Cross Breeds

What the heck are my dogs digging after in the snow and mud?

I have 2 young Shelties that are frantically digging up 6" of snow and then into the frozen ground! They come up with their adorable little snouts covered in mud and snow (it's a funny sight)! They are just possessed though. They're out in their fenced in yard for an hour or two (they can go into our heated garage if they get too cold but they shouldn't with those SHELTIE COATS)! They are indoor dogs mainly so now I guess I'm going to have to give them some good bathing and really dry them well and walk them and not let them back there till I bury it up. Could it be a mole or a mouse? We live in a heavily wooded area with 2 acres of yard on with a very dense ravine. There are lots of critters!

Public Comments

1. It could be anything. They have picked up a scent and are trying to get to it. The chances are the prey is long gone but they are having a lot of fun. Our two do it all the time
2. It could be anything. My husky digs over our septic tank lines {yesh] lol a dogs sense of smell is just outrageous. Could be a rodent or something.
3. Dogs dig naturally. They might of picked up a scent of an old animal, or maybe some food. Don't worry about it, it's normal.
4. All dogs like to dig in the ground. Dogs are especially fond of the smell of the earth beneath the snow in your garden. The snow covering probably makes them think that their 'earth' has gone, so they dig to make sure it's still there. Dogs are not stupid, they know that snow makes things vanish.
5. They could be letting some energy off. My dogs used to LOVE digging. Especially Stewie (RIP)-he used to bury potatos
6. Dogs sometimes dig to build dens. In their dens, they find warmth and security, perhaps they are searching for either. My own dog hides her treats or any little trinkets (ie- sticks, pine cones, rawhides) she finds and isn't allowed to bring into the house. She digs a hole, dumps in her object, covers it back up and runs off like nothing happened. Maybe they are doing that? Good Luck and watch out for the holes when the snow melts!