by Susie
How do I get my golden retrievers to quit digging holes?
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It is in a dogs nature to dig holes, especially if it is a dog who's job originally was to go for underground dwellers. I don't think the golden were, but if they smell an underground dweller, they may just dig there anyway. I have holes that developed into a trough across my back yard from my shih-Shon following the underground path of moles/voles. Those breeds were originally bred to go after mice and underground critters. She scares them up and our chow-chow chases them down and catches them and delivers their bodies to the patio as a trophy to be praised for catching. We also have a Shepard Heinz 57 that loves to dig and nothing stops him, even if you fill the hole with concrete blocks (he pulls them out to keep digging..
Surely there is a training video somewhere for that. Search Google and you tube. If all else fails, check it out with a dog trainer. Sometimes all you need is a few sessions.
Train your dog. I have had goldens and chances are he or she is bored to tears and not being exercised enough. Many people get puppies because they are cute and adorable, yet fail to train them with even the most basic obedience commands. There are many books you can purchase or borrow from the library. There are oodles of You Tube videos and of course there is Google. "How to train a dog to stop digging." Here are some sites to get you started!
https://www.rover.com/blog/how-to-stop-dog-digging/
https://m.wikihow.pet/Stop-a-Dog-from-Digging
https://www.petexpertise.com/train-your-dog-to-stop-digging/
Goldens are GREAT at digging holes! Rocks, tree roots, chipmunks, hiding things! If you have a young golden NEVER leave them outside alone for too long or you are going to find a hole! Play with them outside and then either put them in an outside kennel or bring them in the house! https://www.totallygoldens.com/how-to-stop-your-golden-retriever-digging
they should be getting plenty of exercise. They have 5 acres to run and roam, without being leashed. But.....still dig by house.