and the vet won't be open for another hour.

You could also try giving him his own digging area where it is "legal".  Like a doggie sandbox.  Hide treats and toys there on a regular basis, and reward him and praise him for digging there.  Every time you see him digging in an "illegal" spot, redirect him to his own digging area, and then praise.

Make this area more attractive by adding scents, stuffed Kongs, treats, and new toys on a regular basis (dig a hole and put them in there for him to find).

Of course, training him to do this will go more quickly if he is not left out unattended during the training period.  

:-) Mel

To ensure a good home, she puts the wanna be owner through a throrough background check -- one much much more indepth than the one used to okay Bush's DOJ for new hires.

I dont apply because she might reject me, but she has no problems with using me as free dog help labor.

Your poor baby is sick and I can't believe someone would just put her out on the street.  Do you know where the lady that brought her in lives?  I feel so bad for you mango.  I'm hoping this story has a happy ending.

but I'll take the quirkiness over the U.S. smugness.  It'll be a while before Mexico discovers "customer service" but in the meantime, I feel safer in Guadalajara than I do in the U.S.

I find it helps to be calm and persistent.  Good luck!