Can I leave My German Shepherd Home Alone?

Can you leave your German Shepherd Home Alone? Sheepdog is one of the breeds that can hardly tolerate loneliness. Avoid the risk of leaving your German Shepherd alone at home for more than 8 hours.

German Shepherd Home Alone

They need constant communication with people and other animals. The level of lack of communication can be seen by leaving one German Shepherd at home. It is difficult for owners to teach their pets to calmly wait for the arrival of family members.

As a result, you can get complaints from neighbors about barking dogs, damaged front doors, or furniture. Before you leave one German Shepherd at home, take care of his emotional state and provide him with toys.

Stress and Experience

Shepherd is primarily a descendant of a predatory wolf that lives in a pack. A pack for wild dogs was support, protection, and safety. For the wolf, loneliness meant old age and death, they moved away from the pack, finding the last refuge. From early childhood, a German Shepherd puppy builds social contact with people and his relatives. The dog is guided by its environment, finding support in it.

Before getting to the owners, the puppy is kept by the breeder and parents. If in the first months of life the baby experienced an emotional shock associated with loneliness or the loss of someone, this may affect his future life in a new family. When, after coming home, you notice some signs, it means that your pet is experiencing severe stress in the absence of the owner:

• The temperature of the puppy is increased.
• Rapid breathing with tongue hanging out, sweating in some body parts.
• After the owner returns, the baby tends to sleep, this may mean that while he was alone he did not sleep.
• Loose stools in a dog during a walk after suffering loneliness.
• The pet is trying to open the door, scratches on the doors are visible, and destruction of the house, and bitten objects are possible.
• The puppy refuses to play with his favorite toy or treats.
• There are complaints from neighbors about frequent howling and whining.

Little Selfish

Some dogs feel like owners who decide for themselves whether to restrict the movement of family members or let them go. This can be traced in her behavior, the puppy begins to get underfoot, and lies in the way of the owner, attracting attention to himself. And on a walk in the park, he prefers to play with other dogs or a toy, and not with you, showing his independence.

The dog does not have a stressful situation while sitting at home alone. The dog simply understands that he has lost control over the owner. Some German Shepherds have a strict, selfish nature, they are jealous owners.

When the dog follows the owner, but at the same time behaves quietly and modestly, sometimes wary, he does not show selfishness. The puppy simply treats you with caution, afraid of losing contact with the owner. The dog whines and howls, trying to reach the person. This is just the line between a stressful situation and the usual fear of parting.

The instinct of the pack kicks in when the weak link is looking for its leader. To do this, the kid climbs to a height (chairs, armchairs, sofas). The puppy somehow wants to look like a dominant. If you do not deal with this attitude of the dog, the experience will turn into stress.

Aviary

If we are talking about the private sector, then from the first months, the owners teach dogs of large breeds to live in an aviary. He keeps from impulses to escape from the sector to the street for the owner. Ask breeders if the puppy or his parents lived in an aviary.

The aviary should let in maximum light, and have a good non-hazardous cage. The cage should have a spacious booth with a soft coating, and dense walls. The puppy will need toys in the fence that will distract him.

A German shepherd cannot be kept in an enclosure all the time, as it is very cold in winter, and in summer an undercoat sprouts from a shepherd dog, which makes it difficult to endure the heat. It should be taught gradually. Start with a few minutes of loneliness in the aviary and gradually increase the time. The puppy should feel that it will return to him in a few minutes or hours.

Gradual Accustoming

If you left the German Shepherd home alone. The German Shepherd should be taught to be alone from a little. Advice to breeders, start from the first days of keeping the puppies in different boxes, let them sleep not all together, but separately. The puppy will understand that there is time for common games with his relatives, and there is time for solitude in a separate cage or box, then the dog will develop a routine.

Toys for shepherd puppies, which will be scattered in the box, will help to cope with boredom and fear. It will be easier for future owners to handle the pet at the time of leaving it at home.

The first night in a new home for a puppy should be separate from the owners. He will cry and whine, you can approach him once, making it clear that you are nearby, and you have not left him alone. But it is impossible to constantly respond to the cries and crying of the baby.

Otherwise, he will especially at any moment convenient for him call you for help to himself. He will understand that you are reacting to his cries, giving in, and rewarding with your presence. Wait until it calms down and then come back.

Practice with the animal. Exit the doors for 5 minutes, then come back. After an hour for 10 minutes, then come back and look at the reaction of the dog. If he sat quietly for 10 minutes, increase the time a little next time. If whining and crying, stop for ten minutes. Distract the dog’s attention before leaving with a toy so that he is interested in it.

Many dogs, if left at home alone, like to scatter things, chew furniture in addition to their toys, run, and make noise. The owner comes and finds a real mess. To avoid this, play a game with him. Pretend to leave, hide in another room or closet.

As soon as you hear the noise from the dog, jump out unexpectedly and scold the puppy for bad behavior. Repeat this several times. So that the pet remembers: as soon as he starts to be naughty, the owner may suddenly come and stop his pranks.

There are a lot of similar games and checks for dogs. And how did you wean your pet from pranks while waiting for the owners of the house? How much time did it take?

Can German Shepherds Be Left Alone?

Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone for a certain period. However, their ability to tolerate being alone varies depending on factors like age, temperament, training, and health. While they’re social animals that thrive on human interaction, with proper training and preparation, you can leave them alone without causing them undue stress.

What do I do with my German Shepherd while at work?

When you’re at work, it’s crucial to create a safe and stimulating environment for your German Shepherd. Consider the following:

• Provide interactive toys that engage their mind and alleviate boredom.
• Set up a comfortable space with a cozy bed and fresh water.
• Consider doggy daycare, hiring a dog walker, or asking a trusted neighbor or friend to check in on your dog.

Are German Shepherds destructive when left alone?

Some German Shepherds may display destructive behavior when left alone, especially if they’re bored or anxious. Chewing, digging, or excessive barking can occur. To prevent this:

• Regular exercise and mental stimulation, before you leave, can help reduce your energy levels.
• Use puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys to keep them occupied.
• Gradually accustom them to being alone through training sessions, starting with short intervals.

How long can you leave a German Shepherd on its own?

The duration a German Shepherd can be left alone varies, but a general guideline is 4 to 8 hours. Puppies and young dogs have shorter attention spans and bladder capacities, requiring more frequent breaks. Adult dogs can handle longer periods if they’re well-trained and have ample mental and physical stimulation.

Do German Shepherds get sad when you leave?

German Shepherds are social animals and can experience separation anxiety or sadness when their owners leave. Signs of distress might include excessive barking, destructive behavior, or changes in appetite. To help ease their emotions:

• Gradually acclimate your dog to being alone using short intervals and positive reinforcement.
• Make your departures low-key to avoid triggering anxiety.
• Leave them with an item that carries your scent, like a piece of clothing.

Conclusion

German Shepherds can be left alone with proper preparation, training, and care. Ensuring their mental and physical well-being during your absence is essential for their happiness and peace of mind.

By understanding their needs and implementing strategies to keep them engaged, you can foster a healthy and independent relationship with your loyal companion.