How To Stop German Shepherd From Digging?

German Shepherds are infamous for being great diggers. If you have one of these furry friends, you know all too well how frustrating it can be when they start digging in the yard. 

Not only is it a mess, but it can also be dangerous if they start digging near fences or other structures. 

So, how do you stop your German Shepherd from digging? Check out these tips!

Why does my German shepherd keep digging?

There are a number of reasons why your German shepherd might keep digging. One possibility is that he or she is simply bored and is looking for something to do.

Another possibility is that there is something buried in the ground that your dog wants to find. 

Whatever the reason, if your dog’s digging becomes excessive, it can be a problem. If you’re having trouble getting your dog to stop digging, here are a few things you can try:

– Make sure your dog has plenty of toys and other things to keep him or her occupied. A bored dog is more likely to start digging.

– If there’s something buried in the ground that your dog wants, try to figure out what it is and remove it. Otherwise, your dog will keep trying to dig it up.

– Try to block off any areas where you don’t want your dog to dig. This might involve putting up a fence or some other type of barrier.

– Speak to a professional trainer or behaviorist if the problem persists. They may be able to help you figure out why your dog is digging and how to stop it.

5 Reasons why German Shepherd digs

1. They want to escape: If your German Shepherd is digging holes near the fence line, they may be trying to escape. This could be for a number of reasons, including boredom, fear, or loneliness. If you think this is the case, try to provide your dog with more stimulation and exercise. 

2. They’re looking for something: If your German Shepherd starts digging in one particular spot, they may be looking for something buried there. This could be a bone, toy, or even another animal. 

3. They’re bored: Boredom is often the reason behind many bad behaviors in dogs, including digging. If your German Shepherd has nothing else to do, they may start excavating your yard out of sheer boredom. 

4. They’re trying to cool off: If your German Shepherd is digging holes and then lying in them, they may be trying to cool off. This is especially common in hot weather, when the ground is cooler than the air. 

5. They’re stressed: Some dogs dig when they’re feeling stressed or anxious. If there’s something worrying your dog, such as a move to a new home or the arrival of a new baby, they may cope by digging holes.

How to stop German Shepherd from digging?

The best way to stop your German Shepherd from digging is to provide him with an alternative outlet for his energy and instinctual drive to dig. 

A dog that is given plenty of physical and mental exercise is much less likely to feel the need to dig. 

If your German Shepherd is already a digger, you can try training him with positive reinforcement – rewarding him when he digs in the designated area that you have provided for him. 

Finally, make sure that your German Shepherd has access to plenty of cool, fresh water; hot weather can often trigger a desire to dig as your dog looks for a way to cool off.

How do I stop my dog from digging up the landscape?

There are a number of things you can do to stop your dog from digging up the landscape. One is to provide them with an alternative place to dig, such as a sandbox or a designated digging area in the yard. 

You can also train your dog not to dig by using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding them when they display appropriate behavior. 

Finally, you can prevent your dog from having access to areas of the yard where they are likely to dig.

What smell will stop a dog from digging?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the scent that will deter one dog from digging may not have the same effect on another. 

However, some common smells that are known to repel dogs include citronella, lemon, and eucalyptus. 

Another option is to try using a commercial dog repellent product, which can be found at most pet stores.

7 Ways to stop German Shepherd from digging

1. Keep your German Shepherd well-exercised: A tired dog is a good dog, and that adage certainly holds true when it comes to dogs that like to dig. If your German Shepherd has a lot of energy, make sure to give him plenty of opportunities to burn it off with walks, runs, and playtime.

2. Give him an alternative: If your German Shepherd is digging because he’s bored, try giving him something else to do that will keep him occupied. This could be a chew toy, puzzle toy, or even just a bone to gnaw on.

3. Create a “digging pit”: If your German Shepherd loves to dig but you don’t want him doing it in your garden, try creating a designated “digging pit” for him. This can be a small sandbox or even just an area of dirt that you don’t mind him digging in.

4. Put up a fence: If your German Shepherd is getting into places he shouldn’t be digging, such as the neighbor’s yard, put up a physical barrier to deter him. A simple fence should do the trick.

5. Use positive reinforcement: Whenever your German Shepherd digs in an appropriate place, such as his designated digging pit, make sure to praise him and give him a treat. This will reinforce the behavior you want to see.

6. Be consistent: It’s important to be consistent with your German Shepherd when it comes to digging. If you allow him to dig in some places but not others, he will be confused and is likely to continue digging in the places where he’s not supposed to.

7. Seek professional help: If your German Shepherd’s digging has become excessive or destructive, it may be time to seek professional help from a behaviorist or trainer. This is especially true if other methods of deterring him have failed.

Final Thoughts

Although there are many reasons why German Shepherds might dig, the solutions to stopping this behavior are relatively simple. 

With a combination of obedience training, providing positive reinforcement when your dog does not dig, and using deterrents such as fences or smells, you can help stop your German Shepherd from digging up your landscape. 

Have you tried any of these methods to stop your dog from digging?