Ok so this is really weird. Tuttle won't stop digging. He gets up on the couch next to me and he tries to dig. Right next to my leg. I tell him no, smack him on the bottom and then he growls at me. Then he starts digging at my leg. What is going on? What do I do?
Mel
I was doing a little research. Most of what I read says it could be due to boredom/excessive energy. However, if he has suddenly started doing this, you may want to make sure it is not medically related.
Some dogs will adopt an obsessive behavior when bored, such as chasing their tale or digging. It may be worth talking to the vet about and getting an opinion there. If things are okay, see what you can do to use up some energy (mental or physical).
Poor little Tuttle. Perhaps a bully stick may divert his attention? Maddie loves her bullies.
When Sarge and Duggie (and Looie-Angel, also) are on the chair or sofa and they start to dig, it is their signal to us that they want a blanket. As soon as we give them a blanket, they stop the "digging" and burrow under the blanket and venture into sleepyland.
Whoa,....wierd. Misty would do that, every single night once she got under the covers. We'd just laugh, she had to do her routine, then it was a big SIGH once she got settled. It was like she was trying to fluff up the fitted sheet.....to no avail.
I'm sorry, I don't know why your little guy would be doing that.
One thing I've found that seems to be universal with dachsies is that they don't like to be smacked. Aggression usually only gets aggression in return. Dachsies do better with redirecting than physical discipline, even a loud "HEY" seems to break their routine.
All my puppers were diggers at some point...but only on the couch and not outside. My take is that they are trying to prepare their "bed" by digging. I agree Dee and Dave's analysis that a blanket would probably distract him enough to stop the digging.
Eddie did that just yesterday with his blanket and he does it every night. He pulls the covers beck for me on the bed then digs/scratches until he gets "his" spot just the way he likes it. At least its better than having a cat knead your body when they are trying to get their spot prfect.
Now that is is morning, and I'm much more awake, I've thought some more. Could someone have spilled something on the couch that he is trying to get at? Otherwise, I'm with the others. Try a blanket and see what he does. Schatzi does this each night, also, just not excessively. She has tried digging underneath my leg, but I always say it is because she wants my space and not the rest of the bed that isn't taken (she can be picky that way-not as picky as Molly, but picky). Look at the bright side-when Molly digs at night on the bed to get the covers just right, whoever is in the bed best hold on to their covers. Otherwise, you will have no covers!
I'll be waiting to hear if a blanket works or not.
:thinik: Our boy Ceaser does that as well... He puts his forehead down on his blanket and starts those little front legs going. :grin:
He has this far away look to him and does not like to respond to commands...
I think its his instincts kicking in and he is in some ancient hunt and digging for the prey.. :thumb: :grin:
Soon enough he snaps out of it and resumes normal behavior...
I can snap him out of it with a Cesar Milan inspired "hand bite", but usually just let him do his thing. :grin:
As long as he is not destroying the carpet I'll let him have his dig moments.. :grin: :rolleyes:
Its kinda cute. :grin:
:grin: I was reading all the responses and it makes me think of our Madison and what WE call it. We call it her "little wolf" instinct. She's into Wolf mode and it's so routine and, indeed, she tends to space out during her dig. Maybe it's just instinct and the "wolfness" kicking in. The blankie idea sounds good.
Well after spending most of the day today trying to keep Tuttle from tearing up the couch and my leg, I find out that Scott had spilled something on the couch. Orange Juice. He said he thought he cleaned it up well. So that was the mystery. I have cleaned it really well, dried it out and put a sheet on it until he forgets about it. I tell you what though, the poor boy is tired tonight. Mimi and Carson wasn't phased one bit by it. Thanks for all your help on this. All three of them do like their blankets and love to get them just right but last night it was to hot for them and they kicked them off the couch.
Thanks again!!
Orange Juice!!!!
I like the ancient prey dig way better!!!!
Oh well, glad you found the reason! :2funny: :grin: