If you’re the owner of a Cane Corso, you may have noticed that your dog likes to dig. While this behavior can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that it’s natural for dogs to dig.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why Cane Corsos like to dig and what you can do to discourage this behavior. We’ll also provide some tips for keeping your dog safe while he’s digging.
Key Takeaway
- Cane Corsos often enjoy digging, especially when they have access to a large yard, and the behavior can sometimes increase if they lack long, engaging activities.
- To stop a Cane Corso from digging, provide them with more physical and mental stimulation, teach them when it’s appropriate to dig, use active toys during play times, and ensure they are not left alone for long periods of time.
- Neutering your dog could potentially reduce digging behavior if it is driven by the desire to escape and seek a mate, but it may not completely eliminate the habit, especially if the digging is due to other factors like anxiety, boredom, or the instinct to hide items.
Does Cane Corso Like To Dig?
Yes, some Cane Corso owners have observed that their Cane Corso enjoy digging, especially if they are given a nice big yard in which to do so. The reason behind the digging can be either instinctive or out of boredom.
Dogs are descendants of wolves, and wild wolves will often dig holes to create a safe space to live or to cache food. Or, If your Cane Corso isn’t getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, it might start digging as a way to release excess energy.
Some Cane Corso just enjoy the act of digging themselves! They find it fun or satisfying, much like how we might find playing fetch or going for a walk enjoyable.
Pet parents look at digging differently. Digging can be both entertaining and frustrating for the owner, as it can be difficult to keep track of a dog who loves to dig holes!
If your Cane Corso likes to dig, you may want to consider providing him with an appropriate place to do so, such as a designated digging area in your backyard.
You can also try training your dog not to dig in certain areas by putting down deterrents such as hot pepper spray or burying chicken wire below the surface of the soil.
If you don’t mind your Cane Corso digging up your backyard, then fine. However, if you want to stop your Cane Corso from digging, there is certainly a way to do so.
How Do You Stop a Cane Corso From Digging?
Digging is not an aggressive behavior. It is more of an annoying act that we are going to fix, not just put a plaster on it.
However, we have to have a little bit of empathy for dogs because digging is a very normal behavior that dogs will display.
1. Provide more physical and mental stimulation
A lot of the time digging is a result of too much built-up frustration in terms of physical energy and mental stimulation.
Your Cane Corso might not have a productive outlet for both of those things. So, the first thing to start off with a vast majority of behavior problems not just digging is to provide more physical and mental stimulation to your Cane Corso.
You can go out and play frisbee, play fetch, go for a walk, or a run. The options are truly endless when it comes to exercising your dog physically. On the other hand, mental stimulation can require a little bit more creativity, but there are tons of different puzzles.
You will be shocked at the number of times that adding more exercise will address the problem of digging because the root cause was simply that they are bored and frustrated says Ask The Doggy Guy.
2. Let them know when it is appropriate to dig
As good leaders, we need to be able to teach our Cane Corso when digging is appropriate and when it isn’t. Usually, digging in your garden isn’t appropriate.
However, if we go out for a lovely walk in the woods and you want to dig a hole or go to the beach, digging is alright. But, you have to be able to tell them that you are a leader and that digging in the garden is not acceptable.
3. Restructure the relationship with your dog
In some cases, digging is not something that you can simply correct by adding more exercises. A huge role will play in the relationship that you have with your Cane Corso.
Let me put this as simply as possible: If your Cane Corso doesn’t see you as their leader, they will not respect you, nor will they follow you.
You can tell them all day long to stop digging, they will just continue. So, restructuring the relationship with your Cane Corso and putting yourself on top of the throne is essential.
4. Manage the behaviour
A part of being a good leader is about setting your Cane Corso up for success, not setting them up to fail. So, if this digging problem is happening when you go out and you leave your Cane Corso with free access to the garden, simply stop leaving them with free access to the garden.
I know that it doesn’t solve your problem. It puts a plaster over it and allows you to come up with a strategy for how to fix the digging problem.
If you can’t supervise the problem, try to manage the environment. Stop giving your Cane Corso access to the problem areas by utilizing crates, and pens, adding new fences, or barricading things off.
First, you manage the environment and in the next step, we are going to correct the behavior.
5. Correct – redirect – reinforce
Clear your afternoon because it is time to correct the digging behavior. Give access to your Cane Corso and allow them to go in the backyard. When the dog starts digging, go in with a verbal correction. Use a firm and deep voice and just say ”no”.
There is no need to hit or yell at your dog. If you have set yourself up as their high-level leader, the Cane Corso will respect you and will stop digging. The more authority you have with your Cane Corso, the faster they will snap out of digging.
Then, redirect their bad behavior into something that is acceptable. I usually like to stop a dog from digging and then engage in playing fetch or catch. As soon as the Cane Corso is displaying the desirable behavior, reinforce it.
Will Neutering My Dog Make Him Stop Digging?
There’s no guarantee that neutering your dog will make him stop digging, but it’s likely to help. Dogs often dig as a way of releasing energy or marking their territory, and the urge to do so can be reduced by neutering.
If your dog is already an experienced digger, however, he may continue to do so even after being neutered. In some cases, you may need to take additional steps to discourage your dog from digging.
One option is to bury chicken wire in the ground around your garden beds; when your dog starts digging, he’ll hit the wire and get a shock that will hopefully deter him from continuing.
You can also try placing obstacles like rocks or logs in areas where your dog likes to dig, or using a deterrent like pepper spray. With patience and persistence, you can usually train your dog not to dig in specific areas.
If your dog is frequently digging holes in your yard, it’s important to take steps to correct the behavior before it becomes a bigger problem. By neutering your dog and implementing some of these tips, you can help reduce his urge to dig and make sure he doesn’t damage your property in the process.
FAQs
Q: Why do Cane Corsos dig?
A: There can be several reasons why Cane Corsos dig. It could be because they are trying to hide something, cool themselves down in hot weather, or as a way of releasing pent-up energy.
Q: Are Cane Corsos destructive diggers?
A: While Cane Corsos do have a tendency to dig, they are not necessarily destructive diggers. However, if their digging behavior is left unaddressed or becomes excessive, it can lead to damage to your yard or property.
Q: Can I train my Cane Corso not to dig?
A: Yes, you can train your Cane Corso not to dig. Consistent positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewards for desirable behavior and redirecting them to an appropriate digging area, can help modify their digging habits.
Q: What are the signs that my Cane Corso might be digging?
A: Some signs that your Cane Corso may be digging include visible holes or disturbed soil in your yard, evidence of digging around fences or other escape routes, and dirty paws or snout.
Q: Is it normal for Cane Corsos to dig holes in the yard?
A: Yes, it is normal for Cane Corsos to dig holes in the yard. However, it is important to observe the frequency, intensity, and reasons behind their digging behavior to ensure it doesn’t become a problem.
Q: Can I discourage my Cane Corso from digging?
A: Yes, you can discourage your Cane Corso from digging by providing them with proper mental and physical stimulation, offering alternative activities like puzzle toys or interactive games, and consistent training and redirection.
Q: Will getting my Cane Corso neutered/spayed help reduce their digging behavior?
A: Getting your Cane Corso neutered/spayed is not directly linked to reducing their digging behavior. However, this procedure can help minimize some behavioral issues and reduce their overall energetic drive, which may indirectly affect their digging habits.
Q: Should I punish my Cane Corso for digging?
A: No, punishing your Cane Corso for digging is not recommended. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, and it may worsen their behavior or cause other behavioral problems. It is better to focus on positive reinforcement and redirection techniques.
Conclusion and final thoughts
In conclusion, the Cane Corso is a breed of dog that does have an instinct to dig.
It is important for owners to provide their Cane Corso with appropriate outlets for its digging behavior, such as providing it with lots of toys and long walks in the park.
Training can be used to redirect digging towards positive activities like searching for treats.
