Yorkie Information Center
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Yorkie Digging Behavior
Why does a Yorkshire Terrier Dig?
While not every Yorkie will love to dig, many will. The act of digging has been instilled into the breed for many, many generations. First used as hunting/ ratting dog, the Yorkie's main purpose in 1800's England was to chase after vermin and dig into burrows.
During the Victorian Era, this dog breed changed over from a hunting/ratting dog into a sought after companion/lap dog for Royalty and the upper class societies. However, the instinct to dig has somewhat remained.
While not every Yorkie will love to dig, many will. The act of digging has been instilled into the breed for many, many generations. First used as hunting/ ratting dog, the Yorkie's main purpose in 1800's England was to chase after vermin and dig into burrows.
During the Victorian Era, this dog breed changed over from a hunting/ratting dog into a sought after companion/lap dog for Royalty and the upper class societies. However, the instinct to dig has somewhat remained.
Where do Yorkie's Usually Dig?
A Yorkie will dig in the yard, the sandbox, the park...or just about anywhere that the dog has access to sand, dirt or gravel. They may enjoy making many small holes in the ground or work each day on a larger one.
How do I Stop my Yorkie From Digging?
To help a Yorkie control digger behavior, 3 things must be done:
The Yorkie will not dig holes in a yard if they are supervised and not allowed to dig holes. Any dog, when left alone unsupervised will begin to show inappropriate behavior. The dog is bored and alone...and will begin to do things to keep themselves occupied.
It is best to always supervise your Yorkie. Even if you have a fenced in yard, if left by themselves, this dog may dig under the fence and then be gone!
When you bring your Yorkie outside to exercise or for housebreaking, do so with that intent only.
Distraction Dog Training Techniques
If the Yorkshire Terrier begins to dig and then is offered the choice of: digging or a fun, new dog toy...the dog will usually chose the toy. While it may not be viable to purchase a new toy everyday, there are some things that an owner can do:
Alternate toys. Most owners will have compiled enough dog toys that these can be divided up into 3 or 4 groups. Only 1 group of toys should be made available every 2 weeks. If the dog begins to dig, he can be easily distracted with a toy from a group that is not in use that week. Finding the toy of interest, the dog will usually stop digging to investigate the "new" dog toy.
Dog toys that require a dog to interact in order to achieve a result works wonders. Widely available in pet supply stores, both online and off, are dog toys that have a small opening in which to hide a yummy dog treat. Smelling the hidden surprise inside, many dogs will keep themselves entertained for hours in an effort to retrieve the treat.
Distraction may also be done by enticing the dog into play. A quick distraction of 5 to 10 minutes of play time can make the Yorkie forget whey they were digging in the first place.
Whether distracting with toys or play time, this dog should be rewarded each time they stop digging and do something elee in its place.
Reward
Nothing teaches a dog faster than a reward for good behavior. Dogs who are yelled at for unaccepted behavior struggle to learn concepts. Dogs who are given praise for good behavior, quickly learn what is expected and love to please their owners.
If your Yorkie is digging and you command an authoritative and firm "NO" and the dog stops digging, offer great praise, hugs, kisses, pats and a small dog treat. Then be sure to offer a dog toy (as described above) as an alternative to the digging fun.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a companion dog. The Yorkie is fun-loving, aiming to please and has a wonderful personality.
A dog cannot do what he is not trained to do. Once this dog is shown that digging is not wanted and they receive attention, rewards and praise for not digging...the Yorkie will aim to please those that matter to them the most : their human family members.
A Yorkie will dig in the yard, the sandbox, the park...or just about anywhere that the dog has access to sand, dirt or gravel. They may enjoy making many small holes in the ground or work each day on a larger one.
How do I Stop my Yorkie From Digging?
To help a Yorkie control digger behavior, 3 things must be done:
- Control the dog's access to area that he may dig
- Distraction techniques
- Reward for good behavior
The Yorkie will not dig holes in a yard if they are supervised and not allowed to dig holes. Any dog, when left alone unsupervised will begin to show inappropriate behavior. The dog is bored and alone...and will begin to do things to keep themselves occupied.
It is best to always supervise your Yorkie. Even if you have a fenced in yard, if left by themselves, this dog may dig under the fence and then be gone!
When you bring your Yorkie outside to exercise or for housebreaking, do so with that intent only.
Distraction Dog Training Techniques
If the Yorkshire Terrier begins to dig and then is offered the choice of: digging or a fun, new dog toy...the dog will usually chose the toy. While it may not be viable to purchase a new toy everyday, there are some things that an owner can do:
Alternate toys. Most owners will have compiled enough dog toys that these can be divided up into 3 or 4 groups. Only 1 group of toys should be made available every 2 weeks. If the dog begins to dig, he can be easily distracted with a toy from a group that is not in use that week. Finding the toy of interest, the dog will usually stop digging to investigate the "new" dog toy.
Dog toys that require a dog to interact in order to achieve a result works wonders. Widely available in pet supply stores, both online and off, are dog toys that have a small opening in which to hide a yummy dog treat. Smelling the hidden surprise inside, many dogs will keep themselves entertained for hours in an effort to retrieve the treat.
Distraction may also be done by enticing the dog into play. A quick distraction of 5 to 10 minutes of play time can make the Yorkie forget whey they were digging in the first place.
Whether distracting with toys or play time, this dog should be rewarded each time they stop digging and do something elee in its place.
Reward
Nothing teaches a dog faster than a reward for good behavior. Dogs who are yelled at for unaccepted behavior struggle to learn concepts. Dogs who are given praise for good behavior, quickly learn what is expected and love to please their owners.
If your Yorkie is digging and you command an authoritative and firm "NO" and the dog stops digging, offer great praise, hugs, kisses, pats and a small dog treat. Then be sure to offer a dog toy (as described above) as an alternative to the digging fun.
The Yorkshire Terrier is a companion dog. The Yorkie is fun-loving, aiming to please and has a wonderful personality.
A dog cannot do what he is not trained to do. Once this dog is shown that digging is not wanted and they receive attention, rewards and praise for not digging...the Yorkie will aim to please those that matter to them the most : their human family members.
