Cocker Spaniel Digging

There are very few behavior problems that are unique to one particular breed of dog.  Cocker spaniel digging is no different, any breed of dog can become a problem digger under the right circumstances. Fortunately the spaniels haven’t been bred for generations to dig such as the terriers have been, so this is often less of an instinctual problem and more of a boredom issue and lack of exercise issue.

Usually Cocker Spaniel digging is most evident when the dog or dogs are left outside on their own for long periods of time. It is often combined with barking and chewing problems, however in some situations digging can occur on its own. All dogs dig for a variety of reasons but the most common are to get out and to keep busy. Determining which reason is causing the issue is the first step in managing the behavior and turning it into something you can live with.

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Cocker Spaniel digging to get out is usually most commonly found in adult males and females that have not been neutered or spayed. The urge to reproduce is very strong and highly motivating for all animals, and your cute little Cocker is no different. Male dogs that are not neutered have the ability to detect the pheromones produced by a female in heat of a distance of up to 1.2 miles in the city and even further in open suburban and urban areas.  Males will dig frantically to get out and find the female, often resulting in dogs that become lost or injured due to fighting with other males or accidents in traffic. Females can likewise become obsessed with getting out to breed, resulting in the same type of digging behavior.

This type of Cocker Spaniel digging is completely preventable and can be easily controlled. Keeping females in heat indoors or in a kennel or run with a cement floor or submerged solid base is the best option. In addition spaying or neutering all dogs not used in carefully controlled and selective breeding programs is also a necessity for the dog’s safety and well being.

Cocker Spaniel digging that occurs because of boredom or because of a habitual behavior is slightly more challenging to deal with. Boredom diggers can be helped by providing additional exercise before the dog is left alone in the yard, providing a selection of good quality chew toys to play with or even leaving a bone to keep the dog busy and entertained. If, however, the digging has become a habit it will need to be more carefully channeled.

A good option to control Cocker Spaniel digging around the yard or in your favorite flower bed is to designate a part of the yard, even just a few square feet, as the digging zone. Till the soil and keep it soft and dry, this will encourage the dog to dig in this area. Add some treats and toys just under the surface and praise the dog for digging in the right area. Discourage digging in other areas by keeping the soil wet, using natural repellents like citronella sprays, pepper sprays or citrus sprays.

Cocker Spaniel digging may not be completely eliminated once the dog has developed the habit, but you can ensure that they dig only in selected areas of the yard. Remember to keep praising the dog for digging in the designated area while making the other dig sites less appealing.