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The Solution to Pyr Holes in the Yard

© Joan C. Fremo

Pyrs dig! It's a simple fact. Pyrs Dig! Some Pyrs dig more then others. Some Pyrs may merely turn the soil to find a cool spot to lay, while others may be intent on tunneling their way to China. Pyr holes range from small depressions in the soil to caverns that can secret their whole body---only their eyes peering out to survey their domain, waiting for the unsuspecting trespasser.

Pyrs dig! They may dig for exercise, to bury or recover bones or toys for later enjoyment, or to excavate a den. Some Pyrs dig to escape, and others--I am convinced--dig just for fun! Digging is a deeply ingrained instinct.

Over the years I've heard, and tried, many suggestions to solve the dilemma. Those solutions have ranged from Chicken wire placed just under the soil, to burying feces. Once I thought river rock might be a solution. Surely my Pyr would not want to dig through rocks. Rocks would hurt his paws! Several trips to the Home Improvement Super Store, a tidy sum of well earned dollars, and hours of what seemed like back breaking labor--and I learned the error of my reasoning. Even river rocks will not dissuade a determined Pyr from his chosen place of excavation.

This singleminded determination may make you ponder what treasures your Pyr perceives beneath the soil. Perhaps he hopes to find the bones of a long gone mastodon, something to gnaw on while he dreams of canine pleasures.

Once upon a time I thought I found the solution. In fact, for a very long time it worked like a charm. I let them dig--in one special spot! As each rescue would attempt to make his mark in my yard, I tell him NO and show him to the preferred spot. After a few reminders, it worked. For several years, and a succession of rescued Great Pyrenees, it worked! Each new dog quickly learned the acceptable area to practice the art of digging. Turned ankles became a distant memory, and life was good.

All good things must come to an end!

My home had suffered damages, and the repairs took months! The sounds of power tools filled their normally peaceful domain, as strange workmen trooped through my home, and the fur-kids ended up spending more then their usually amount of time outdoors. They amused themselves. They dug. They dug small holes, and big holes. They dug deep holes and shallow ones. They dug, and dug and dug.

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