Why is my Greyhound Digging?

If you’re a greyhound owner and find that your retired racer has developed a digging habit, it’s important to address it promptly to prevent damage to your yard or garden. While digging is a natural behaviour for dogs, there are effective strategies you can employ to redirect your greyhound’s digging instinct and preserve the beauty of your outdoor space. In this article, we will explore why greyhounds may dig and provide practical tips to help stop them from digging up your yard or garden.

Understanding Why Greyhounds Dig
Tips to Stop Your Greyhound from Digging

Understanding Why Greyhounds Dig

• Boredom: Greyhounds are active and intelligent dogs that require mental and physical stimulation. If they are not provided with enough exercise, playtime, or mental enrichment, they may resort to digging as a way to alleviate boredom.
• Hunting Instinct: Greyhounds have a strong prey drive due to their history as racing and hunting dogs. This instinct can lead them to dig in an attempt to catch small animals or investigate interesting scents.
• Temperature Regulation: Greyhounds have a thin coat and are more susceptible to temperature changes. Digging can be a way for them to create a cooler spot in hot weather or a warmer spot in colder weather.
• Comfort or Denning Behaviour: Some greyhounds may dig to create a cosy spot for themselves to relax, especially if they find the ground soft or cool.

Tips to Stop Your Greyhound from Digging

• Provide Sufficient Exercise: Ensure that your greyhound receives adequate physical exercise to tire them out. Regular walks, runs or play sessions can help constructively channel their energy and reduce the likelihood of them turning to dig out of boredom.
• Mental Stimulation: Engage your greyhound in mentally stimulating activities to keep their mind occupied. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and obedience training sessions can provide mental challenges and prevent boredom.
• Designate a Digging Area: Create a specific area in your yard where digging is allowed. Train your greyhound to understand that digging is acceptable only in that designated spot. Encourage them to dig there by burying toys or treats, and reward them when they dig in the appropriate area.
• Provide Shaded and Comfortable Areas: Ensure that your greyhound has access to shaded spots and comfortable resting areas in your yard. Providing a cosy dog bed or a cool spot with water can discourage them from digging for comfort.
• Supervise and Distract: When your greyhound is outside, supervise them closely to catch any digging attempts early. If you see them starting to dig in an undesired area, redirect their attention with a command, a toy, or a game. Reward them for focusing on the alternative activity.
• Reinforce the “Leave It” Command: Teach your greyhound the “leave it” command to discourage digging. When they show interest in digging, use the command, and redirect their attention to something more appropriate. Reward them for responding to the command.
• Provide Digging Alternatives: Offer alternative outlets for your greyhound’s digging instinct. Provide a sandbox or a designated area filled with loose soil where they can dig to their heart’s content. Bury toys or treats in the digging area to make it more enticing.
• Secure the Problem Areas: If your greyhound tends to dig in specific areas, secure those spots to prevent access. Use barriers, and fencing, or cover the area with rocks, gravel, or chicken wire to deter digging.
• Buried Deterrents: Place deterrents in areas where your greyhound tends to dig. Bury rocks, chicken wire, or a layer of gravel just below the surface. The texture and resistance of these materials can discourage digging.
• Seek Professional Help: If your greyhound’s digging behaviour persists despite your best efforts, it may be beneficial to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or animal behaviourist. They can assess the situation, identify any underlying issues, and provide customized training techniques to address the digging behaviour effectively.
• Consistency and Patience: Remember that training takes time and consistency. Be patient with your greyhound and remain consistent with your training methods. Consistency will help them understand what is expected of them and reinforce the desired behaviour.
• Avoid Punishment: Avoid using punishment to stop your greyhound from digging. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, potentially leading to other behavioural issues. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirection techniques to encourage appropriate behaviour.
• Garden Protection: If you have a garden or specific areas that you want to protect from digging, consider using barriers such as fencing, raised beds, or planters to keep your greyhound away from those areas. You can also use natural or commercial repellents that deter dogs from digging or modify the soil by adding rocks or mulch to make it less appealing for digging.
• Digging Deterrents: Some dogs dislike certain smells or textures. Sprinkling citrus peels, coffee grounds, or pepper flakes in areas prone to digging may discourage your greyhound from digging due to the unpleasant scent or texture.
• Be a Role Model: Dogs often mirror their owners’ behaviour. If you don’t want your greyhound to dig, avoid digging or gardening activities in their presence. Instead, engage in alternative activities that they can participate in, such as playing fetch or going for a walk.

Stopping your greyhound from digging up your yard or garden requires understanding the underlying reasons for their behaviour and implementing appropriate strategies. By providing sufficient exercise, mental stimulation, designated digging areas, and consistent training, you can redirect their digging instinct and maintain a beautiful outdoor space. Remember to be patient, reinforce positive behaviour, and seek professional help if needed. With time and effort, you can help your greyhound develop alternative behaviours and enjoy a well-behaved and happy companion.