Chihuahua [Bella] Digging

“I’m sure that I can dig to China…”

Here are some tips:

Create a Sandbox

Create a pit, just like a sandbox for kids.  A circular area or rectangular area 3 x 6 feet area and depending on the hardness of your dirt, you may need to loosen up to about 2 feet of soil.  Adding sand will help it drain during heavy rains.  Once the pit is ready, take some of her favorite toys and let her watch you bury them.  Call your dog over and help her dig things up. Once she gets the idea and is digging without your help, enthusiastically praise her.  When she digs up a treat or toy, she is immediately rewarded by getting to eat it or playing with it.

Discourage Bad Digging Spots

Once your dog has an understanding of the pit, and that it’s acceptable to dig in that area, now you can teach her that digging elsewhere is no allowed.  The first step is to mark the area and if you aren’t able to insert a small fence, using sticks and string strung along the top would be sufficient.  The purpose of the fence is to mark a boundary and not intended as an actual barrier.  Each time she gets close to the boundary, quietly warn her with a simple ‘off’.  Continue this until she has stepped back across the barrier and praise her when returning back to acceptable turf.  In time, with your patience, your dog will understand acceptable areas to roam and your designated area for digging.

Summary

1. Present a dig site to your dog. Share the experience with her and give praise.

2. Watch for digging and lead her to the spot that you previously noted as suitable for digging.

3. Continue praise for correct digging locations and lightly chasten when crossing unacceptable boundaries.

 Little puppies equals little bladders. 

We went to the pet store and sure enough, there are litter boxes for dogs, not just cats.  Only, they have a specific litter material for dogs to prevent them from eating the litter.  In addition, I picked up a 8 panel indoor excercise pen to provide an indoor designated area for her for the times she isn’t being carried around by my children.

Day One:  She doesn’t know what to think of the litter box.

Day Two – Four: She starts to investigate the box, but still unsure.

Day Five: Instead of taking her outside to potty, I sat for thirty minutes and waited, waited some more until finally she started to go potty, in which I quickly scooped her up and place her in the litter box. (I think I scared her more than encouraged her to potty in the correct place.)

Day – Several Days Later: She’s actually starting to potty in the litter box. It’s a hit or miss… but, we reward her with a treat when she’s done the right thing.

Almost 4 weeks later: She’s pooped a couple of times in the box and mostly prefers to potty outside, but we are making some progress. I’m now starting to read up on some material regarding potty training. (Might have saved me some time & frustration. ) 

Here are some suggested reading material before you spend several weeks sitting next to the excercise pen:

House Train any Dog

Litter Boxes Aren’t Just for Cats: A Guide on How to Successfully Litter Box Train Your Puppy or Small Breed Dog