Please allow this thread to go away.

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3houlagirl

We use a shock collar on our big dogs. Get one with a remote and vibrate feature then spend all day in the yard with the dog. When he goes to dig, pair the shock with the "no" command. You should eventually be able to vibrate with the "no", then just say it.

Other solutions: spend AT LEAST 30 minutes a day in the yard working on obedience training, anything that makes the dog think. Hiding toys and having him find them may be up his alley. Or spend that timecwearing him out fetching, running, etc.

Bottom line: puppies do loads of stupid stuff. If you have a solid obedience course under your belt and continue to work on it and expand your arsenal of commands, you should be able to curb any behavior. The breed matters too. A lot of breeds were meant to dig for ground vermin, and you'll have to work harder to overcome that.

We have five dogs, three of which are Catahoulas, a stubborn all-purpose breed. The collar has worked with all of them within two weeks with regular training sessions.

3houlagirl

Just read your replies @hr4126. Make sure "play time" is structured, with lots of commands used and obeyed. You need to wear out that dog's brain, too. If fetch is fun for him, do lots of "drop it", "stay", and "come".

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3houlagirl

@siuttybigb00bz‌ is right. With crate training she could be inside but not destroy everything. If she is feeling anxious, crate training can help, too. It allows her to be with her "pack" but not left to get into trouble.

Leaving her outside in itself is not bad, but it may be causing anxiety if she's alone.

If it were my dog, I'd get her a crate and find an out of the way place to put it that would have minimal impact on my allergies, and start there. If that is not an option, I would do a long obedience session before work, then one before bed, and see if that helps.

Wine&Cupcakes

What the fuck is with all of the people on here who keep their fucking dogs outside all day and use shock collars?!?!

Dude. Dog discipline and training DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT involve anything physically painful. And for the love of all fucking things holy, bring your dog inside!

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RogueZymosis

I second crate training. If she is digging when you're not around to correct her, any correction you google probably won't work. If she's in a crate, she won't dig. I have 2 dogs. One loves the crate the other doesn't. She may never come to love her crate but it is a safe place for her to be while you're away.

3houlagirl

Border collies are super intelligent ( like you said) and super high-energy. We have a sheltie and even at ten years old she can hold her own with our one year old 'houlas.

Crate training may not be your answer, but it does make life easier. If you want you can Google it, but I won't try and sell you on it.

It may just be that she's a puppy, and puppies will do weird and destructive things for no reason. I think, though, if you continue your obedience, and start building her command vocabulary, she might not do it so much. Try frisbee, borders are great at agility, and if you think herding is her thing, you could look into teaching her herding commands. This is prime time for you to find something that would be fun for you to teach her, and fun for her to learn.

One of my 'houla puppies recently DESTROYED one of my door mats, after going a year without chewing on anything. all we can do is try and give them everything the need, and chalk some thing up to puppy antics.

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3houlagirl

@hr1426‌ We live in the country too, I get it Do you know anyone that has trained hunting dogs? They might be able to give you some tips on training a high-energy breed...

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proudtobeazebra

I have to disagree on the use of shock collars. Our dog went through an intensive 2-week training program where they used the E-collar (and taught us to use it appropriately as well). They chose to use it due to her breed and temperament (extremely stubborn and fixates on things). She is doing great with it, and has come an extremely long way in terms of training. It is never meant to hurt her, but rather get her attention - if it hurts, it's too strong. 

That being said, she is crate trained, never outside unsupervised, and is spoiled rotten. I don't think dogs should be left outside alone - I've heard way too many scary stories about dogs getting stolen. 

anfranklin2

3houlagirl said:

We use a shock collar on our big dogs. Get one with a remote and vibrate feature then spend all day in the yard with the dog. When he goes to dig, pair the shock with the "no" command. You should eventually be able to vibrate with the "no", then just say it.

Other solutions: spend AT LEAST 30 minutes a day in the yard working on obedience training, anything that makes the dog think. Hiding toys and having him find them may be up his alley. Or spend that timecwearing him out fetching, running, etc.

Bottom line: puppies do loads of stupid stuff. If you have a solid obedience course under your belt and continue to work on it and expand your arsenal of commands, you should be able to curb any behavior. The breed matters too. A lot of breeds were meant to dig for ground vermin, and you'll have to work harder to overcome that.

We have five dogs, three of which are Catahoulas, a stubborn all-purpose breed. The collar has worked with all of them within two weeks with regular training sessions.

If you have to use a shock collar to "train" your dog, you aren't training it!! That is awful and just plain mean! Dog training does not have to be painful or stressful for the dog! A good training session should be good to the owner and dog!

And OP, your dog is stressed out bc he has to sleep outside and be alone in the dark! Take your dog inside and take care of it, sheesh! Some people shouldn't have dogs.

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3houlagirl

I have to disagree on the use of shock collars. Our dog went through an intensive 2-week training program where they used the E-collar (and taught us to use it appropriately as well). They chose to use it due to her breed and temperament (extremely stubborn and fixates on things). She is doing great with it, and has come an extremely long way in terms of training. It is never meant to hurt her, but rather get her attention - if it hurts, it's too strong. 

That being said, she is crate trained, never outside unsupervised, and is spoiled rotten. I don't think dogs should be left outside alone - I've heard way too many scary stories about dogs getting stolen. 

The use of the e-collar is an art, for sure. And I agree that if used incorrectly, it can be cruel. Our hunting breeds were trained with the e-collar, but we no longer have to use it, and that is the goal. The setting we have ours on when working with the collar doesn't hurt ME, let alone my puppies.

@14whitney You are right on! We live in the country, and anyone willing to drive all the way out here to steal our dogs is welcome to try! It is not a fear we have.

3houlagirl

@14whitney‌ ME TOO! I have a sheltie that can liberate herself. I have one catahoula that can get herself out sometimes, and if she does, she liberates everyone else! Fortunately if we firmly latch ALL the latches on everyone else crates she loses interest...

KatzKiss

Not all dogs dig because they're stressed. They do it because it's fun or they smell something. If it's very recent it could be that the dog is hot. They dig to lay in the hole and cool off. I do agree that you should eliminate the possibility that she might be stressed by bringing her in at night and other tactics mentioned by PPs.

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pippacricket

hr1426 said:

This discussion really makes me wonder how these poor helpless dogs survived for thousands of years before us humans decided that a dog could not be outside with out supervision and couldn't handle the night, and heat, and rain and all of these natural elements that were once upon a time part of an animals natural instinct of survival...

DaikokuJess

My dog was also high energy as a pup. Ate 2 cell phones in a week and tore all the carpet up in the house. We quickly learned what she needed. For quite a few years, we had to give her at least 3 hours of stimulating exercise per day (a couple mile run, playing at the dog park, training, long hikes, etc.). We also ended up installing a doggie door and putting a baby gate up to limit her access to only part of the house and the back yard. She loves being able to come in and out as she feels necessary. When we were home, she was allowed everywhere.

I know that having a high energy dog can be tiring and time consuming, but I hope you find a solution that is best for the happiness and well being of your furriest family member.

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pippacricket

So...I'm not understanding. You asked for advice. People have given you some great advice. Then you post some sarcastic responses as thanks?

mlebates

I'm sorry, but I have to laugh at everyone FREAKING OUT that OP's dog is outside. Digging in the grass doesn't indicate stress. The dog might have smelled something, and wanted to find it. Maybe it found something, and wanted to bury it. The dog sounds more bored than anything. And dogs were outside animals for centuries! There is absolutely nothing wrong with an outside dog.

As for the shock collar, a lot of hunters train their dogs this way. It's ESSENTIAL for their training so if the dog is misbehaving during the hunt, all they need to do is give them a quick zap, and the dog corrects itself. There are collars that vibrate more than shock too. So it's not painful, but irritating. Just gives them a thump thump thump on their neck.

I mean really... Calm down. There are people who drag their dogs behind their vehicle, or never feed the animal, or buy them a collar as a pup, chain them to the ground, and as the dog gets older and bigger, they dong change the collar, and it embeds in the neck. Let's worry more about those jerks, than someone giving their dog a bit of a zap... Which is not constant, and controlled by their human.

theholmanherd

I just can't with this post. I'm not going to take the time to write the novel in my head about how to properly care for a  border collie. Instead, why don't you give her to me? H and I have been looking for one and yours sounds swell. I really wanted a female, too, so that's even better. Seriously. Give her to someone who knows how to train a breed like that (or take care of any dog, period). They are not easy to handle. Luckily, I, and millions of others, have the experience necessary to deal with them.

pippacricket

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Budders12 said:

I'm sorry, but I have to laugh at everyone FREAKING OUT that OP's dog is outside. Digging in the grass doesn't indicate stress. The dog might have smelled something, and wanted to find it. Maybe it found something, and wanted to bury it. The dog sounds more bored than anything. And dogs were outside animals for centuries! There is absolutely nothing wrong with an outside dog. As for the shock collar, a lot of hunters train their dogs this way. It's ESSENTIAL for their training so if the dog is misbehaving during the hunt, all they need to do is give them a quick zap, and the dog corrects itself. There are collars that vibrate more than shock too. So it's not painful, but irritating. Just gives them a thump thump thump on their neck. I mean really... Calm down. There are people who drag their dogs behind their vehicle, or never feed the animal, or buy them a collar as a pup, chain them to the ground, and as the dog gets older and bigger, they dong change the collar, and it embeds in the neck. Let's worry more about those jerks, than someone giving their dog a bit of a zap... Which is not constant, and controlled by their human.

My issue is simply that OP cared enough about an issue to post. It must be bothering her. So people offer advice, and instead of thanking or saying I'll try it or I'll do more research, she shoots everything down and essentially calls it mean. If she had said her dog was happy and content living outside, I wouldn't have chimed in at all, because to each their own if all are well and thriving. But that's not the case here. I would answer similarly if someone was complaining that they were too fat, or didn't like their job. Do something to address the situation, or accept your reality.

mlebates

Btw my dog (a corgie/pit/lab mix) DESTROYED his METAL kennel. I mean absolutely destroyed it. It took me 6 months to crate train him. I've had him 4 years, he suffers from anxiety if I leave his sight. He still busts out from time to time, and he's 7 now. I'm pretty sure his previous owners weren't very nice to him.

lizzyp9112

We crate trained our dogs from the day we adopted them (we got both at about 10 weeks old and got them almost a year apart).  After a year and a half, Loki (our almost 2 year old Australian Shepherd) figured out how to get out of his crate.  We keep the crates in our basement (with nothing nearby that can harm them) so we started leaving Loki out of his crate when we are gone and at night but keeping the basement door shut.  Atticus, our one year old black lab mix, loves his crate.  He goes into his crate when we are all in the basement together since he is comfortable there.

I understand being frustrated.  We had a few months where they were both barking and antsy throughout every night.  DH and I were short on sleep and patience, but we figured out what each dog needed so we were able to give them the best life possible.  Loki needed to be out of his crate at night.  He is so much happier sleeping on the steps (so he can protect us if need be, I guess!), and Atticus adores curling up in his crate.

7 months is still young, so I'd suggest getting to know what your dog really likes and do whatever that is.  If your dog needs a long walk twice a day then do that.  If your dog wants to play fetch for a half hour, grab some tennis balls and go for it.  Atticus loves to play frisbee while Loki is happiest just relaxing at my feet (and wrestling with his brother).  As far as any training goes, Loki does best when he gets a treat as incentive but Atticus' world revolves around belly rubs.  He likes treats, but would rather get pets .

Our dogs are at the kennel now but if they were not I'd give them both big hugs and some peanut butter now.  It makes me sad to hear how some people treat their animals.

TL;DR- Animals take work, and a part of that is learning what they need.  Figure out what makes your puppy happiest and make sure your dog gets whatever that is.

lizzyp9112

jefa621 said:

And LMAO at the title change.  No better way to guarantee the the thread WONT die by calling it "Please allow this thread to go away."  HA HA

It would only have been better if OP changed it to a "."

KatzKiss

hr1426 said:

jefa621 said:

All I have is a giant HEADDESK for op.  Dogs hundreds of years ago didnt have owners who gave 2 shits if they dug.  She digs because she is bord/hot/stressed outside.  If you crate her when you are gone she WONT DIG.  How is that not evident??  We crate our dogs when we leave the house...max 9 hours a day.  They. are. fine.

ETA:  At 7 months your puppy still needs a LOT of guidance and training from you.  You cannot expect her not to dig, if you don't train her not to.  That means, kennel when you're gone, training when you're home.  Play time is fine, but when she starts doing something naughty you MUST be there to correct her or she will NEVER learn.

I understand she can't dig if she is in a crate, my problem is she is in a crate. That to me is just as bad as leaving a dog in a kennel outside and only interacting with it when you feed it. If she is bored outside where she has lots of toys and activities and birds to chase, how is she not going to be bored sitting in a little crate with nothing but a couple toys. In both situations she is going to be alone and bored.

Dogs actually love crates. They feel the need to protect their territory. For a puppy, a big yard can be overwhelming because it is such a large area for her to take care of. The crate allows the dog to relax because she won't have such a big area to be responsible for. I might also suggest a doggy backpack. Worker dogs need physical and mental challenges to keep them stimulated. Get a bunch of tennis balls and play fetch. Ever time she brings you a new ball, put it in her backpack. She will love it. It also gives them exercise and can help teach them not to drag the owner when she is being walked. Just make sure it is one that goes the length of her body not just the middle of her back. That can cause back issues.

LtColumbo

I think a gif party is in order.

jacqueleen1

Wine&Cupcakes said:

What the fuck is with all of the people on here who keep their fucking dogs outside all day and use shock collars?!?!

Dude. Dog discipline and training DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT involve anything physically painful. And for the love of all fucking things holy, bring your dog inside!

Agreed!!

shlittertoots

jefa621 said:

And LMAO at the title change.  No better way to guarantee the the thread WONT die by calling it "Please allow this thread to go away."  HA HA

That's 100% why I'm in here.

Trampslikeus

Okay, I don't want to jump in to a big argument here but I didn't see anyone mention a Thunder Vest.  Its a completely cruelty-free and easy way of reducing anxiety in dogs (and people actually) and has done wonders for a TON of pets I know.    In one case, some friends adopted a very sweet Golden who was an absolute angel - until they left the house, then he would get freaked out and scratch so badly by the door that he completely destroyed their hardwoord floors AND the door.  Putting the thunder vest on when they left the house changed this behavior instantly.  But I'd only suggest this in combination with crate training.

But OP, you can't have it both ways, I'm not going to get all judgy on you for keeping a dog outside, I know it works out well for a lot of dogs and their humans, but clearly its not working for this dog. If you can't put him in the house in a crate due to allergies, please look in to rehoming the dog through a border collie rescue organization, and do a bit more breed research before you get another dog.  There are far more independent, relaxed dog breeds out there -  border collies are just about the opposite.  They have a TON of energy, and require a whoolllleeeee lot of attention and exercise.  

For example, we have a samoyed.  They are a very chill breed. He gets walked in the morning, runs around the yard a few times a day, and he's very content to spend the rest of the day on his back on the living room floor being a giant ridiculous stuffed polar bear. However, when we did the breed research, we read that samoyeds are naturally inclined to sleep at the feet of the masters - its what they've done for centuries. They do horribly in a crate. We knew going in to this he'd be on our bed every single night, and unsurprisingly, he is.

Your dog is trying to escape from you. Instead of getting defensive, ask yourself why.   If you can't provide the setting this specific dog needs, find him a home that can give him what he needs to be happy.   Good luck.

lizzyp9112

@Trampslikeus, that is a really good point.  I have heard really good things about Thundershirts.  Classical music also calms some dogs, as does having a set routine for when they are in and out of crates so they know what to expect.  Like I said above, it depends on the dog and once you get to know your puppy better you'll be able to figure out what method is best.

PuppyLove84

A tempting title AND it's about dogs, how could I resist?!

My Aussie mix is very high energy as well... she definitely has that herding instinct!  She used to dig in our yard when she was a "teenager" too.  She is a very spoiled inside dog who just happens to enjoy digging.  Even when we're hiking, if she sees a pile of dirt or sand, she's got to dig a little!  I put down some chicken wire over the spots where she dug the most, and of course told her no if I caught her doing it.  (But she was sneaky!)  Eventually she got over that phase and lost interest in digging up the yard when she was constantly being thwarted by chicken wire.  I still have to put a little fence around my vegetable garden, though, or she'll run out and dig in the soil!  So, judgement on her being an outside dog and whether she's a good fit for you aside, some dogs do just enjoy digging, so your only option may be to somehow limit where she is able to dig.

Also I just have to add that my cute pup is currently snoozing in her crate next to me.  She loves her crate and goes in there whenever she's tired or when she gets nervous (like with the fireworks tonight).  She sleeps in it at night (next to our bed) of her own free will - I never close the door anymore.  When she was a puppy I immediately crate trained her and she spent a number of hours in there while I was at work, but it was for her own protection as well as for my house's!

We actually have a camera set up in our living room (for security purposes, but I just use it to watch my dog), and though she has free run of the house during the day, she usually just goes and lays in her crate and sleeps.  Or she'll go sleep by the front window and wait for us to get home.  Not very interesting viewing!