behavior, so make sure to praise and reward your dog when they dig in the right spot.
Providing Alternatives to Fulfill Their Needs
To prevent your dog from digging out of boredom or to regulate their body temperature, provide alternative activities and comforts. Ensure your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent excessive digging. Offer them toys to keep them occupied, provide shaded areas in hot weather, and create a comfortable outdoor space where they can relax. By fulfilling their needs through other means, you can reduce their inclination to dig excessively.
When to Consult a Professional
If your dog’s digging behavior persists despite training and providing alternatives, it may be time to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the underlying reasons for your dog’s digging and create a customized plan to address this behavior effectively. Professional guidance can be invaluable in resolving persistent digging issues and ensuring the well-being of your furry companion.
Conclusion
So there you have it – dogs dig holes for a variety of reasons, from instinctual behaviors to seeking comfort. It’s essential to understand why your furry friend is digging and take steps to manage this behavior. By providing designated digging areas, offering engaging alternatives, and seeking help if needed, you can help your pup channel their digging urges in a positive way. Remember, a little training and attention can go a long way in keeping your dog happy and your backyard intact. Keep those paws busy and your pup will thank you for it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do dogs dig in the backyard?
Dogs dig in the backyard due to their natural instinct, inherited from their ancestors, to create dens for shelter, safety, and procreation.
What problems can excessive digging cause?
Excessive digging can lead to damage to outdoor spaces, ruined gardens, escape routes for pets, and potential hazards like exposure to toxic substances or getting lost.
How can I manage my dog’s digging behavior?
You can manage your dog’s digging behavior by training them to dig in designated areas, offering alternative activities like toys or puzzles, and seeking professional help if the behavior persists despite efforts.
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Hey there, I’m Janet Brooks, a dog-loving student from California. I’m all about helping pups in need, especially those without homes. Me and my awesome friends work together to give shelter and love to stray dogs. Oh, and I also write blogs about dogs to share helpful info.