Digging is seen as a behavior concern for some Rottweiler owners, while that is the truth to some extent, you should also see digging as a way your Rottweiler lets out excessive energy.
I own a female Rottweiler called Best, so I can confidently tell you that Rottweilers are high-energy dogs that require enough exercise and mental stimulation.
If you fail to provide enough exercise and mental stimulation for your Rottweiler, you will end up having a Rottweiler with lots of behavior issues like digging.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the most common reasons your Rottweiler may engage in destructive digging.
So keep reading to find out more!
Why Is My Rottweiler Digging So Much
Your Rottweiler may be digging due to instinctual behaviors inherited from their ancestors, frustration, lack of mental stimulation, lack of exercise, seeking prey, or regulating their temperature.
To minimize digging, ensure your Rottweiler is getting enough mental stimulation and physical exercise, provide puzzle toys, and consider providing a designated digging spot in your yard if you can’t stop it.
To break it down further, here are some of the most common reasons your Rottweiler is digging and what to do for each of these reasons:
Instinctual behaviors
Due to their background as working dogs, rottweilers have a strong innate desire to dig, as they were originally bred to assist with guarding, herding, and excavation.
Therefore, it’s possible that it could be your Rottweiler’s innate tendency to dig when they start doing so.
Give your Rottweiler a suitable digging place in your backyard to address this innate inclination.
This could be a special area with sand or loose dirt where they can happily exercise their digging urges without risking injury.
By hiding toys or rewards for them to find, you can encourage them to use the space you provided for them.
To cool off in hot weather
Your Rottweiler may also use digging as a means of cooling off, particularly during the summer. Digging releases colder dirt, which helps to reduce heat for them.
Make sure your Rottweiler always has access to fresh water and shade.
To help your Rottweiler cool off, think about installing a little kiddie pool or misting system in the backyard.
To further lower their body temperature, you might give them ice cubes or frozen goodies.
You might notice that she stops digging as much if you take care of their demand for warmth in the summer.
Relieving or coping with stress or anxiety
I can tell you from my experience with Rottweilers that they can experience stress and anxiety, and that they can use digging as a coping strategy or as a means to let out fury.
Finding the underlying triggers is crucial if you believe that your Rottweiler’s digging activity is being caused by anxiety or stress.
Does your Rottweiler’s routine, surroundings, or social contacts seem to be changing?
Think about speaking with a qualified dog behaviorist who can assist you in creating a customized strategy to meet your Rottweiler’s unique needs.
They might suggest methods to help your Rottweiler handle stress and anxiety more healthily, like mental stimulation, more exercise, and positive reinforcement training.
Excessive pent-up energy
Due to their high energy levels, Rottweilers need regular mental and physical stimulation.
They may turn to digging to let out their surplus energy when they don’t get enough stimulation.
Throughout the day, make sure your Rottweiler is receiving adequate mental and physical stimulation.
Take them on regular walks, let them play with interactive toys, train them to obey, and even play puzzle games.
You may assist prevent excessive digging by giving your Rottweiler enough outlets for their energy. A tired Rottweiler is a happy dog.
For exploration
Given their innate curiosity, dogs may use digging as a means of investigating their surroundings.
When it’s hot outside, they use their paws to explore different textures, find intriguing smells, or simply stay cool.
Consider designating a specific digging area in your backyard to deal with this tendency. This could be a tiny area of the yard with friendly, soft soil.
You can bury toys or snacks in the area you choose for your Rottweiler to find, and encourage her to dig.
You can redirect your Rottweiler’s digging urges to a more suitable area by giving them a designated space.
Boredom and lack of exercise
Dogs need a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy, especially high-energy breeds like Rottweilers.
If your Rottweiler is digging because he’s bored, he could need extra exercise.
Make sure your Rottweiler has adequate exercise by taking him on frequent runs, walks, or play dates.
Play fetch or teach your Rottweiler new tricks, or any other physically demanding activities. Dogs that are tired are less prone to engage in damaging habits like digging excessively.
In order to keep your Rottweiler mentally engaged and reduce boredom, you should also think about getting them interactive toys or puzzle games.
Lack of mental stimulation activities
Rottweilers require mental stimulation in addition to physical activity to maintain mental acuity and avoid boredom.
Rottweilers are intelligent dogs that thrive on mental challenges. If your Rottweiler is digging because she isn’t getting enough mental stimulation, consider including mentally stimulating activities for them.
Learning new commands and tricks through obedience training can be a great way to keep her mind active.
Scent work is another activity you may start when they use their noses to find toys or goodies concealed away.
Building an agility course in your garden is an additional choice that can stimulate your mind and body.
You can help reroute your Rottweiler’s digging tendencies by giving them outlets for their innate instincts.
Trying to escape
It’s crucial to deal with your Rottweiler’s digging habit if it’s an attempt to get away since this will protect them.
Look over your property carefully first to see if there are any possible escape routes.
In order to stop them from escaping, look for openings in fences, loose boards, or places where they could burrow. Then, strengthen or fix any weak points.
You should also assess your Rottweiler’s surroundings as a whole. When a dog is bored, nervous, or lonely, they may try to flee. Ensure that your Rottweiler is receiving adequate attention and company.
Playfully interact with your Rottweiler, spend quality time with them, and provide her consolation and assurance.
You may lessen your Rottweiler’s inclination to roam and dig by providing a safe and engaging environment.
Separation anxiety or frustration
When left alone for an extended period of time, Rottweilers may develop separation anxiety or irritation, which can show up in a variety of behaviors, including digging.
Your Rottweiler may be using digging as a coping mechanism for the stress and anxiety brought on by your absence.
How to address it:
a) Gradual departure: Practice leaving your Rottweiler for short periods of time and gradually increase the duration. This will help her develop confidence and reduce anxiety.
b) Provide comfort: Leave some of your unwashed clothes or a blanket with your scent on it for your Rottweiler to have a familiar and comforting smell while you’re away.
c) Create a safe space: Set up a designated area in your backyard where your Rottweiler can dig to their heart’s content without causing any damage. Fill it with soft sand or soil, add toys, and encourage them to dig there.
Searching for Prey
Rottweilers have a strong prey drive, which means they may dig in search of small animals or insects.
This behavior is deeply rooted in their instinct as a working and guarding dogs but could become a problem for their owners.
How to address it:
a) Secure the area: Make sure your backyard is well-fenced and secure to prevent small animals from entering. This will minimize the chances of your Rottweiler digging in search of prey.
b) Environmental enrichment: Provide your Rottweiler with plenty of physical exercise and mentally stimulating activities to redirect their energy and fulfill their natural hunting instincts. Engage in games like hide and seek or use puzzle toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
Related: Keeping your Rottweiler happy.
How to address a Rottweiler’s excessive digging behavior
Dealing with a Rottweiler’s excessive digging behavior can be challenging but totally manageable with the right approach.
For example, I will use my Rottweiler “Best” to show you how to address this issue.
Firstly, I regularly ensure that Best gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to curb boredom, a common cause of digging.
Next, designate a specific digging area in my backyard filled with loose soil or sand to redirect Best’s digging instincts.
Additionally, I make sure to supervise Best when outside to catch and correct any digging behavior in the act.
I have also provided lots of interactive toys and engaging activities that help redirect Best energy positively.
I can tell you that my consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement were the key to modifying Best’s digging behavior.
Remember, understanding your Rottweiler’s needs and addressing them appropriately will lead to a happier, well-behaved Rottweiler!
Related: how to socialize your Rottweiler.
Conclusion
In summary, the first step in treating your Rottweiler’s excessive digging behavior is figuring out why they do it. There are a number of reasons at work, ranging from innate preferences to boredom or the need for attention. You may help stop your Rottweiler from digging and make them a happier, more balanced companion by giving them mental stimulation, frequent exercise, and enriching surroundings.
