DognitionDognition (Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods) · 글
Back to home Home Top 20 Dog Games Dig Box Search Game # 20 · Behavioral & Enrichment Dig Box Search Satisfies natural digging desires safely without destroying your yard. What you need: A plastic kiddie pool filled with play sand, soil, or crumpled paper. How to play Let your dog watch you bury a favorite plastic or rubber toy just under the surface. Encourage them to find it by saying "dig, dig!" Celebrate when they unearth the toy. Gradually bury items deeper or use multiple toys to keep them hunting. Coach's notes Use only clean, play-grade sand — never construction sand or garden soil with fertilizer. Site the box in shade; hot sand burns paws. Refill 'buried treasure' with kibble for a daily calming ritual. Wipe paws after each session to prevent tracked-in irritation. If your dog loses interest Quick fixes when engagement drops mid-session. Not digging? Bury only one high-value treat near the surface for the first 3 rounds. If they lose interest, refresh the material — old shredded paper loses scent fast. Some dogs never dig with paws — reward nose-pushing and let them find their own strategy. Why it works Species-appropriate outlets for evolved behaviors — Bekoff's 'behavioral needs' framework — reduce redirected destruction like garden digging or carpet scratching. References [ 10 ] Bekoff, M. (2019). Unleashing Your Dog: A Field Guide to Giving Your Canine Companion the Best Life Possible. New World Library.
Which cognitive muscle is your dog's strongest? Run the same science-based tasks from Duke in your living room and get your dog's full cognitive profile. Discover your dog's profile See all 20 games