Did you ever catch your German Shepherd transforming your beautiful garden into a field of craters and wondered, ‘Why does my German Shepherd dig holes?’ This peculiar behavior is quite common among German Shepherds, though it can be perplexing and frustrating for their human companions. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, energy, and strong instinctual behaviors; digging can be an outlet for these traits.
This guide will delve into the reasons behind this digging habit and provide practical solutions to help manage it.
Do German Shepherds Like Digging?
Absolutely! German Shepherds are typically fond of digging. It has been passed down from their ancestors who used to live in the wild. In those times, digging was a survival skill. It helped them uncover small critters for food, cool themselves down in hot weather, and even make shelters for their young ones or themselves. Even today, this instinct is present in our furry friends.
While the behavior of digging in itself isn’t necessarily harmful, it can become a problem if it gets out of hand. Imagine coming home to a yard full of holes or even damage to your house! Digging, when moderate and supervised, can even benefit your German Shepherd. However, if you notice that your dog’s digging habit is becoming excessive, it’s essential to understand the reasons behind it and find effective ways to manage this behavior.
Most Common Reasons For Digging In German Shepherds
As mentioned earlier, digging is a natural behavior for German Shepherds. However, there can be various reasons why your dog may be digging more than usual. Here are some of the most common reasons:
🐕 Boredom
German Shepherds are a breed known for their high energy and intelligence. They can become bored when they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation. Think of it like this: when you’re bored, you might start tapping your foot, doodling, or looking for something to do.
For your German Shepherd, digging can be an activity to pass the time and use up some of that energy. They’re not trying to be naughty – they’re just looking for something to do. It’s like their version of solving a puzzle or playing a game.
🐕 Attention Seeking
Sometimes, your German Shepherd might start digging holes to get your attention. This usually happens when they feel ignored or left out. Like a young kid acting out to get noticed, your German Shepherd might dig holes, knowing that it will catch your eye. They realize that when they start digging, you come over to stop or engage with them somehow.
So, in their mind, digging equals your attention. While it might not be the kind of attention they should be seeking, it’s better than being ignored by them.
🐕 Cooling Off in Summer Heat
During the sweltering summer heat, your German Shepherd might dig holes to cool down. The soil found a few inches beneath the surface is often cooler and can relieve your dog from the heat. With their thick double coat, German Shepherds can easily become overheated on hot days. They can lower their body temperature and stay comfortable by digging a hole and lying in the cool dirt. This can be particularly common if your dog spends much time outdoors in the summer.
🐕 Search For Small Animals or Insects to Eat
Sometimes, their hunting instincts may influence your German Shepherd to dig holes. The scent of a rodent or small creature buried underground can be irresistible to a dog, especially one as active and curious as a German Shepherd. In these instances, your pup may be digging to catch and eat these small animals or insects.
They might dig in various spots, following the scent trail of their target. This type of behavior can be more common in homes near wooded areas or fields where these small creatures are abundant. Thus, if you notice your German Shepherd digging intensely and persistently in a specific area, it might be on the scent of a potential snack.
🐕 Escape
German Shepherds are an intelligent and adventurous breed. If they spend most of their time in a small yard or space, they may feel constrained and start finding ways to explore the outside world. Digging can provide an avenue for this escape. They might dig under fences or gates, hoping to find a way to the other side.
Suppose your German Shepherd often tries to run off during walks or shows a lot of interest in what’s happening beyond your yard. In that case, they might be digging in an attempt to satisfy their curiosity and need for exploration.
🐕 Anxiety or Stress Relief
German Shepherds can experience feelings of stress or anxiety, which may manifest in various behaviors, including digging. This can especially be true in dogs that have undergone traumatic experiences or environmental changes. Digging allows these dogs to release pent-up stress or anxiety, acting as a canine coping mechanism. The repetitive action of digging can calm a dog, distracting it from whatever is causing their distress.
In addition, if your German Shepherd is left alone for extended periods, it might experience separation anxiety. Digging can express this anxiety and is a way for your dog to keep busy until you return. If you notice other signs of stress or anxiety in your German Shepherd, such as excessive barking, pacing, or destructive behavior, along with digging, it’s possible that their digging may be anxiety-induced.
🐕 Digging to Bury Things
German Shepherds, like many other dogs, naturally tend to bury things. This instinct returns to their wild ancestors who had to hide food and other valuable items from potential thieves. By digging a hole and burying their possessions, they ensured they would have a hidden stash to return to later. Your German Shepherd might also be doing the same thing. They might be burying their favorite toys, leftover food, or things they’ve found around the house.
This behavior is usually harmless, but if it becomes obsessive or your dog starts to bury something dangerous if it is dug up and eaten later (like chicken bones), it might be a good idea to discourage it.
🐕 To Create a Den
The instinct to create a den is deeply embedded in a German Shepherd’s DNA. In the wild, dogs use dens for safety, nurturing their young, or resting places. If your German Shepherd is digging holes and then laying inside of them, they may be trying to create a similar type of shelter. This “denning” behavior can also be prevalent in pregnant dogs, who may feel the instinctual need to prepare a safe and quiet place for their puppies.
Even if your dog isn’t pregnant or doesn’t need a den for survival, the instinct can still be strong. So, think of your German Shepherd’s digging as their way of creating a personal, cozy space.
Tips to Identify Digging Triggers
Observing your German Shepherd’s behavior can help you understand the underlying triggers for their digging habit. Pay attention to when they dig. Is it when you’re not paying them attention or during very hot days? Do they dig after seeing other animals in the yard? Noting these patterns can provide valuable clues about what might be triggering their digging behavior.
Here are a few tips to help you observe your German Shepherd:
Monitor their Behavior: Spend time with your German Shepherd in your yard and observe their behavior closely. Notice the time of day they usually dig and their actions before digging.
Note their Interaction with the Environment: Keep an eye on how your German Shepherd interacts with the environment. For example, if your German Shepherd seems to dig more after seeing birds or squirrels in the yard, they might be digging due to their hunting instincts.
Observe their Digging Pattern: Are they digging random holes all over the yard or focusing on one spot? A particular digging pattern may hint at a specific trigger, such as the presence of small animals.
🐕 The Role of the Environment
The environment, specifically the yard setup and the presence of small animals, can significantly influence your German Shepherd’s digging behavior.
Yard Setup: A small, unstimulating yard might not provide enough entertainment for an active breed like the German Shepherd. If this is the case, they might dig out of boredom. On the other hand, a yard with plenty of toys and activities can help distract your German Shepherd and discourage them from digging.
Presence of Small Animals: If you have small animals such as rodents, birds, or insects in your yard, your German Shepherd might be digging to hunt them. Their scent can trigger your dog’s natural hunting instincts, leading to digging.
How To Stop A German Shepherd From Digging
Once you’ve identified the triggers for your German Shepherd’s digging, you can take steps to discourage this behavior and redirect their energy towards healthier activities. Here are a few tips:
🐕 Providing Enough Physical and Mental Stimulation
Physical activities such as daily walks, fetch games, or agility training can help keep them active and engaged. Providing your dog with interactive toys or puzzle feeders can also be a great way to stimulate their minds and keep them entertained.
Mental stimulation is just as crucial as physical exercise. Training sessions, scent games, and puzzle games are some ways to keep your German Shepherd’s mind sharp. Regular training routines teach your dog good behavior and provide them with a job to do, which German Shepherds, as a working breed, greatly appreciate.
🐕 Discourage the Digging
Discouraging your German Shepherd from digging can be done by implementing direct strategies. Direct strategies involve catching your German Shepherd in the act of digging and redirecting their attention. If you spot them starting to dig, call their name or clap your hands, then guide them towards a different activity. It’s important not to scold or punish them, as this might lead to stress and anxiety, exacerbating the problem.
🐕 Provide Them With a Variety of Toys
Offering a variety of toys is an effective way to keep your German Shepherd entertained and curb their digging habit. Toys can cater to your dog’s natural instincts—chew toys can satisfy their need to gnaw, while squeaky or plush toys can appeal to their prey drive.
Treat-dispensing or puzzle toys can keep them mentally stimulated for extended periods. Try different toys and rotate them regularly to maintain your pet’s interest. Remember to supervise your dog while they’re playing with a new toy to ensure it’s safe and suitable for them.
🐕 Supervise Outdoor Time
Supervising your German Shepherd during outdoor time is crucial to managing their digging behavior effectively. Being present allows you to monitor their actions and intervene immediately if they start to dig. Moreover, supervision allows them to redirect their energy towards positive tasks, like playing fetch or running around.
You can also engage them in obedience training sessions in the yard, which will help satisfy their instinctual need for work and mental stimulation. Remember that the goal of supervision is not to punish your dog for their natural behaviors but to guide them towards more acceptable activities that will benefit them and your yard.
🐕 Creating Designated Digging Zones
If your German Shepherd’s digging behavior persists despite all your efforts, consider setting up a designated digging area in your yard. This could be a specific corner or a sandpit where your dog can dig to their heart’s content. To entice your dog to use this area, you can bury some of their favorite toys or treats just below the surface.
Whenever they dig in this designated area, reward them with praise, additional treats, or playtime to reinforce the behavior. Over time, your German Shepherd should understand that this is their special place to dig.
However, this solution requires patience and consistency, but it can be a great compromise that allows your dog to express their instincts in a controlled manner.
🐕 Use Repellents or Deterrents
Repellents or deterrents can also be used to discourage your German Shepherd from digging in unwanted areas. These products often come in the form of sprays or granules that can be spread around the areas your dog frequently digs. The smell or taste of these repellents is usually unpleasant to dogs, deterring them from digging in those areas.
When using these products, please ensure they are dog-friendly and won’t harm your pet. You can consult with your vet or a pet store employee for product recommendations. However, repellents or deterrents should not be the sole solution.
Still, they should be combined with the abovementioned strategies, such as providing physical and mental stimulation, redirecting their attention, and creating designated digging zones.
🐕 Dog Training
It might seem counterintuitive, but teaching your German Shepherd to dig on command can effectively manage their digging behavior. This technique, known as “redirected digging, ” involves training your dog to dig only in a designated area when given the cue.
The process involves similar steps as creating a designated digging zone but with more guidance and reinforcement. It’s essential to ensure your German Shepherd knows they can only dig when given the cue, and digging in other areas is unacceptable.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some level of digging is common among German Shepherds, it’s important to identify when this behavior could be pointing to a larger issue. Suppose your German Shepherd’s digging behavior is excessive, obsessive, or causing damage to themselves or your property.
In that case, it may be a symptom of a behavioral problem like separation anxiety, boredom, fear, or stress. Signs of a problem could include your dog digging in the same spot repeatedly, digging as soon as they’re left alone, or digging despite attempts to redirect their behavior. They might also display behaviors like barking, chewing, or pacing alongside digging.
How Professional Trainers or Animal Behaviorists Can Help
If you’re struggling to manage your German Shepherd’s digging habit or suspect it’s part of a larger behavioral issue, seeking help from a professional trainer or animal behaviorist can be incredibly beneficial. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to identify the root cause of your dog’s behavior and develop a tailored training program to address it.
They can provide you with strategies and techniques to redirect your dog’s instincts positively, reinforce good behavior, and address any underlying issues that may be causing the digging.
A professional can also provide support and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that your efforts to manage your German Shepherd’s behavior are effective and beneficial for both you and your dog. Remember, the goal isn’t to stop your dog from digging completely but to guide their natural instincts in a safe and acceptable way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do German Shepherds whine and bark?
A: Digging, whining, and barking are also natural instincts for German Shepherds. They may do so to communicate their needs or emotions, such as fear, boredom, excitement, or attention-seeking. However, excessive whining and barking could also indicate underlying behavioral issues requiring professional help.
Q: How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
A: On average, a healthy adult German Shepherd needs about 1-2 hours of daily exercise. However, this may vary depending on their age, health, and individual energy levels. It’s essential to provide them with physical and mental stimulation through activities like walks, runs, games, and training sessions.
Q: What dog food is best for German Shepherds?
A: It’s essential to choose high-quality dog food that meets your German Shepherd’s nutritional needs. Look for products that contain real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Consult with your vet for recommendations specific to your pet’s age, size, and health conditions.
Q: Does a German Shepherd digs a hole just for fun?
A: While digging can be enjoyable for dogs, it’s usually driven by instinct rather than pure entertainment. Dogs dig to fulfill their natural behaviors like hunting, nesting, and exploring. However, excessive or destructive digging may indicate underlying issues that require attention. It’s essential to observe your dog’s behavior and provide them with appropriate outlets for their energy.
Q: What activities can I do with my German Shepherd to prevent them from digging?
A: You can do many fun and engaging activities with your German Shepherd to keep their minds and bodies occupied. Some of these include puzzle toys, agility training, long walks or hikes, swimming, and obedience training. These activities not only provide physical stimulation but also help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Conclusion
As a fellow German Shepherd dog breed owner, I can understand the challenges of managing our furry pals’ digging habits. However, remember, digging is an instinct for them, and it is our responsibility to guide these instincts in a way that benefits both our dog and us. Patience, consistent training, and a loving approach can go a long way in managing this behavior effectively. Try the methods outlined above and see what works best for your pet.
Don’t be disheartened if progress seems slow; every small step counts! And remember, if it ever feels overwhelming, professional help is just a phone call away. Let’s strive to understand our dogs better and help them channel their energy positively. After all, they’re not just pets; they’re a part of our family!