Understanding and Stopping German Shepherd Moles Digging Habits

Understanding Moles in German Shepherds

German Shepherds are highly intelligent, active dogs that require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. As working dogs bred for herding, they have an innate desire to dig and explore with their powerful paws and snouts. While this natural behavior serves them well during play or work, it can become problematic when directed underground at pesky moles and their tunnel systems.

Moles are subterranean mammals that burrow just under the surface, leaving raised ridges in lawns and fields. Their extensive tunnels can damage plant roots and ruin landscaping. As natural hunters and protectors of their territory, German Shepherds tend to take interest in eradicating the underground intruders.

Why Do German Shepherds Dig for Moles?

There are a few key reasons why German Shepherds eagerly dig and pounce to get at moles:

• Prey drive - Their heritage as hunters makes them instinctively want to chase down fast-moving prey like moles.
• Scent tracking - Their superior sense of smell allows them to detect moles through soil.
• Protection - They view moles as invaders in their territory that must be stopped.
• Boredom - Digging provides mental and physical stimulation for restless dogs.
• Pawing instinct - German Shepherds have a natural urge to dig, especially in soft earth.

Problems Caused by Mole Hunting

While chasing moles provides enjoyable stimulation, it can lead to some issues for both dog and owner:

• Damaged paws - Aggressive digging can wear down nails or split toe pads.
• Dirty coat - Burrowing kicks up mud and dirt onto the dog's fur.
• Yard destruction - Holes and torn-up turf ruin the landscape.
• Escape risk - Dogs may dig under or through fences and get lost.
• Pesticide poisoning - Dogs can ingest toxic chemicals if used to kill moles.

Stopping the Mole Hunting Instinct

To curb your German Shepherd's obsession with mole hunting, try these training tips:

1. Distract and redirect - When they start showing interest in a mole tunnel, call them away and offer a treat or toy to refocus them.
2. Limit yard access - Keep digging zones off limits until mole issues can be addressed.
3. Discourage digging - Fill in holes as soon as you spot them, using stones or chicken wire to make areas less appealing to dig in.
4. Increase exercise - Ensure your German Shepherd gets plenty of vigorous daily exercise to burn energy.
5. Enrich their environment - Provide interactive puzzle toys and rotate novel objects to stimulate their minds.
6. Use bitter deterrent sprays - Apply special no-dig bitter sprays to make soil unappealing to paw at.
7. Try repellent plants - Border problem areas with herbs like rue, lavender or thyme that moles dislike.
8. Remove attractions - Fix any fellow dog smells, urine markings or grub infestations drawing moles to your yard.

When to Seek Help

If your German Shepherd is highly driven to pursue moles or obsessively digs despite your best efforts, seek advice from your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess your dog's specific motivations and help you implement an effective plan to break the digging habit.

With time, consistency and providing a stimulating lifestyle, most dogs can be taught to ignore moles and leave the pest control to the professionals. Patience and creative management are key to curbing your German Shepherd's natural digging instincts in a positive way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I stop my German Shepherd from digging up my yard?

Strategies to stop excessive digging include more exercise, environmental enrichment with toys/games, access limitation, bitter deterrent sprays, distraction, and covering or fencing off favorite digging areas. Identify the cause (boredom, prey drive, etc.) and address it through training.

Are mole tunnels dangerous for my German Shepherd?

Yes, mole tunnels can pose risks like collapsed tunnels causing injury, getting stuck underground, or face/paw wounds from aggressive digging. Moles themselves can bite in self-defense. Dogs should be supervised when moles are active.

What are some dog-safe ways to get rid of moles?

Dog-safe mole deterrents include repellent plants like castor bean, thorny bushes, vibrating stakes, tall grasses, mole repellent granules, solar pest rejecters, and diatomaceous earth sprinkled in tunnels. Avoid poison baits which can sicken pets.

Should I fill in mole tunnels in my yard?

It's best not to fully fill in mole tunnels as moles will just dig them open again. Press down tunnels with a roller or your foot instead. Use deterrents or trapping to remove moles so tunnels will naturally collapse over time once abandoned.

Can't I just let my German Shepherd hunt the moles?

While dogs enjoy pursuing moles, allowing them to dig and hunt moles can lead to destruction of your yard and potential injuries. It's better to use humane mole removal approaches and redirect your dog's energy into more appropriate activities.

FAQs

How do I stop my German Shepherd puppy from digging?

For puppies, provide plenty of chew toys to satisfy teething needs. Distract and redirect digging urges. Limit access to digging zones. Use a house line to keep them near you outdoors. Praise for stopping digging and obeying commands. Be patient as puppies explore and outgrow this phase.

Why does my German Shepherd dig holes and not lie in them?

More than for cooling or comfort, German Shepherds dig to satisfy their prey drive, curiosity, scent tracking, boredom, or instinct. The digging itself is rewarding, not the hole. Ensure they have enough mental and physical exercise to prevent obsessive digging habits.

How do I teach my German Shepherd not to dig?

Use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behavior, not punishing digging. Block access to problem areas and provide approved digging pits. Distract and redirect when they start to dig. Ensure their environment is stimulating. Discourage specific spots by covering them. Practice "leave it" commands.

What scent deters moles and is safe for dogs?

Some natural mole repellents safe around dogs are castor oil, garlic, hot pepper oil, fox and coyote urine granules, predator feces like bobcat, and essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus. Check that the product is non-toxic for pets before use in your yard.

Should I punish my German Shepherd for digging?

No, punishment is ineffective for stopping digging and can make dogs anxious or fearful. Instead, use positive reinforcement for good behavior. Determine the cause of digging, and address it through exercise, training, supervision, deterrents, and providing acceptable outlets for their natural digging instinct.