Why do Shih Tzus dig is a question most owners ask, in this post, we will outline and explore all of the various reasons why your Shih Tzu may dig, as well as how to stop such behavior in your Shih Tzu.
Digging up your lawn, fence, or cellar is a habit that no Shih Tzu owner wants to live with.
To stop your Shih Tzu from digging, you must first determine the actual source of the digging, then correct the problem, and your Shih Tzu will no longer dig.
Why Do Shih Tzus Dig
Separation anxiety, play aggressiveness, having a lot of energy, being lonely, trying to get away, and seeking a cool spot to relax are all reasons Shih Tzu’s dig.
You need to figure out why your Shih Tzu is digging and fix the problem as soon as possible.
The ideal approach is to never leave your Shih Tzu outside for an extended period of time and to keep your Shih Tzu active at all times.
Dogs have a natural desire to dig, and there is a multitude of reasons for this, none of which include being cruel.
Reasons why Shih Tzus dig
Here are the most common reasons why your Shih Tzu may choose to dig in your compound:
1. Shih Tzus enjoy digging
While Shih Tzus are not chewers, they do enjoy digging and, owing to their tiny muzzles, may participate in nuisance barking.
Excavating the fence or backyard may seem like a bother to you, but your Shih Tzu sees it the opposite way around.
Shih Tzus likes digging all day because digging up cold dirt and rolling about in it is fun for them.
If you offer appropriate training and mental stimulation, digging will not be an issue for you and your Shih Tzu; simply tell them what to do.
2. Burning excess energy
Shih Tzus are a little, lively dog breed that is always seeking something to do to keep itself occupied to burn excessive energy.
If your Shih Tzu doesn’t get enough walks or playtime with you, they may dig up your yard to let off steam.
To keep your Shih Tzu amused, you’ll need to create and stick to a regular program.
When your Shih Tzu grows bored and you don’t find a way to keep him active or burn off some of his energy, he may dig.
3. Trying to escape
Shih Tzus may dig holes in your fence or lawn to escape from whatever is distressing them.
If your dog is fearful of or nervous about anything, he or she may dig to get away from it.
If they’re only excavating along your fence line, basement, or backyard, this might be the case.
This can happen if you have an open area where other dogs or animals could come in and assault your Shih Tzu.
4. Anxiety
One of the most prevalent causes of Shih Tzus digging to keep themselves occupied and happy is separation anxiety.
If left alone for more than eight hours, Shih Tzus can develop separation anxiety, and some can become violent and destructive.
If you are a highly busy person who is not usually at home, a Shih Tzu is not the right dog for you because they thrive on human company.
5. Boredom
When a child is lonely, bored, or hungry, he or she will cry or seek something to occupy their time; the same is true for little dog breeds such as Shih Tzus.
A Shih Tzu can become violent and nip or attack its owners when bored, lonely, or hungry.
They may begin digging your fence as a method of escape or to keep themselves busy if no one is around to keep them occupied.
Give your Shih Tzu a good amount of mental engagement to keep them from being bored or lonely.
6. To lower body temperature
In hot temperatures, Shih Tzus are little dog breeds that are prone to overheating and heat exhaustion.
If it’s hot outdoors, your Shih Tzu could dig a cool and comfy spot to rest.
Shih Tzus digging holes in your fence or lawn might be seeking a spot to cool down since it’s too hot outside.
As a result, if it’s hot outdoors and the atmosphere is stifling, make sure they have access to a cool, shaded area.
7. Excessive stress
Shih Tzus are little dogs who are prone to becoming anxious. This might be related to their size or the breed’s purpose.
Knowing how to determine whether your dog is scared, apprehensive, or sad may help you avoid unpleasant behavior and provide a happy, healthy life for your dog.
Although stress signs are typically clear, your dog’s stress communication might be subtle and unexpected at times.
When a Shih Tzu is upset, it may dig up your fence or garden to show its displeasure to the owner.
8. Seeking attention
Another convincing reason for Shih Tzu’s dig is to get their owners’ attention at any cost.
Your Shih Tzu adores you and craves your complete attention at all times.
Whimpering, barking, whining, or howling may be used by your Shih Tzu to seek your attention.
When Shih Tzus are bored or feel unappreciated, they may act out to get their owners’ attention.
Shih Tzus seek attention more than most dog breeds since they were purposefully intended to be a human friend.
9. Curiosity or play aggression
Dogs have a natural inclination to dig, and there are a variety of reasons why your dog could be digging, including curiosity.
Shih Tzus are curious tiny dog breeds who are always interested in what is going on in their surroundings.
Your Shih Tzu might be digging to see what’s in the little hole in your fence or to see what’s in the hole.
Your Shih Tzu may dig up any mouse that attempts to enter or leave its surroundings.
Excessive digging off the fence or backyard, growling, snarling, flashing teeth, lunging, and biting are all indicators of Shih Tzu’s play aggression.
It’s quite common among Shih Tzus since their owners always accept or encourage it because it’s the right thing to do.
Shih Tzus’ play aggression develops over time and, if not properly controlled, can cause severe issues with your children and your dog.
Why Do Shih Tzus Dig in the Bed
Shih Tzus dig their beds for a number of reasons, including to warm up their bedding, to find a more comfortable resting posture, to relieve boredom, frustration, and anxiety, to regulate body temperature, and to keep themselves engaged.
Shih Tzus don’t just dig their bed unnecessarily, something must be wrong with them before they dig their bed.
Always be patient with them, most importantly, try to find out the root cause of their digging, then it will be much easier to fix.
Common ways to prevent Shin Tzu digging its bed
Here are some typical methods for preventing Shih Tzus from digging their bed:
- Use the method of counter-conditioning.
- Your Shih Tzu’s nails should be trimmed.
- Invest in a more long-lasting and comfy mattress.
- Your Shih Tzu should be desensitized.
- Provide a variety of fun and interactive toys.
- Encourage your dog to sleep in her own space by giving her praise and treats.
- Only positive behaviors are rewarded.
- Associating digging with positive conduct is not a smart idea.
- If you see your Shih Tzu excavating his bed, don’t yell at him; instead, try to divert him.
- More chewing toys should be available.
- When you have more free time, take your Shih Tzu for a walk.
- Create and follow a regular schedule to keep your Shih Tzu entertained at all times.
- Keep your dog’s bed in an area where you can keep an eye on him.
Read more: 9 Top Reasons Shih Tzu Refuses To Walk.
General ways of preventing Shih Tzu digging behavior
Here are some typical methods for preventing Shih Tzus from digging:
1. Make the digging spots unattractive
Instead of shouting and throwing things at your Shih for digging the fence, while not just making it unattractive for your Shih Tzu to dig.
Keep things that will repel your Shih Tzu from getting close to the digging spots.
You can drop pines, deterrent, or spray the area your Shih Tzu is digging.
Read more: 11 Shih Tzu Stress Symptoms.
2. Provide lots of mental stimulation activities
Since lack of activities to perform during the day causes Shih Tzus to be bored and start digging your backyard or basements.
Why not provide your Shih Tzu with lots of mental stimulation activities to keep them busy all day.
You can engage your Shih Tzu in a treasure hunt, by hiding treats, you can also provide lots of interesting and interactive toys to keep them occupied.
3. Getting rid of rodents
Shih Tzus dig out of curiosity, which rodents can get a Shih Tzu curious and force them to start digging up their hole.
Shih Tzu love running around and chasing things, if your Shih Tzu sees any rodent in your home, definitely you will have him digging.
It’s ideal to keep your home free from rodents that will keep your Shih Tzu curious and digging.
4. Get a second pet
Getting a second pet will help you solve most of the behavior problems you may have with your Shih Tzu.
Since Shih Tzus are prone to separation anxiety and frustration if their owners are not around for a while, getting a second pet is never a bad idea.
5. Interrupt the behavior by distracting them
Distracting your Shih Tzu when you catch them digging is one of the common ways to stop them digging.
Redirect their attention from digging to other things, instead of shouting and beating them up.
6. Associate digging to a bad behavior
Using positive reinforcement brings a better result when it comes to correction of your Shih Tzu.
You have to train your Shih Tzu to understand that digging is not a welcome development using positive reinforcement.
Counter conditioning and desensitizing your Shih Tzu is always a good idea.
7. Provide more chewing toys
Providing chew toys is also another way of redirecting your Shih Tzu attention to other things rather than chewing.
Provide lots of interesting and interactive toys like things to chew which will keep them busy.
Read more: 4 Common Shih Tzu Sleeping Disorders.
8. Establish a daily routine
Create and stick to a daily routine that works for you and your Shih Tzu which also keeps your Shih Tzu busy all day.
Establishing a daily routine makes sure that your Shih Tzu stays busy all day and has something to keep them busy.
I hope I have answered your question about Why Do Shih Tzus Dig!
Read more: Why Do Shih Tzus Cry: 9 Common Reasons.
