Digging

[BoxaRocks]

Hi everyone,

Our 2 boxers do have a tendency to dig small holes in the dirt to sleep in during the day but they’re also now digging holes in & around my fiancé’s roses & any garden bed. Understandably she’s not too happy about it, as she is hoping to plant some vegies & herbs.
Does anyone have any ideas or tips as to how we can stop or at least discourage them digging? Bearing in mind that they are left to their own device for a large portion during the day as we both work. They do have toys, balls etc

 

[Box Boys]

If your boxers are bored and like you said, left to themselves the majority of the day, they can and will do destructive things to entertain themselves. Looks like they've found digging is fun. I've had dogs before that would dig out a trench and sleep in it. I'm sure the digging in the flower beds is more problematic. Unless you're there to stop the behavior you don't want, you're probably going to have a difficult time stopping it.

 

[Hi From NZ]

Hey Boxarocks, Bruce has taken to digging to and while I'm not exactly thrilled about it, I'm like you, I accept that he's left on his own for long periods through the day now, and really, what else can I expect. He's a dog....digging's what they do

In my case with only one, I've taken steps to minimise the destruction, he's got himself a fairly large 180 degree area from where he's tethered, and that's where I accept and expect the digging will happen. I also don't entertain any thoughts of EVER being able to landscape that particular part of the yard! If I were in your situation, I'd be fencing off or transplanting the roses and suggesting gently to the fiancee that she might like to grow her veges and herbs in containers that are placed out of boxer reach? I agree with boxboys that unless you're there to stop it, it won't stop.

 

[BoxaRocks]

Thanks for the advice.

All in all they're not really that bad, considering we've got Tito(Male boxer), Kemeka(Female boxer) & Pat(Staffie/Kelpie).
So for a few holes here & there, we think we're pretty lucky & they're a great bunch of dogs.

Just thought i'd ask to see if anyone had any tips to maybe lessen any damage.
But like you said Hi from NZ, they are dogs & digging is what they do.

 

[Box Boys]

Like "Hi From NZ" wrote, she has a special area allowed for digging. You might try that and encourage his digging there. Add some softer dirt, or sand. Maybe start the process off by burying a ball, or bone there and let him dig it up.