Puggle puppies are so cute, and having a new pup is so exciting, but digging can be a threat! Unfortunately, digging comes along with puggle territory, especially when they are in the puppy stage. The good news is that there are some things you can do to prevent this destructive behavior.
One of the most important keys is to keep your puggle entertained. They tend to dig when they are bored or have been cooped up too long. Dogs also have a natural need to want to bury things as it is part of their survival instincts.
Although many puggle puppies have a digging problem, there is no “one size fits all” approach to eliminating the behavior. You may need to do some trial and error before you find the solution that works best for your pet.
Your first step should probably be to make sure your puggle puppy is getting enough exercise. This can be difficult if you are trying to crate train because there will be a certain amount of time that your dog will be confined. Just make sure your little one can get outside and play often while you keep an eye on him to see if he digs.
Another solution is to play indoors. If you have some space, you can play some indoor games with your pup to keep him stimulated. Taking long walks is another piece of the puzzle to get rid of that pent up energy that can lead to digging.
Many puggle owners are confused about how much play time their dog needs. After all, not all of us can put in hours and hours of puppy play every day. As a general rule of thumb, your puggle will need a couple of hours of exercise each day in its puppy years. Mix this up throughout the day and it will be easy and fun for everyone.
This solution won’t always remove all digging behavior, so if it doesn’t improve, you’ll need to add other methods. It’s important to make sure you praise his good behavior so he knows what’s acceptable. Your dog wants your approval and will work hard to get it.
Puggle owners have even come up with creative ways to eliminate digging for those trickier cases. Some suggest spraying the pup with water when he is digging. Others suggest filling the holes with something undesirable like cayenne pepper. Others have had great success allowing their dog to dig in just one area of the garden. All other areas are off limits. This seems to satisfy the natural tendency, but at the same time maintains some order.
Preventing your puggle puppy from digging is very important if you want to ensure that your dog is obedient and your garden remains intact. Always make sure your puggle is getting plenty of exercise, but you may need to experiment with other methods as well.