Alaskan Malamutes are known for their strength, intelligence, and energy, but they also come with a unique set of challenges, one of which is their love for digging. While digging is a natural behavior for many dogs, it can become a problem when it destroys your yard, garden, or landscaping. So why do Alaskan Malamutes dig, and more importantly, how can you stop it? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the reasons behind this behavior and provide you with four foolproof methods to stop your Malamute from digging.
1. Why Do Alaskan Malamutes Dig? Understanding the Behavior
Before diving into how to stop a Malamute from digging, it’s important to understand why they do it. Digging is not just a random act; it’s often motivated by instinct, boredom, or environmental factors. Once you identify the root cause of the behavior, you’ll be better equipped to address it effectively.
a. Instinctual Behavior
Alaskan Malamutes were originally bred as sled dogs in the Arctic, where they often dug into the snow to create sheltered spaces for warmth and protection from the harsh weather. This behavior is hardwired into their DNA, which means many Malamutes will instinctively dig, even in a more domestic environment.
b. Boredom and Excess Energy
Malamutes are highly energetic dogs, and when they don’t get enough physical and mental stimulation, they often turn to destructive behaviors like digging to release pent-up energy. If a Malamute is left alone in the yard for long periods without exercise or activities, they may dig as a way to entertain themselves.
c. Seeking Cooler Ground
Malamutes are naturally well-insulated with their thick double coat, which helps them handle cold weather. However, in warmer climates, they may dig to create a cooler, more comfortable resting spot. By digging into the soil, they can expose cooler earth and create a personal “cooling bed” to escape the heat.
d. Burying or Hoarding
Some dogs dig to bury food, toys, or other items. This behavior is a survival instinct that dates back to their wild ancestors, who buried food to save it for later or to keep it hidden from other animals.
e. Anxiety or Stress
Digging can also be a symptom of separation anxiety or stress. If your Malamute is anxious when left alone, they may dig as a way to cope with their emotions. This type of digging is often frantic and excessive, occurring near fences or gates as the dog tries to “escape.”
Now that we’ve identified the key reasons why your Alaskan Malamute might be digging, let’s look at four proven methods to stop this behavior.
2. Method 1: Increase Physical and Mental Stimulation
One of the most common reasons Malamutes dig is because they have excess energy or are bored. As a working breed, Alaskan Malamutes are naturally active and need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
a. Provide Regular Exercise
Malamutes need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. This can include long walks, runs, hikes, or playtime in a secure, enclosed area. Keeping your Malamute physically tired can significantly reduce the likelihood of them digging out of boredom. The more energy they burn through exercise, the less energy they’ll have for destructive behaviors like digging.
- Tip: Vary the types of exercise to keep things interesting. You can mix up walking routes, play fetch, or even try agility training to challenge your Malamute both physically and mentally.
b. Mental Stimulation with Toys and Games
In addition to physical activity, Malamutes also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzle toys, interactive feeders, and games like hide-and-seek can engage their minds and reduce their need to dig. These activities give them something constructive to focus on, keeping their brains busy and satisfying their need for challenge and problem-solving.
- Tip: Rotate toys regularly to keep your dog interested and prevent boredom.
c. Train New Commands
Basic obedience training or teaching your Malamute new tricks can provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond with your dog. Incorporating training into their daily routine can also reinforce good behavior and redirect their energy away from digging.
By increasing both physical and mental stimulation, you’re addressing one of the core reasons for digging and providing your Malamute with healthier outlets for their energy.
3. Method 2: Create a Designated Digging Area
If your Alaskan Malamute loves to dig, rather than trying to eliminate the behavior entirely, you can redirect it by creating a designated digging zone. This is particularly effective for dogs that have strong instincts to dig but can learn to dig only in specific areas.
a. Set Up a Digging Pit
Find a spot in your yard where it’s okay for your Malamute to dig, and turn it into their designated digging area. You can create a small pit or sandbox filled with soft soil or sand that’s easy for them to dig in. Make the area inviting by burying toys or treats in the digging pit, encouraging your dog to explore and dig there instead of in other parts of the yard.
b. Train Your Dog to Use the Area
Once you’ve set up the digging area, the next step is to teach your dog to use it. Whenever you see your Malamute digging somewhere inappropriate, redirect them to the designated area. You can bury a few toys or bones in the pit to spark their interest. Once they start digging in the right spot, reward them with praise and treats.
- Tip: Be consistent with training. If you catch your dog digging elsewhere, calmly interrupt the behavior and guide them to their designated digging zone.
c. Make Other Areas Less Appealing
To further encourage your Malamute to use the digging pit, make the rest of your yard less appealing for digging. You can do this by covering popular digging spots with rocks, garden fencing, or by placing chicken wire just under the surface of the soil. The wire will feel uncomfortable on their paws, discouraging them from digging in those areas.
By providing a designated digging area, you’re allowing your Malamute to fulfill their natural instincts in a controlled and acceptable way, while protecting your garden and yard from destruction.
4. Method 3: Address Environmental Triggers
Sometimes, environmental factors can trigger digging behavior in Alaskan Malamutes. If your dog is digging to cool off, escape, or because they’re stressed, you’ll need to address these specific triggers to prevent the behavior.
a. Provide a Cool, Shaded Area
If your Malamute is digging to escape the heat, ensure they have access to a cool, shaded area where they can relax comfortably. Dogs with thick coats, like Malamutes, can easily overheat in warm weather, and digging into the earth is their way of finding a cooler spot.
- Tip: Provide a cooling mat or a small kiddie pool with fresh water for your dog to lie in during hot days. Ensure they always have access to shade and fresh water.
b. Block Escape Routes
If your Malamute is digging near fences or gates in an attempt to escape, take measures to block their escape routes. You can reinforce the bottom of your fence by burying chicken wire or hardware cloth along the perimeter, making it harder for them to dig underneath. Alternatively, placing large rocks or pavers along the fence line can prevent access to potential escape points.
c. Reduce Stress and Anxiety
If digging is a result of anxiety or stress, particularly when your Malamute is left alone, you’ll need to address the root cause of their anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common issue in highly social breeds like Malamutes, and digging can be one of their coping mechanisms.
- Tip: Gradually get your Malamute used to being alone by practicing short departures and building up to longer periods. You can also provide calming aids, such as pheromone diffusers or anxiety wraps, to help reduce stress.
Addressing the environmental factors that trigger digging will significantly reduce the likelihood of this behavior continuing. By providing a comfortable, stress-free environment, you can help your Malamute feel more secure and less inclined to dig.
5. Method 4: Consistent Training and Supervision
Training your Alaskan Malamute to stop digging requires consistency, supervision, and patience. By consistently reinforcing good behavior and discouraging bad habits, you’ll be able to effectively curb their digging tendencies over time.
a. Supervise Outdoor Time
If your Malamute has a habit of digging, it’s essential to supervise them whenever they’re outside. By keeping a close eye on them, you can interrupt digging behavior as soon as it starts and redirect them to more appropriate activities. Over time, with consistent supervision, your dog will learn which behaviors are acceptable and which are not.
b. Use Positive Reinforcement
Whenever your Malamute exhibits good behavior outside, such as playing with toys or relaxing without digging, reward them with treats, praise, or extra playtime. Positive reinforcement strengthens the association between good behavior and rewards, making it more likely that your dog will repeat the desired actions.
c. Correct Bad Behavior Gently
If you catch your dog digging in an inappropriate area, calmly interrupt the behavior with a verbal command like “no” or “stop.” Then, redirect them to a more suitable activity, such as playing with a toy or using their designated digging area. Avoid harsh punishments, as they can increase anxiety and make the behavior worse.
d. Be Patient and Consistent
Training a dog to stop digging takes time, especially with a strong-willed breed like the Alaskan Malamute. Be patient and consistent in your approach. With time, your Malamute will understand the rules and be less likely to engage in digging.
6. When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all four methods and your Malamute continues to dig excessively, it may be time to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Digging can sometimes be a sign of deeper behavioral issues, such as severe anxiety, that require expert intervention. A professional can help identify the root cause of the problem and create a tailored training plan to address it.
Conclusion: How to Stop an Alaskan Malamute from Digging
Digging is a natural behavior for Alaskan Malamutes, but it can be controlled with the right approach. By understanding why your Malamute digs and implementing these four proven methods—increasing physical and mental stimulation, creating a designated digging area, addressing environmental triggers, and maintaining consistent training—you can effectively stop your dog from digging up your yard. With patience, understanding, and proper training, you’ll create a harmonious environment where your Malamute can enjoy the outdoors without destructive digging behavior.