Digging for some of us dogs is not only fun, but instinctual. While many dogs just get into digging during puppyhood, Dachshunds like me and some of the other varmint hunting breeds consider it a mission... and we'll probably never stop completely. What to do? Well, a little direction would help! Make a place for us in the backyard that we can use for this. A sandbox or even just a boxed off area with nice soft dirt and plenty of treats or "natural chews can be buried there for a little encouragement. My owner actually started me off by taking me over to the place and digging one up for me. [Dub!... as if my nose didn't work!] And another thing...don't distract me from this new habit by letting me watch you dig someplace else...like in YOUR garden. For all I know you're burying treats there too! Let another family member take me out for a nice loooong walk that day.

As for the fence-digging problem, this is usually the result of a bored dog turning escape artist or "looking for love in all the wrong places." Spay and neuter, entertaining toys, loving human attention. . . and should I mention it again?

L--o--n--g> walks will help alot here. There are also a variety of materials to put near or under the fence such as hardware cloth, chicken wire, bricks and even cement that will deter even the most dedicated digger. Check with your local hardware store, contact the local Master Gardener Hotline at 858.694.2860 [ www.masteregardenerssandiego.org ]...or you can even call my owner at 760.631.7886. She has a few ideas.

Thanks for letting me give you an earful!"

Article by Barkley of PetLovers Publications and Research Consultant on Planting with Your Pooch and other Pets