Samoyeds are a very active dog breed that requires plenty of action and attention to get their energy out. They have a sled dog and herding heritage which means they are working dogs and have to find ways of channeling their energy and are prone to getting bored quickly.
Do Samoyeds Dig? Samoyeds are likely to start digging when they get bored since they are a working breed. If a Samoyed doesn’t have anything to do or any attention from their owner, they may start to dig to entertain themselves.
Keep reading to learn all about what makes Samoyeds destructive and tips on how to train them to stop digging or chewing on your belongings so you can protect your home and yard.
Do Samoyeds Dig?
Like most dogs, Samoyeds like to dig depending on the situation. Mostly Samoyeds are going to start digging because of boredom and needing something to do with their energy. However, there are other reasons for digging, such as trying to reach small rodents or escaping too hot or too cold weather. You won’t be able to effectively stop their digging until you identify why Samoyeds are digging.
Samoyed Digging because of boredom
The younger your Samoyed is, the more likely they will suffer from boredom and need more outlets for their energy. If your dog is anywhere from 8 to 18 months old, chances are Samoyeds will dig and be destructive, which they might grow out of. However, it’s still important to train them properly at a young age.
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Even fully-grown Samoyeds can find themselves getting bored if they are left alone for most of the day or if they find themselves having to entertain themselves all the time. If you’re not making time to play with your dog, then this might be something you want to start getting into the habit of doing.
Samoyed Digging to get at small animals
Your Samoyed may be digging up your yard because it’s trying to get at a small animal living there. In their eyes, they are doing something noble as the fight to rid your yard of varmints infesting your yard.
If you notice that Samoyeds are digging holes near trees or other shrubberies, this could be a sign that they’re trying to hunt down a tiny creature living there. You will need to find a way to remove the small animals to get the digging to stop, which is much easier said than done.
It’s best to consult an expert to know what animals you are dealing with and how best to proceed with removing them from your property.
Samoyed Digging because of bad weather
Due to their thick coats of fur, Samoyeds may dig as a way of escaping the heat by laying down in the cool soil. Samoyeds may also dig (they don’t have webbed feet) to escape from extremely cold weather as well, but it’s less common as Samoyeds do not get cold that easily.
If you find that your dog is lying down in the holes they dig, they are likely trying to escape the weather. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to identify if this is the cause of your Samoyed’s digging. If it’s because of the heat, make sure you are giving them plenty of water and maybe think of adding more shade to your backyard to cool off.
Accepting that Samoyeds like to dig
You may need to accept that your Samoyed likes to dig and that having random holes around your yard is something you need to get used to. However, that doesn’t mean you need to give up on having a nice yard.
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Your dog might find it fun to dig holes, in which case it might be time to dedicate part of your yard to let them dig. Consider putting a patch of loose soil or sand and training them to dig only in that area to save the rest of your yard.
Are Samoyeds destructive?
Generally, Samoyeds are gentle and playful dogs. They need to get plenty of daily exercise as an outlet for their energy (Samoyeds are not lazy dogs) while also getting attention from a companion to satisfy their friendly nature. When they don’t get the activity and attention they need, Samoyeds will become destructive and start digging holes in the backyard or chewing whatever they can find.
How To Train Samoyed dogs?
Samoyeds are hard-working dogs and will need to get proper training at a very young age to ensure that they don’t get into any bad habits. Samoyeds are also very intelligent dogs which can sometimes make them stubborn, so you will need to be patient but firm while training them.
To train your Samoyed, you will need to:
- Be consistent. Your Samoyed will respond better to a consistent schedule for their training, so make sure you work out a way to stick with the training even if you have a busy work or social life.
- Be the pack leader. It would be best if you had authority from the beginning, so your dog knows what you say goes. Remember that this is about being firm but not mean to your dog. If you never let them on the furniture or your bed, Samoyeds will know that they aren’t allowed on those pieces of furniture.
- Give them a job. Samoyeds are a working breed, so having a task to work on will keep them busy even when you don’t have time to spend with them. You can give them a cart or sled to pull, which will give your dog something to entertain them while also giving them self-confidence.
- Daily exercise. The best way to avoid unwanted behavior is to provide your Samoyed with an outlet for their energy and ensure that Samoyed has enough physical activity every day. Long walks are a great place to start and find a dog park near your home where you can take them to play with other dogs.
- Keep your tone enthusiastic. Whenever you are giving verbal commands, try to keep enthusiasm and joy in your voice. If you don’t seem like you’re enjoying training, then your Samoyed won’t find it enjoyable either.
- Correct behavior with a firm, low tine. Changing your tone when you are telling them “no” or “enough” is essential for your Samoyed to understand the difference between good and unacceptable behavior.
- Praise them and give them treats. When Samoyed does a good job listening to your commands and behaving how you want them to, make sure you always provide them with praise and treats to reinforce those behaviors. Samoyeds especially crave attention, so giving them praise when they behave well and ignoring unacceptable behavior where they act out will help them distinguish between the two.
Read Also: Samoyed and Cho Mix – Dog Breed Facts
Samoyed Dog Breed – How To Keep Samoyed Busy?
Since digging is usually due to boredom, keeping your Samyoed entertained and busy is the best way to prevent damage to your yard.
To help counter their boredom:
- Play with them. Playing and spending more time with your Samoyed is a great way to bond with them and give them the companionship they need while also using up some of their energy so they’ll be too tired to dig up your yard.
- Take them for long walks. It would help if you planned to take your Samoyed out for at least a 30-minute walk every day. A walk will reduce their energy level significantly while also offering mental stimulation as they get to see and explore different places outside.
- Take them to a dog park. If you find that your Samoyed has way more energy than you can keep up with, taking them to a dog park is a great way to use up their energy with other dogs while also giving them a chance to socialize. Dog parks also tend to have more space than most people’s backyards, so they will have more room to run as much as they want.
- Give them toys. You can’t expend to simply put your Samoyed outside with nothing to play with and expect them not to get bored. Given a choice between digging up the backyard or chewing on their favorite toy, most dogs would pick the toy.
Read Also: Samoyed And Shedding – Do Samoyeds Lose A Lot Of Hair?
Other Dog Breeds That Dig
Terrier dog breed digging
Terrier dog breed – Terriers are a type of dog known for their feisty personality and their love of digging. While all dogs are technically capable of digging, terriers have a strong instinct to dig holes in the ground. This behavior is thought to be linked to their original purpose, which was to track down small animals such as rodents and rabbits.
Today, terrier owners can take steps to discourage their dogs from digging by providing them with plenty of toys and exercise. They can also create a designated dig area where the dog can safely satisfy its urges. With a little patience and positive reinforcement, it is possible to train most terriers not to dig holes in the yard.
Spaniel dog breed digging
Spaniel dog breed – The Spaniel dog breed is known for its strong hunting instincts and keen sense of smell. While these attributes make Spaniels excellent hunters, they can also lead to some less desirable behaviors, such as digging. Spaniels typically dig for two reasons: to find prey or to create a comfortable resting spot.
While some digging may be unavoidable, there are a few things that owners can do to help reduce the amount of damage their dog causes. First, provide your Spaniel with plenty of toys and chew bones to keep them occupied. Second, give them regular exercise to tire them out and prevent them from getting bored.
Finally, train your dog not to dig by using positive reinforcement techniques such as rewarding them when they refrain from digging. With a little patience and effort, you can help your Spaniel curb their digging habits.
Hound dog breed digging
Hound dog breed – Hound dogs are a type of dog that is used for hunting. They have a strong sense of smell and can follow a scent for miles. Hound dogs are also known for their deep, loud bark. Some of the most popular hound dog breeds include the beagle, basset hound, and bloodhound.
Hound dogs are bred to be tenacious and independent, so it’s no surprise that they love to dig. For hound dogs, digging is not only a way to relieve boredom or pent-up energy – it’s also instinctual. When hound dogs catch the scent of an animal, they will often start digging furiously in an attempt to reach their prey.
This behavior can be frustrating for owners who don’t want their yards filled with holes, but it’s important to remember that it’s simply in a hound dog’s nature to dig.
Final Thoughts
A Samoyed dog tends to dig but primarily to stay active as they are not lazy dogs. Samoyeds have a lot of energy and need to play and get attention to keep themselves entertained. Just as with most dogs, you can avoid mischievous behavior by ensuring they get enough physical activity and giving them things to do like play with toys or play with you.
Your Samoyed would much rather spend time with you than dig up the yard, so make sure you are making time for them and bonding, even if it’s just going to a daily walk together.