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If you are thinking of making a digging pit for your dog, we have a wonderful selection of treats and toys that can be stuffed to add to the digging pit.
Don't just stop there, have a look at our website for a great selection of top brand toys for your dog, cat and even the little critters. In fact, we have just about anything you need for your furry friends! www.mcmac.co.za |
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The Many Benefits of a Digging Pit
Friends of the Dog
Friends of the Dog
Just as gardening and digging in soil can bring a sense of calm and satisfaction to humans, the same is true for dogs. Believe it or not, digging is beneficial for them too. Beyond the reasons listed below, digging is thought to trigger the release of endorphins and serotonin, which contribute to a sense of well-being. This is one of the many reasons why dogs continue to dig—they feel good when they do it!
Benefits of Digging:
If your dog already has a favorite spot for digging and it's acceptable to you, consider enlarging the area. You could also place the digging pit in a shaded spot where the dog can keep an eye on the gate or where people are likely to pass by. This way, the digging pit can also become a place for your dog to relax and observe the surroundings. However, you don't have to make it a lounging area—simply choose a spot that works for both you and your dog. Even placing it behind a bush in the garden can be effective.
A digging pit doesn’t have to be an eyesore in your garden. It can be bordered with bricks or railway sleepers, and hardy plants (especially ferns in shadier areas) can help camouflage it. A small wall around the pit will also help contain soil and sand, preventing it from spreading around if that’s a concern for you.
Alternatively, using a child’s shell-type sandbox or paddling pool for the digging pit or placing it behind some shrubs is another good idea.
Size:
The size of the pit should depend on your dog's size. Make sure it’s large enough for the dog to move around comfortably and dig in different areas. The soil should remain contained within the pit. For most dogs, a depth of approximately 30 cm is ideal, unless you have a large breed.
Substrate:
While soil offers the benefits of the Happy Bacteria, it does have the downside of becoming muddy when wet. An alternative is child’s play sand, which provides a new and interesting texture for the dog and won’t get muddy.
Making the Digging Pit Interesting and Rewarding:
The goal is for your dog to dig in the pit instead of around flower beds or in the grass. To encourage this, we first need to make it rewarding. While your dog is inside, bury some tasty treats, such as dog biscuits, near the surface of the sand or soil. Once the dog understands the concept, you can bury treats deeper down. You can also add a stuffed toy, like a Peanut Stuffer, Busy Body, or Kong, filled with a delicious treat. To keep your dog engaged and motivated, restock the pit with goodies daily.
Take your dog outside to the digging pit and let them sniff around. If they don’t start digging after a few minutes, show them how it’s done. Dig with your hands to uncover one of the hidden treasures. Your dog will quickly catch on and start digging to find the rewards!
Benefits of Digging:
- Endorphins are natural mood enhancers and painkillers. Any type of exercise, including digging, stimulates the release of endorphins, helping to improve a dog's mood.
- Serotonin, while not directly linked to digging, plays a key role in mood regulation. Digging and other forms of exercise can boost serotonin levels, leaving the dog feeling more content.
- Mycobacterium vaccae, often referred to as "Happy Bacteria," is found in soil and is believed to improve mood and promote a sense of well-being.
- Digging is an innate behavior for dogs, stemming from their ancestral instincts. Dogs dig for various reasons, such as to cool down, warm up, hide food or valuable items, create a den, or investigate a scent. It's also an activity that provides mental stimulation and makes dogs feel good.
- Digging helps burn off energy, reduces frustration, and if the dog uncovers a tasty treat or favorite toy, the behavior becomes reinforced.
If your dog already has a favorite spot for digging and it's acceptable to you, consider enlarging the area. You could also place the digging pit in a shaded spot where the dog can keep an eye on the gate or where people are likely to pass by. This way, the digging pit can also become a place for your dog to relax and observe the surroundings. However, you don't have to make it a lounging area—simply choose a spot that works for both you and your dog. Even placing it behind a bush in the garden can be effective.
A digging pit doesn’t have to be an eyesore in your garden. It can be bordered with bricks or railway sleepers, and hardy plants (especially ferns in shadier areas) can help camouflage it. A small wall around the pit will also help contain soil and sand, preventing it from spreading around if that’s a concern for you.
Alternatively, using a child’s shell-type sandbox or paddling pool for the digging pit or placing it behind some shrubs is another good idea.
Size:
The size of the pit should depend on your dog's size. Make sure it’s large enough for the dog to move around comfortably and dig in different areas. The soil should remain contained within the pit. For most dogs, a depth of approximately 30 cm is ideal, unless you have a large breed.
Substrate:
While soil offers the benefits of the Happy Bacteria, it does have the downside of becoming muddy when wet. An alternative is child’s play sand, which provides a new and interesting texture for the dog and won’t get muddy.
Making the Digging Pit Interesting and Rewarding:
The goal is for your dog to dig in the pit instead of around flower beds or in the grass. To encourage this, we first need to make it rewarding. While your dog is inside, bury some tasty treats, such as dog biscuits, near the surface of the sand or soil. Once the dog understands the concept, you can bury treats deeper down. You can also add a stuffed toy, like a Peanut Stuffer, Busy Body, or Kong, filled with a delicious treat. To keep your dog engaged and motivated, restock the pit with goodies daily.
Take your dog outside to the digging pit and let them sniff around. If they don’t start digging after a few minutes, show them how it’s done. Dig with your hands to uncover one of the hidden treasures. Your dog will quickly catch on and start digging to find the rewards!
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