Wandering

In many areas it's against the law to let dogs roam loose. Even where there is no law, it's best to have a wire enclosure for your dog or a "trolley line" outdoors except when you can be with or near him. Although many persons think that a dog must be free to be happy, a dog gets much more enjoyment out of life in being with a family and knowing he is wanted.

Dogs who get much attention at home rarely become wanderers. If your dog is called once In a while, and spoken to, he won't be so inclined stray away. There should also be regular play, walk., and, of course, times when you bring him indoors.

Feeding a dog well won't keep him at home,he needs attention,attention and friendship and if he does not get it at home he will look elsewhere.

If your dog is a happy-go-lucky tramp who tends to wander into nature and you have to go and find him,scolding him when you have found him will not work. What you should do is bring him home and tie him up for a while and also be a bit cold so that he knows you are not happy with him.

See to it that he gets more attention at home.

Digging

There are many reasons why dogs dig holes in the ground. Certain breeds, such as the terriers, follow their natural instinct to hunt underground. They may actually be looking for a mole or field mouse or, in fantasy, digging out foxes or lions. With a determined digger there's not much you can do except to give him a place where he can dig when he feels the urge.

Of course, dogs dig to bury a bone or some other morsel. And in the summer, dogs mostly dig to find the cool spot the deep earth provides for them to lie in. That's another reason for giving the dog a cool shady place outdoors.

Digging also comes about when a dog is bored. Here again, play periods, a few toys or a shank bone, more time In the house and regular walks. and exercise, will help prevent the habit

How much and what kind of exercise does a dog need?. In residential areas the dog must be exercised on a leash, and this takes time. It is time however that is well spent as exercise Is the great conditioner. The steady pace of controlled leash walking is more valuable than the occasional dashing hither and yon of the yard-confined dog.

Even in a sizable yard, a dog can be as lazy as he likes.

If possible walk the dog on leash twice daily as far as he can go without seeming tired. Three trips around the block every day are far better than three miles on Sundays only, for the dog becomes used to exercise just as we do. For the dog, the walk should be as long as his legs, in other words one city block for the short-legged dog equals several for the long-legged one. When you are uncertain about the distance your dog can walk, start with a few blocks, then gradually increase the distance each day. In addition to leash- walking, your dog should be exercised and played with regularly in his yard, or he can be taken for a free run in woods and fields.

Do not feed immediately before or after exercise. When it is very hot, walk him only in the cool of the evening or early morning. Do not expect him to hold his own on icy pavements, for he slips easily. If you get caught in a shower, dry him off when he comes in, and when returning home from a tramp, check his feet for thorns, mud balls or blisters, and his coat for burrs and ticks.