Digging and Destructive Behavior

Question
Our Shepherds keep digging up our sprinkler system.  And we keep fixing it.  They dig it up at the back fence, and then they chew the tubing up.  It's become such a pain.  I have tried everything that I can think of.  My husband put both dogs in my sons room when he went out with the boys and they tore his mattress up.  Its getting expensive to maintain things around here.  I am at my wits end; what can I do to get my Shepherds to stop digging and tearing things up?

Answer
It sounds like you are having a major issue with digging and naughty destructive behavior.

You will benefit from the article on digging and other helpful articles found on my help page at http:/www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm

German Shepherds are high energy dogs. It also sounds like your dogs have a lot of extra energy and usually get naughty and destructive when they have pent up energy or are bored and you will need to find ways to burn that off by giving good walks every day from 30 Minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your time, recommended in the mornings before breakfast. German Shepherds Require daily vigorous exercise.

So you may want to do some retrieve in a field to allow your shepherds to run freely and burn off even more energy.  I have 4 shepherds and have purchased an attachment to put on my bike so I can run them without them pulling me over.  They enjoy the bike because I can go almost as fast as them.  

To prevent destroying things when you are away, I purchase large wire crates for my dogs to sleep in in the house and  for when I have to leave the house.  This way you won't gave things destroyed.  They consider them dens, their safe place.  I keep bullys in their crates along with a kong and a squeaky plush toy.  I place them in their crates when I need a break, when I'm cleaning the house, or when I go out.  I get the 42" Inch Wire Crates and place in my family room where they are still around the family.  At nap times and bed time, I place a sheet over the crates.  You may want to give this a try.  There are more articles on crate training on my help page.

Your dogs are running you, rather than the other way around, so you will find my article on becoming a pack leader beneficial and it has many tips on turning things around  Put them all to work and you should see a change in short order. http://www.gallantshepherds.com/packleader.htm

There are adversives you can purchase to spray on areas you don't want your dogs to chew, or sniff to assist you, along with taking on a pack leader roll when caught in the act.  I used Yuk with one of my dogs.  

Purchasing some good chew toys for your dogs also will help.  I give my dogs bullys (bull thingys) found at most pet stores.  They are hard for german shepherd teeth who can only soften the ends, clean, last along time and are natural and inexpensive.  I never run out.  I keep them in the house and the yard.  I also get large bones that don't spinter to keep them occupied when in the yard.  Redirect your dog's attention to the chew toy when chewing something inappropriate.

Your dogs will benefit from being placed on a schedule and routine and the real key to change is knowledge, education and consistency.  If not consistent you may need to consider  chainlink dog runs in the back yard.

So once gain the recommended links. Check out the digging, crate training and other articles on my help page at http:/www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdhelp.htm

I recommend the article Behavior Issues: Learn How to take On the Pack Leader Roll http://www.gallantshepherds.com/packleader.htm

For general information about German Shepherd Care and Info at http:/www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdinfo.htm

Glad to be of Assistance.

Sincerely
http://www.gallantshepherds.com