Digging - yes, it happens

So, I am taking advantage of the weather before the rains come this week. I am sitting in the front yard with the dogs, of course. Some come and visit, saying "hi," muddying up a book a colleague lent me before moving on when I see dirt. Not just dirt on the ground but dirt flying in the air. I see Seymour, apparently supervising as Betsy, new, formerly sweet Beagle, is acting like a digging machine. She looks like a comic book dog with the dirt flying out between her hind legs as she furiously digs with her front paws under the direction of super digger, Seymour. Now, Seymour is a smart, long haired Dachshund. He looks a lot like those two gorgeous girl Doxies in the photo on this page. He also takes his earth dog heritage to heart. Betsy gets done and Seymour goes to work. I finally can only see the tip of his tail. I go over to the other side of the fence because, of course, they are digging right along the fence line. It is lined on the outside w/cement block. A neighbor mows the yard for me. She has seen the holes. She also has more cement blocks I can have anytime needed - God bless her! This hole is not just a hole - it is a tunnel and Seymour is furiously barking at something in it or smells like it is in it or he is dreaming or all the above. Yep, I am going to need more cement block and frankly, probably just need to line the fence w/chicken wire, too. What I should do is make a digging box not unlike a sandbox. You put treats and toys in it, then teach your dog(s) this is the acceptable place to dig. If done right and consistently, they will then dig only there and leave your flowerbeds alone!

Sun in Seymour's eyes

Here is the truth about dogs: they bark, they dig, they eat disgusting stuff and vomit on your carpet. They also rest in your lap, lightly snoring, secure in their love for you and yours for them. They watch your every move which is why training is so tough - they are so attentive to body language in conversing with other dogs, we have to be exceptionally astute and consistent in training. A woman offered to train Seymour not to dig. Crazy. He is a Dachshund - it is his job! What I would really like to do is make a series of tunnels in the yard like they do for earth dog trials - he would have a blast! Dig away! I will plug it up later. Just don't go too deep - I want to enjoy your resting on my lap this evening, I want you to watch me and anticipate where I am going, I want you to rest on my chilly toes, I want to enjoy my dogs :).