Can German Shepherds Be Left Alone? Uncover the Facts and Risks
German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal dogs, making them popular among pet owners. Their protective nature means that they make excellent guard dogs, but it also means that leaving them alone can be difficult.
With the proper preparation and understanding of their temperament, however, you can ensure your German Shepherd feels safe when you’re away from home.
In this article, we will explore some key considerations when leaving a German Shepherd alone, such as what to look out for in terms of signs of stress or anxiety, how long is too long to leave them alone, and tips on ensuring your pup feel secure while you’re away.
So if you need guidance on ensuring your faithful companion is content while left at home, read on!
Can German Shepherds Be Left Alone
Ideally, German Shepherds should never be left alone for more than 8 hours a day. They can become easily bored and engage in inappropriate behavior, such as digging holes in the yard, chewing furniture, or barking excessively.
This can be especially true if they have not been adequately exercised or stimulated. Consider some factors when determining whether leaving your German Shepherd alone at home is safe.
Age Matters
Your German Shepherd pup’s age will play a significant role in determining if it’s okay for them to stay home alone for extended periods. Generally, puppies under six months should be supervised for at least two hours.
This is because puppies are still working on potty training and need someone to reinforce their good behavior. After six months, you can start leaving them for more extended periods as long as they have been adequately trained and socialized.
Energy Level Matters Too
German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and activity. If they don’t exercise enough, they can become bored or anxious, leading to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or barking excessively.
Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that your pup gets plenty of outdoor activity before you leave them home alone so that they have an outlet for their energy while you’re away.
Personality Matters Most
Be sure to observe how your pup behaves when you leave them at home before deciding if it’s safe to stay there for extended periods.
Some puppies may do just fine being gone for a few hours each day, while others may need someone around all day long—it all depends on the individual pup and how comfortable they feel with being left alone.
Your pup’s personality will play a significant role in determining if they can handle being left home alone without getting into trouble or stressed out.
How to Keep Your German Shepherd Happy When You’re Away
The average German Shepherd requires lots of exercises, interaction, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. So, what should you consider when leaving a German Shepherd home alone? Let’s take a look.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation
It’s important to consider when leaving a German Shepherd alone is providing them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
A bored or under-exercised dog may become destructive or display other problematic behaviors like excessive barking or digging.
Make sure your pup gets regular exercise every day by going on walks or runs, playing fetch in the yard, attending doggy daycare, or participating in agility classes.
Additionally, ensure your pup has access to fun toys that can challenge their minds. Puzzle toys filled with treats can provide hours of entertainment for your puppy while you’re away from home.
Crate Training & Positive Reinforcement
Crate training is highly beneficial for dogs who must be left home alone for extended periods.
A properly-sized crate can give your pup a safe place to rest without having access to furniture or other items that could cause damage if chewed on or scratched.
Remember that crate training should always be positive and never punitive—provide plenty of treats and praise each time your pup enters their crate on their own so they will start associating it with good things!
Separation Anxiety Prevention & Treatment
Lastly, it’s important to note that some German SHepherd has difficulty being left home alone due to separation anxiety.
If this sounds like your pup, there are a few ways you can help prevent or treat these anxious behaviors, such as providing plenty of chew toys during times when they will be left alone, diffusing calming essential oils like lavender before leaving, playing with calming music; providing cozy blankets; and talking with your vet about possible medications that may reduce anxiousness levels in extreme cases.
How to Know if Your German Shepherd is Feeling Anxious When Left Alone
All dogs need companionship and attention, but when it comes to their emotional needs, some breeds require more than others. German Shepherds are one of these breeds.
While they may be independent and self-sufficient, they also need plenty of affection and companionship.
Unfortunately, they can become stressed or anxious when left alone for too long. Read on to learn the signs that your German Shepherd might feel stressed or anxious when left alone.
Excessive Barking
One of the first signs that your German Shepherd might be feeling stressed or anxious when left alone is excessive barking.
This could be due to boredom or loneliness, leading to bark-induced stress. If you notice your pup barking more than usual when you’re away, it could indicate that he feels lonely or anxious without you.
Chewing and Destruction
If your pup can access furniture or clothing while you’re gone, he may start chewing them up to relieve his pent-up energy and emotion.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs; however, it can become destructive if not appropriately addressed. It could be an anxiety sign if your German Shepherd starts destroying household items while you’re away.
Excessive Shedding
Your pup’s coat is an excellent indicator of his overall health and well-being. When puppies become stressed or anxious, their coats often start shedding excessively due to heightened emotions.
If you notice increased shedding from your German Shepherd while he’s alone, it could mean he feels overwhelmed by being alone for too long.
How to Keep Your German Shepherd Secure When You’re Away from Home
If you worried about how your German Shepherd will handle being left alone? It can be hard to leave your pet behind, especially if they have separation anxiety.
Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to ensure your dog has a safe and secure home even when you’re away. Here are our top tips for ensuring your German Shepherd feels secure when you’re away from home.
Create a Routine
Creating a routine for your pup can help them feel safe and secure while you’re away.
Ensure they get plenty of exercise each day, regular meals, and potty breaks. This will help them stay relaxed and happy in your absence.
Also, establish bedtime rules allowing your pup to get the rest they need at night.
Provide Mental Stimulation
Your pup needs mental stimulation just as much as physical activity! Ensure you leave out interactive toys or puzzles for them to play with while you’re gone.
This will help keep their minds occupied, so they don’t become bored or anxious without you. Consider leaving the TV or radio on low volume in the background for the extra company during the day or night.
Ensure Your Home is Secure
It’s essential to ensure that all areas of your home are secure before you leave town.
Check doors and windows to ensure they are locked properly and securely, and test any security systems that may already be installed in the house.
If necessary, invest in additional security measures such as locks, alarms, or cameras so that you and your pup can feel safe apart from each other.
Conclusion
Whether or not it’s safe to leave your German Shepherd home alone depends on many factors, such as age, energy level, and personality.
When considering whether it’s okay for your pup to stay home alone, consider all these elements and any other unique traits your canine companion may possess.
With proper research and understanding of your dog’s needs, you can decide what is best for you and your furry friend!
