Ron Burgundy: Dig Dig (Beginner)

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"Dig Dig"
Level: Beginner

Digging is a great way to strengthen the front end assembly, from the muscles through the feet and pasterns into the elbow, and into the muscles that stabilize the shoulder joint. But digging outside is not always ideal from a behavioral or logistical perspective... So I taught my dogs to "dig" on a piece of fleece fabric. (Note: I found fleece works better than any other fabric, as it doesn't rip or tear the way cotton does, as it's made of plastic)

Digging is also a GREAT "core" strengthening exercise, as the epaxial muscles (musculature like the psoas and iliacus) have to engage concentrically/isometrically to resist the forces produced by the front end. At the same time the hypaxial muscles (back muscles) are working eccentrically/isometrically, which can help to lengthen muscles along the top of the spine (especially at the TL junction) that have a tendency to be short/tight.

The hamstrings are also working hard to stabilize against the digging forces. In this exercise they are working in a lengthened position, which helps promote flexibility through the hamstring, and also works to strengthen the more vulnerable connection of the hamstring to the ischial tuberosity.

Many dogs who participate in sprinting sports develop tight hamstrings, so this could be a good complement to an existing fitness program.

Teaching this exercise is pretty straightforward.

1. I started by placing a cookie underneath the piece of fleece fabric I use for my "digging blank".

2. I pointed at the covered treat to draw my dog's attention to it.

3. I waited until he started to paw at the cookie and then mark/reward. (Any foot interaction at all gets a mark/reward. Biting gets a reset cookie, and/or ends the session)

4. Multiple paw interactions gets a jackpot. In the beginning it's likely to be the same paw repeatedly, that's ok.

5. Placement of reward is important. Mark/reward like the cookie is being "dug out of the blanket".

6. Mark/reward BEFORE your dog stops digging. This encourages your dog to keep digging until they hear a terminal market (This will evolved organically over time. In the beginning focus on any foot interaction)

This is a very hard exercise! Even my highly conditioned BC can only dig dig for about 45-60 seconds at a time, and then needs a break before the next set. Think of this like a sprint workout. I focus on high speed, high energy output, fast rhythm for a short duration.

This is a fun one! I hope you enjoy!!!

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