Digging can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with as a new dog owner and wondering if a Bull Terrier has the potential to dig or is known as a heavy digger is a valid concern before adopting.
None of us necessarily want to sacrifice our yards to adopt the dog we desire.
As a Terrier owner myself, here is what I can tell you on this topic.
Do Bull Terriers Like To Dig?
No, Bull Terriers are not known as frequent diggers nor have strong tendencies to dig. Bull Terriers feeling frustration, neglect, and boredom may dig to fill the boredom.
This is the short and sweet answer to the question at hand.
However, a Bull Terrier is a dog, and dogs obviously tend to dig in certain situations. It is helpful to understand what causes this digging behavior and how you can eliminate the digging completely.
That is what the rest of this quick discussion will break down for you.
Why a Bull Terrier will dig and what you can do to get them to stop digging in the future.
Here is how I intend to break down this discussion for you:
- Bull Terriers and Digging Tendencies
- Reasons Why Your Bull Terrier May Dig
- How To Prevent Digging With Bull Terriers?
- Your Bull Terrier May Dig, But The Problem Can Be Fixed
Bull Terriers and Digging Tendencies
Some dog breeds are known to be diggers more than others.
I have firsthand experience with this with my Jack Russell Terrier, which is undoubtedly known to be one of the more experienced and avid diggers than other dog breeds.
Luckily, the Bull Terrier does not get a lot of negative feedback as a frequent digger, although it is certainly still possible that you will experience digging with your Bull Terrier.
Here are some of the most common reasons you may encounter some holes in the yard and how you can deal with digging.
Reasons Why Your Bull Terrier May Dig
Dogs either tend to dig because it is part of their personality or because of specific triggers.
With Bull Terriers, it is likely more to do with triggers causing digging.
Boredom Sparks Digging
Dogs like to do some silly things when they get bored, and typically, boredom sparks bad behavior with dogs.
This includes a Bull Terrier.
I have a Jack Russell Terrier who loves to dig regardless because it is part of her DNA.
I also have a yellow lab that never digs.
Well, I should not never say because even boredom can get my yellow lab to dig as well.
When dogs get bored, they take the boredom and frustration out by doing other activities.
Whether they know it is wrong or not, digging can still occur if a dog has too much time on its paws and nothing else to do.
If you are noticing your Bull Terrier digging too often or digging at all, consider only allowing your Bull Terrier outside to use the bathroom and then back inside the home.
Or try going outside with your Bull Terrier briefly to keep an eye on them or interact with them.
We will cover more tricks about preventing digging shortly.
Is Your Bull Terrier Digging Because They Are Too Hot?
When the weather is nice, it is always tempting for those of us with fenced-in yards to let the dogs out and go about our days completing chores and living our lives with a bit of alone time or peace and quiet.
The problem with this is when it is too hot outside.
If you leave a dog outside when it is too hot, it is common for dogs to dig and even lay in the hole they have created.
Typically, you will notice this when the temperatures are hot.
It can also be noticed if your Bull Terrier is digging in shaded areas or dig in spots where it can provide shade out of the sun.
Following A Scent Can Cause Digging
Depending on where you live and what kind of wildlife can walk through your yard, your Bull Terrier may be digging because they follow a scent that they are interested in.
My Jack Russell Terrier is a big fan of digging for this reason.
It may be due to rabbits, squirrels, and other animals in the yard.
Terriers are known to be a stubborn dog breed and have an instinct to protect and hunt at times.
Lack Of Exercise
This reason for digging goes hand in hand with boredom.
Suppose your dog is feeling neglect and demands a lot of exercise.
It is possible that your dog is digging to make up for lack of exercise or physical stimulation.
Digging provides them a way to burn off some energy and kill time.
Hiding a Treat or Bone Is A Common Reason For Digging
I am assuming that this must be extremely common.
My yellow lab does this all the time with bones around the yard.
If you recently gave your dog a nice new bone and they want to save it for later, you may notice that they dig a hole in the yard to hide it or bury their secret stash of bones and treats.
How To Prevent Digging With Bull Terriers?
Now that you are aware of some of the common reasons that a Bull Terrier will dig, you need to take active steps towards ensuring the behavior stops.
Here are some of my top tips for preventing digging with a Bull Terrier.
Provide Plenty of Exercise
With most Terrier breeds, exercise is a critical part of their lives and needs to be included daily.
Terriers are typically high-energy, and lack of exercise can often spark some negative behaviors.
Be sure that if you are dealing with a digging issue with your Bull Terrier, you try and get out and moving around a bit more often.
Go for a walk or even play fetch in the backyard.
The more tuckered out you can get your Bull Terrier, the less likely it is for your dog to have time or the energy and desire to dig holes around the yard.
Do Not Allow Them Outside Long Enough To Get Bored
The longer your dog is outside without supervision, the higher the probability your dog will dig or find ways to get into trouble.
If you want to allow your dog time to run around and play outside, that is perfectly fine.
You need to be sure that while this is taking place, you check in a few times.
Pop your head out and see what your dog is doing.
Once a Bull Terrier gets bored or feels like they can get away with negative behavior such as digging, it is the most likely to occur.
Keep an Eye On Your Bull Terrier While They Are Outside
If you tried the previous tip I just mentioned and still are struggling with digging, try not allowing your dog any free time outside without you personally being around to supervise.
I personally had to do this for a while with my Jack Russell Terrier.
Otherwise, she would find ways to get into trouble.
After your dog gets more discipline and begins learning what is permitted and what is not, the supervision can decrease.
In the beginning, keep an eye out so you can catch the negative behavior and do something to correct it.
Use a Bark Collar or Shock Collar
For a bark or shock collar to be effective in stopping digging behaviors, you will need to implement the previous tip.
You cannot shock or use any form of discipline after the act of digging is already completed.
A dog does not learn in this fashion.
You need to catch them during the act and then use the shock collar to stop the behavior.
To take it a notch further, be sure to reward your Bull Terrier when they stop digging, so they understand that they are doing something correctly.
I also highly recommend you learn how to use a shock collar ethically and responsibly for your dog before use.
Nonetheless, shock collars can be a perfect tool when appropriately used for training your dog.
Monitor What Animals They May Interested in Finding In The Yard While Digging
This is easier said than done, but it is possible.
I have noticed that my two porches in my back yard tend to be great spots for rabbits to build nests, and my Jack Russell has figured it out.
If you have covered areas in your yard, you may similar situations to deal with.
If your Bull Terrier catches a scent from another animal in the yard, they may begin digging to follow or hunt that scent.
Try and keep tabs on what animals are frequently in your yard or find ways to keep those animals out of the yard.
The fewer scents and other pest type animals that can entice your Bull Terrier to dig, the better.
Your Bull Terrier May Dig, But The Problem Can Be Fixed
Hopefully, thus far into this discussion, we are all on the same page that Bull Terriers are not known to be diggers.
However, a Bull Terrier is still a dog, and digging is something that dogs do.
Especially in the situations, we have discussed here today.
Do your best to eliminate the potential reasons for your Bull Terrier digging in the first place and use the tips we have already discussed to end the digging for good.
Luna and I wish you the best of luck with your Bull Terrier’s and hope digging is not an issue you have to deal with in the future.
Does Your Bull Terrier Dig Often?
Have you raised or owned a Bull Terrier that tended to dig?
What did you do to fix the issue, and what else can you recommend to the readers?
Be sure to share those thoughts, stories, and concerns by dropping a comment below.
As always, Luna and I appreciate you stopping by, and we will see you again next time.