My dog is trying to dig to China!

[dab_20]

My boxer would always dig in the backyard before we moved into apartments. I noticed the only time he didn't dig is when he got tons of exercise. I know it is a pain to go out and walk the dogs when its cold, but you chose a high energy breed that needs tons of daily exercise. Romping around in the backyard, unfortunately, just isn't enough for a Boxer/pittie. Try to up the exercise and see if it does some good.

[ryansjones]

I can relate to that with my golden retriever as he likes to dig as well, especially when trying to get at balls.

[carrie]

The way you describe the digging behaviour suggests that it may be a displacement activity for the dog. If she is only digging when she gets excited playing with the kids then she is maybe directing her energy away from another behaviour that you have discouraged, such as mouthing/biting or jumping on the kids, and has taught herself to use the digging as a release for the excitement and energy of the play. If this is the reason for the digging then you have done a great job in training your dog to play with the kids! She is also pretty smart to have redirected her behaviour. The trick now is to get her to redirect yet again! This means you have to be vigilant and willing to stick to it for a while and you will have better results if you train dog and kids together.
Figure out what the dog's most favourite toy is - a ball or throw toy would be the most ideal. Whenever the kids and dog are playing together you must be observing and as soon as the dog makes a move toward digging - I am sure you can tell what she is going to do before she actually gets going with the paws - make happy noises and wave the toy around. As soon as the dog looks at you/the toy reward her by throwing it and letting her have it, have a quick play, praise, take toy away and allow the dog to calm down a little before resuming play with the kids. This has to be totally consistent and the toy is best reserved for only this training. Be careful that you can catch the dog BEFORE the digging starts or you may well end up with the dog digging just to get the toy! Once you are really good at this start to time how long the dog can play with the kids without digging and reward with the toy for three minutes, three and half, four minutes, etc.
Hope this helps and it should be really good fun to get everyone watching the dog's behaviour.
Also, sorry, I have to say, walking the dog is not an option - you choose a dog, you choose to walk no matter what the weather!!!