Why Terriers Love to Dig and Chase: Understanding the Instincts

A Historical Perspective: Bred for the Hunt

To truly understand the digging and chasing tendencies of terriers, it’s essential to look back at their origins. These breeds were specifically developed to hunt vermin and other small animals. Their name, “terrier,” comes from the Latin word “terra,” meaning earth, reflecting their primary function: going to ground to pursue prey.

Historically, terriers were invaluable working dogs. Farmers and landowners relied on them to control rodent populations, protecting crops and preventing the spread of disease. This role shaped their physical and behavioral characteristics, favoring traits like tenacity, courage, and an insatiable drive to hunt.

Different terrier breeds were developed for specific types of prey and terrain. Some, like the Jack Russell Terrier, were bred to bolt foxes from their dens during hunts. Others, such as the Scottish Terrier, were adept at navigating rocky landscapes to pursue badgers and other burrowing animals. This specialization further ingrained the digging and chasing instincts into their genetic makeup.

The Digging Instinct: A Deep-Rooted Behavior

Digging is not simply a random act for terriers; it’s a deeply ingrained instinct. This behavior is driven by several factors:

• Hunting: As mentioned earlier, terriers were bred to dig into the earth to reach their prey. This instinct remains strong in many modern terriers, even if they have never been exposed to hunting.
• Comfort: Digging can also be a way for terriers to create a cool or warm spot to rest. In hot weather, they may dig to find cooler soil beneath the surface. In cold weather, they may dig to create a sheltered den.
• Boredom and Anxiety: Digging can also be a displacement behavior, triggered by boredom, anxiety, or frustration. If a terrier is not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation, they may turn to digging as a way to release pent-up energy.
• Caching: Some terriers may dig to bury bones, toys, or other valuable items. This behavior is a remnant of their ancestral past, when they would bury food to save it for later.

Understanding the underlying cause of your terrier’s digging is crucial for addressing the behavior effectively. If the digging is driven by boredom, providing more exercise and mental stimulation may be the solution. If it’s driven by comfort, providing a cool or warm resting place may help.

It is important to note that punishing a terrier for digging is generally ineffective and can even be counterproductive. It may simply make them more anxious or fearful, leading to other behavioral problems. Instead, focus on redirecting their digging behavior to a more appropriate outlet.

The Chase Instinct: Driven by Prey Drive

Chasing is another fundamental instinct in terriers, closely linked to their hunting heritage. This behavior is driven by a high prey drive, which is the innate desire to pursue and capture prey.

The chase sequence typically involves several stages:

• Orient: The terrier detects the presence of potential prey (e.g., a squirrel, bird, or even a moving object) and orients their attention towards it.
• Eye: The terrier focuses intently on the prey, often adopting a characteristic “stalking” posture.
• Stalk: The terrier moves slowly and deliberately towards the prey, trying to get closer without being detected.
• Chase: The terrier bursts into a rapid chase, attempting to catch the prey.
• Capture: If successful, the terrier may kill and/or retrieve the prey.

The intensity of the chase instinct can vary depending on the breed and individual dog. Some terriers may be content to simply chase and bark at prey, while others may be determined to capture and kill. Regardless of the intensity, it’s important to manage the chase instinct to prevent unwanted behaviors, such as chasing cars, bikes, or other animals.

Training and management techniques can help control the chase instinct. These include teaching a reliable recall command, using a leash in areas where there are potential triggers, and providing alternative outlets for their prey drive, such as playing fetch or engaging in agility training.

Breed-Specific Tendencies

While all terriers share a common ancestry and exhibit similar instincts, there are some breed-specific variations in their digging and chasing tendencies. Understanding these differences can help you better anticipate and manage your terrier’s behavior.

• Jack Russell Terriers: Known for their boundless energy and high prey drive, Jack Russells are particularly prone to digging and chasing. They require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
• Scottish Terriers: Bred to hunt badgers in rocky terrain, Scottish Terriers have a strong digging instinct. They may also be more independent and less responsive to training than some other terrier breeds.
• Border Terriers: Border Terriers are relatively adaptable and trainable. While they still have a strong prey drive, they are generally less intense than some other terrier breeds.
• Airedale Terriers: As the largest of the terriers, Airedales are known for their intelligence and versatility. They require consistent training and socialization to channel their energy and prey drive appropriately.

Researching the specific characteristics of your terrier breed can provide valuable insights into their potential digging and chasing tendencies. This knowledge can help you tailor your training and management strategies to meet their individual needs.

Managing Digging and Chasing Behaviors

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the digging and chasing instincts in terriers, there are several strategies you can use to manage these behaviors effectively:

• Provide Plenty of Exercise: Terriers need a lot of exercise to burn off energy and reduce boredom. Daily walks, runs, and play sessions are essential.
• Offer Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, training games, and interactive activities can help keep your terrier mentally engaged and prevent them from turning to digging or chasing out of boredom.
• Create a Designated Digging Area: If your terrier enjoys digging, consider creating a designated digging area in your yard. This could be a sandbox or a specific patch of soil where they are allowed to dig freely.
• Train a Reliable Recall: A strong recall command is essential for controlling the chase instinct. Practice recalling your terrier in a variety of environments and reward them generously when they come back to you.
• Use a Leash in Unsafe Areas: When walking your terrier in areas where there are potential triggers (e.g., squirrels, birds, or traffic), keep them on a leash to prevent them from chasing.
• Redirect Their Attention: If you see your terrier starting to dig or chase, try to redirect their attention to something else, such as a toy or a training exercise.
• Consider Professional Training: If you are struggling to manage your terrier’s digging or chasing behaviors, consider seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Consistency is key when managing these behaviors. By consistently implementing these strategies, you can help your terrier channel their instincts in a positive and constructive way.

Remember that patience and understanding are also crucial. Terriers are intelligent and energetic dogs, but they can also be stubborn and independent. It may take time and effort to train them effectively, but the rewards are well worth it.

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