West Highland White Terriers and digging

Most terriers have a tendency to dig, and West Highland White Terriers are no different. This behavior is natural for an animal that was bred specifically for this purpose, but as a pet, digging can be destructive to a cultivated lawn. In fact, digging can even be dangerous if your pet decides to dig under a fence to see what’s on the other side. Although digging is natural for Westies, there are ways to control the impulse for this behavior. So why are Westies predisposed to digging, and what are some of the things that can be done about it?

The West Highland White Terrier has a penchant for digging, but to understand why, we must first go back to the breed’s roots. Westies, along with many other short-legged terriers from the Scottish area, were specifically bred to assist in hunting small game. Called “earth dogs,” they were trained to search for and drive foxes and other small animals out of their burrows. Over the generations, this behavior has simply become ingrained in the behavior of animals and the body evolves to suit its given purpose. This is why the nails of Westies and many other small terriers tend to grow faster than other breeds, to help them with their digging work.

It is true that all breeds have a small degree of digging behavior. However, it is also clear that some breeds have a stronger instinct than others. Although there are several ways to control this behavior, many of them require close supervision. For starters, it will help to know what draws your Westie to a particular location. In her opinion, the wetter and cooler the soil, the better, so newly planted flowers, fresh mulch, or spaces you’re trying to keep moist will be the first places your pet will go. Unless you plan to fence in your flower beds or give your Westie free rein over the backyard, here are some tips you can try.

A shaker can, which is simply a soda can with a handful of pennies or nuts and bolts placed inside with the opening taped shut, is what many breeders and fanciers use to discourage digging. When your Westie begins to dig in an area where he is not allowed, shake the can once in an up and down motion. Continuous shaking of the can will desensitize your pet to the sound, and you want it to scare it into being unpleasant so it will stop behaving. Immediately after shaking the can, reinforce the command with praise, such as “Good boy, don’t dig.” Be prepared to repeat this task quite often, try to distract him with toys right after you stop digging, and above all, be patient and consistent.

On the pet market today, there are a few sprays or dry treatments that can be sprayed over an area that you don’t want your Westie to dig into. Since it’s the “nasty” smell that keeps the dog away from the area, you’ll also need to repeat this process several times, on a regular basis. Covering a hole your Westie has dug with chicken wire or rocks may discourage him from digging in that area, but it won’t affect his penchant for other areas.

Finally, there are those who advocate giving your Westie a space in the backyard, a free digging area. Encourage him to come to the area with some of his toys, and when you find him digging elsewhere, gently scold him and calmly lead him to his special digging area.