My Westie Keeps Digging!

Most terriers have a tendency toward digging, and West Highland White Terriers are no different. This behavior is natural for an animal that was bred specifically for this purpose, but as a pet, digging can be destructive to a cultivated lawn. In fact, digging can even be dangerous, if your pet decides to dig under a fence to see what is on the other side. Although digging is natural for Westies, there are ways to control the urge for this behavior. So why Westies predisposed for digging and what are some things that can be done about it?

The West Highland White Terrier has a penchant for digging, but to understand why, we must first go back to the breed's roots. Westies, along with many other short legged terriers from the Scotland area, were bred specifically to aid in the hunt of small animals. Called "earth dogs," they were trained to search and flush out foxes and other small animals from their burrows. Throughout the generations, this behavior simply became ingrained in the animals' behavior and the body evolves to suit its' given purpose. This is why the nails of Westies and many other small terriers tend to grow faster than other breeds, in order to assist them with their digging work.

It is true that all breeds have a small degree of digging behavior. However, it is also clear that some breeds have a stronger instinct than others. Although there are several ways to control this behavior, many of them require close supervision. To begin with, it will be helpful to know what attracts your Westie to a particular spot. In his eyes, the moister and fresher the dirt, the better, so newly planted flowers, fresh mulch, or spaces that you are trying to keep damp will be the first places your pet will go. Unless you plan to fence off your flowerbeds or give your Westie free reign over the back yard, here are some tips you can try.

A shaker can, which is simply a soda can with a handful of pennies or nuts and bolts placed inside with the opening taped shut, is what many breeders and fanciers use to discourage digging. When your Westie starts digging in an area where he isn't allowed, shake the can once in an up and down motion. Continuous shaking of the can will desensitize your pet to the sound, and you want it to startle him, making it unpleasant, so that he will stop his behavior. Immediately after shaking the can, reinforce the command with praise, such as "Good boy, no digging." Be prepared to repeat this task quite often, try distracting him with toys directly after you stop him from digging, and above all, be patient and consistent.

On the pet market at the current time, there are some sprays or dry treatments that can be sprinkled over an area that you don't want your Westie to dig in. As it is the "unpleasant" smell that keeps the dog away from the area, you will have to repeat this process several times as well, on a regular basis. Covering a hole that your Westie has dug with chicken wire or rocks can discourage him from digging in that area, but will not affect his penchant for other areas.

Lastly, there are those that advocate giving a space in the back yard to your Westie - a free digging area. Encourage him to come to the area with some of his toys, and when you find him digging elsewhere, gently scold him and calmly take him to his special digging area.