8 Potential Reasons Why Chihuahuas Dig & Tips
If you have been looking for answers on why Chihuahuas dig then you are in the right post.
This post is aimed at discussing the most common reasons why Chihuahuas dig your backyard and provide you with some solutions.
However, Chihuahuas can be very energetic and often dig up your yard looking for things to play with!
If your Chihuahua is constantly digging in your yard then you might be wondering why they do this.
And why it’s not just one problem but several different ones that cause them to dig.
The good news is that there are some simple solutions you can implement right away so that you won’t have any more problems in the future.
But first, let’s look at some potential reasons why Chihuahuas dig…
Here are some common ways why Chihuahuas dig:
They’re bored and left alone for long periods of time
Chihuahuas are often left alone for long periods of time.
When this happens, it can lead to boredom and digging.
The best way to prevent digging is by providing your chihuahua with mental stimulation, exercise, and a good routine.
If your chihuahua seems to be digging up the carpet or bedding in his home, try these steps:
- Provide plenty of outlets for your pet’s energy (such as toys). This will help them burn off excess energy that might otherwise be focused on finding something else to dig up!
- Make sure you’re attentive during periods when he’s not around—you’ll notice if he starts acting strangely because of a lack of attention from you (i.e., barking at nothing).
Read more: Can Chihuahuas Be Left Alone (7 Helpful Tips).
They have too much pent-up energy
Chihuahuas are small dogs, and they have pent-up energy. They need to burn off all that excess energy, so they dig in the yard or on their beds.
This is also why Chihuahuas tend to be very active indoors: you want them to get some exercise and playtime in before going for a walk outdoors in the fresh air!
Read more: 9 Common Chihuahua Stress Symptoms.
They’re looking for a cool spot
Chihuahuas are known for their love of laying in cool places. They enjoy the feeling of being warm and cozy, but they also like to dig in cool places.
If you have a Chihuahua, you know this to be true! Chihuahuas love to lie in the sun on a hot day or snuggle up under blankets on cold days.
They will even lie down on top of furniture or other objects if given the chance.
This behavior can cause problems if left unchecked by owners who don’t understand how much their little dog loves cool spots (and how much it hates hot ones).
They see something exciting under the ground
Chihuahuas are known for their small stature, but they have big personalities.
They can be playful and friendly with people, but they also have an independent streak that makes them tough to train.
If you’re looking for a dog who will be loyal and loving, look elsewhere—chihuahuas aren’t your best bets.
Chihuahuas will dig to find out if you have buried anything in their environment this is because of their curiosity.
To find a place to sleep
Chihuahuas are small dogs, so they can dig a small hole to sleep in.
They will also use the same spot for other things like eating and playing.
If you have multiple chihuahuas, it will be easier for them to find their own space since they will be separated from each other by distance more often than not.
Chihuahuas are very vocal creatures that make lots of noise when they need attention or when they’re feeling stressed out or scared.
If your little dog gets into trouble while you’re gone and makes enough noise that someone hears it, then chances are good that whoever hears him (or her) will come help right away!
To explore their surroundings
Chihuahuas are curious and want to learn about the world around them.
They’re not just interested in their owner; they also want to know what’s going on around them.
If a Chihuahua sees something interesting, such as a leaf floating on the water or an insect in your garden, it’ll try to investigate it without being told.
This can result in digging holes or digging up your houseplants because they’re trying to get closer!
They can smell another animal that’s buried something in your yard
Chihuahuas can smell another animal that’s buried something in your yard.
They can smell their prey or predator, and also the bedding in which they lie.
This is because their sense of smell is so acute that they can detect even minute traces of scent molecules on the ground or on objects like rocks, leaves, and grasses.
It’s an instinct from their wild days
Chihuahuas digging is a natural instinct from their wild days.
Chihuahuas are diggers by nature, and they do it for different reasons: to find food, to find a cool spot to lay down in the shade of a tree or rock, and so on.
They don’t necessarily dig for fun—they’ll also dig when they’re bored or left alone for long periods of time.
This can lead to pent-up energy that must be released somehow!
How to stop a Chihuahua from digging
The following are some common ways to stop a Chihuahua from digging:
- Keep your yard tidy and free of obstacles that your dog can dig under or through.
- Make the digging spot unattractive.
- Use a fence to keep your dog in one spot.
- Use a citronella collar to stop your dog from digging.
- Put your Chihuahua on a leash to keep your dog from digging.
- Place a repellent to the digging spot to stop your Chihuahua from digging.
- Keep your dog indoors when possible to avoid digging.
- Use a noise maker to scare your Chihuahua away from the digging spot.
- Use a physical deterrent such as a fence or a sprinkler system to keep your dog from digging.
- Train your dog to sit when you tell them to stop digging.
- Consult a veterinarian about the best way to stop your dog from digging.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many reasons why chihuahuas dig.
The most common reasons are that they’re bored, they have pent-up energy, and they’re looking for a cool spot to sleep or explore their surroundings.
It’s an instinct from their wild days when they lived in trees and had little access to land.
