Aren’t German Shepherds incredibly devoted and sociable with people? Their attachment goes to another level because of the bonding nature, they create with the owners. Although I am aware that you too adore your GSD, there is a lot of work to be done in this busy world, so you could be forced to leave them alone. The primary issue is whether will you be able to leave your GSD alone.
German Shepherds can leave alone but for a limited time. You can leave your pet alone for a maximum of 5 hours but it depends on their age. But you must never leave small puppies unattended for over an hour.
In case of an emergency or some urgent work, you may have to leave your canine friend alone as it is hard to stay with them all the time. This article will let you know the full information,
- How long German Shepherds be left alone?
- How can a GSD be left alone?
- How to keep them engaged when you are not at home?
- Cons and risks of letting your canine alone for an extended amount of time.
Let’s discuss the hot topics of this article in detail:
Table of Contents
How Long Can German Shepherds Be Left Alone?
No dog owner wanna their beloved pet to leave alone, they do so in case of any emergency or some urgent work. You should know how long is it safe to leave a GSD alone.
Age is the major factor that you should consider before going outside and leaving your canine alone. Your GSD puppy can survive without you for an hour, but adult dogs and senior dogs ought not to be left unattended for over five hours at a period.
However, well-trained dogs can adjust to this period very easily but leaving alone for a long time may be highly dangerous, especially for senior German Shepherds. They need special care at this point in age.
Let’s understand in detail, how long can you leave a GSD dog alone according to its age:
German Shepherd Puppies
German Shepherd puppies must not be alone for an extended amount of time. They are highly active by birth and need proper sleep of 12-14 hours daily.
The period to leave GSD puppies is a maximum of an hour. Because of their nature of activeness, they start jumping here and thereafter waking up maybe because of hunger. They can’t control their urine system and may piss anywhere.
To prevent such loss, you must always be available. When you’re not there, they can gnaw on anything that they manage to get into their teeth.
Follow the given table for better understanding as I have categorized them with their age and for how much time they can be left alone.
| Age | Leaving Period |
| 8-12 weeks | An hour |
| 2-3 months | 2 hours |
| 4-5 months | 3 hours |
| 5 months + | 4 hours |
GSD With Age 6 To 18 Months
At this life span, your GSD has learned some skills and now they have also become mature a bit.
If they have the right training, they could be left unattended for three hours. You should be aware not to leave your pet alone for a longer period.
Leaving a GSD for a longer period will affect your dog and can give birth to various unknown problems like they will start neglecting their food. They only need affection to want to be with them most of the time at this life stage.
Adult German Shepherd
As a dog owner, you must provide proper training to your pets when they become adults. They are well enough to be loyal to their owners and stay calm.
Adult German Shepherds can be left unattended for 4 hours. Leaving them alone longer won’t be a great idea. However, they are highly affectionate to one of the family members i.e their master. They follow their orders the most and do whatever they say. There is no such limit on how long a GSD can be left alone, though.
It depends on the owners, and in what condition they are leaving them. A dog must be familiar with the environment he/ she is leaving. They mustn’t be sick and well-trained. Remember not to leave them unattended for over 4 hours.
You are suggested to follow the AWA i.e Animal Welfare e act imposed by USDA Animal Care, a unit within the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
This animal welfare law is for the requirements concerning the transportation, sale, and handling of certain animals and includes restrictions on the importation of live dogs, the purpose of resale, etc.
Senior German Shepherds
Senior German Shepherd needs special care, especially those who have crossed the age of 9. Seniors should not live alone for an extended time, notably if they are ill. Aging may result in hip or elbow dysplasia, which may cause discomfort.
If you’re leaving your beloved German Shepherd breed alone, you need to think about how comfortable they’ll be. You may try the Bedsure Large Orthopedic Dog Bed for older dogs that will suit their hips and deal with discomfort. This Bedsure Large Orthopedic Dog Bed is for Large Dogs and has great reviews from customers. You will not regret it when you use it for your beloved dog.
Apart from this, your senior GSD may have some physical health issues or digestive issues as after certain age their digestive system weakens.
This is the time when you have to spend more time with senior German Shepherds. You should always monitor their health conditions and never let your pet alone for a longer time.
How TO Leave A German Shepherd Alone? When you are away!!
German Shepherd dogs are sociable creatures, so leaving them alone for over 4 hours is never a good idea. However, you might need to leave your dog behind in case of an emergency.
You should abide by the following advice when you abandon your pet alone:
- Your dog should be trained, you can try leaving them alone gradually.
- Make sure that the area is safe where they are left alone so that no dangers can affect them.
- When you leave your canine friend alone, you shouldn’t let them go hungry.
- Provide them with a favorable environment, like comfortable beds and crates.
- To keep them engaged, you may try providing them with some entertainment in the form of toys.
- Freshwater should be kept in front of them so they can drink whenever they feel thirsty.
- They should not get separation anxiety, it occurs mainly due to environmental change or longer time loneliness.
- Try to keep an eye on their physical activity with the help of the dog cameras you should put in your home.
What To Do If A German Shepherd Is Left Alone?
I also own a German Shepherd, and I still find it difficult to leave him alone. When you leave your GSD alone, you could experience guilt.
You want someone to look after your dog in your absence. You can invite some of your family to go with them while you’re gone to avoid any stress.
Look at some of the methods that you can use while not present at your home.
Hire Pet sitter
It’ll be the best option you have, in my opinion. Even if it won’t cost you much to hire a dog sitter, you won’t have to worry about anything anymore because they are professionals who can properly care for your pet while you’re far away and quickly form a deep bond.
Exercise your pet before leaving alone
You can make them feel your presence before leaving them alone. You can exercise your dog so that they remain disciplined. Exercise not only allows them to live a healthy life but also they remain energetic and happy.
Digital Platform
I think a digital platform is a suitable option to allow your dog to feel your presence. You may make a video call and talk to Your dog unless someone should be present to receive the call as GSD are not so trained that they can respond to your call.
WFH(Work from home)
Working from home may be one of the greatest ideas you can apply. If your GSD is a puppy then you can’t leave them alone and you can do work from home. This will not allow you to take proper care of them but you will also enjoy their cuteness.
Use of camera
Install a dog cam around your pet when you plan to be gone for an extended time and you start to worry about them.
This allows you to see your dog from anywhere and of course, you will also be able to see the dangers that can harm them.
How Can Your German Shepherd Be Happy While They Are Alone?
No dogs in this world want to remain alone, they also want company for happiness. There are various techniques by which your dog can remain happy.
Here are some of the interesting techniques that allow your dog to remain happy when you are away from them:
Providing Toys
I think providing some entertaining toys to your pet is one of the best techniques you can apply.
German Shepherds are energetic breeds that become bored if they are alone very easily. It is better to keep them engaged by providing some of the entertaining toys or chew toys that they like to play with within their crates.
Music
Music is another great option to keep your GSD happy and entertained when you are not with them.
You can play calming music either on TV or some music stereo so that they can feel the presence of someone and not get bored.
Remember not to play music on full sound, this will irritate your breed and they can become extremely restless also they may become afraid because of the loud volume.
Accompany By Other Dogs
Making friends is another great option to fill the loneliness. It can also be applied to your dog. They are highly loyal to their owners and if they become adults then it would be hard to make a buddy with another breed and share your love.
As soon as they are a year old, when they can accept another dog, it would be best for them to make companions.
Dog Sitter
The best option is in my opinion, hiring the best dog sitter does not allow you to be tense free but also provides special care in your absence.
They are professional and known to keep your dog entertained on the other hand they also provide special training to them.
Also Read: Why My German Shepherd Does Not Eat? Reasons, Precautions, And Cure, A complete guide!!!
What Can Happen When A German Shepherd Is Left Alone For Long periods?
I hope you have understood that your pet can’t be left unattended for long periods. If you leave your GSD alone for a longer period then it may give birth to various problems. I know no dog owners want to leave their breed alone but think about some type of emergency you face and leave your GSD alone unwillingly.
If your dog is left alone for over 4 hours this may result in hazards, however, there are proper guidelines for leaving dogs alone that we have discussed earlier.
Here are some of the things that can happen if you leave your dog for a longer time.
Discomfort and Restlessness
A German Shepherd dog may feel discomfort and restlessness when they live alone for a longer period. This may not sound like a big cause but it can give birth to severe problems.
Due to discomfort and restlessness, they may not get proper sleep, which may affect their feeding schedule. If they will not be able to eat proper food they will lose energy and may become ill.
Finally, this may not only ruin your dog’s health but being an owner you will also be affected.
Destructive behavior
If you are not present at your home then be ready to see the destructive action of your dog. They often chew the things that are kept in front of them whether it is wood, slipper, shoes, or any useful materials. oh, yeah! it will harm your pocket for sure.
You may feel distressed seeing your dog’s behavior, this is one of the common causes of separation anxiety.
Separation Anxiety
This is a serious concern your dog will face when left alone for over 4 hours. we call this type of major problem separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety happens because of surrounding change or the absence of owners for a longer period.
They may start dealing with some of the symptoms like excessive eating that may result in bloating, shortness of eating that may degrade their health, excessive barking, howling, or whining. You should not leave your dog for a long time and spend time with them to avoid such types of problems.
Boredom
This is one of the issues your GSD can face when left alone. There will be a behavior change, you have to notice.
If you ignore them or leave them for over 4 hours then they face this problem called boredom. Because of this they may avoid eating, will not be active, and last, they can degrade their health.
Again you should try to keep them engaged by providing some entertaining toys if you leave your canine alone for a limited period.
German Shepherds are highly active breeds and as an owner, and many dog owners like their cuteness and activeness. At the same point, you don’t want your GSD to suffer such types of problems that can occur due to loneliness.
Some serious problems can also occur, you should also know:
- Stomach Upset
- Depression
- Mental Disease
- Mental Stimulation
- Loneliness Phobia
You should spend as much time as you can and if you are going outside keep some responsible person that can take care of them.
Try a proper diet plan, you can also follow our article “Can German Shepherds Eat Raw Meat? A Complete Guide On A Raw Diet!!!”.
Where To Leave Your German Shepherd Alone?
When you have a crucial assignment to finish, you may undoubtedly need to leave your pet alone. But where will be the right place to keep them? whether to keep them outside or inside?
Let’s go into detail about it, including its benefits and drawbacks.
German Shepherds become familiar with the places where they live. When you keep them in a crate then they become habituated to living inside.
Undoubtedly, keeping them in a crate assures their safety, but what about their mental well-being? They may become frustrated if stay inside for a long time and there is no one to entertain them.
However, there are some benefits and drawbacks that you should know.
Advantages of Keeping German Shepherds Inside
- Looking from the safety point of view, when you keep your dog inside they feel safe as there are no dangers inside the home.
- They will not bark at strangers or any birds and your neighbor won’t be able to complain about the noise.
- You should provide proper training before leaving them inside so that they can’t run outside the home and can’t damage your essential things.
- If you are living outside the town or some wildlife area then it is safe for them to stay inside so that no wild animal can harm them. As they are protective and the best guard dog. They can also protect your home from outsiders.
Disadvantages Of Leaving German Shepherds Inside
Yeah! of course, there are some disadvantages too, so let’s take a quick look without wasting any time.
Damage to the products:
When your dog is a puppy, they tend to chew any products that they see in front of the most of the time and may damage your useful products more often.
You should try to give some chewing toys so that they can’t damage your products. Also, make sure to keep all the essential products away from them when you leave your pet alone inside your home.
Barking issue
If you are living in a limited area and have no such space as apartments then you may face this type of problem. Your neighbor may be annoyed because of the noise your dog will produce.
It’s obvious when your beloved German Shepherd will be alone for several hours then they become stressed and impatient and start barking. They should be comfortable and you should be sure to provide them with some entertaining toys that can keep them engaged and can’t miss you for the time you leave your little mate.
Advantages of leaving Outside
If you are living in a spacious area and have a backyard or garden then your dog should leave outside.
There are certain advantages that you should also know:
German Shepherd as a Guard
If A German Shepherd is well-trained and became self-reliant to stay in your backyard then it can play the role of a guard as well.
In your absence, they can protect your home from unwanted people.
Removes Any Health issues
Staying inside all the time is not good enough for your dog, they may face many health issues like mental issues, depression, heart disease, or any other.
If they spend their time outside they can walk whenever they want and their health will also get improved.
Freshness And Activeness
If your dog gets the proper training to stay outside, it will not only them get fresh air but they will remain active all the time.
You may take help from a professional that grooms your skills in staying outside and living a healthy life.
Disadvantages of Leaving Outside
Now you know the advantage that your pet can get if they live outside for some time, now let’s look at some of its disadvantages :
Bigger Area
If you keep a dog as a pet and leave it outside, you must have a larger space where it can roam freely.
One of the disadvantages is the area will not be big then they can’t play with full freedom and become frustrated.
You should think twice before leaving your GSD outside if you do have not sufficient area.
Destructive Behavior
We all know that German Shepherds are highly active and if they become stressed they may misbehave.
If you leave your furry friend in your garden for a long time then they might destroy the roots or mess up the garden because of their destructive actions.
They may eat toxic plants or fruits because of chewing behavior, you never want your dog to eat such fruits that can harm them.
It is better to provide proper training to your dog by professionals. Remember not to leave them unattended for over 4 hours.
Top Helpful tips to keep German Shepherd inside when you are away
If you are unable to keep your dog outside when you are not at home then the best option is to keep them inside.
The given tips will let you know the best way to keep them inside your home.
Provide spacious place
If you want your dog to be happy inside your home then make sure to provide a specious floor or any place where they can walk freely. They must be familiar with the place and it will allow them to enjoy themselves when they are alone.
Shutdown all the doors
You should be sure that all the doors and windows are properly shut down so that they can’t be able to go outside in your absence. Trying this technique will allow your dog to be safe when you are not present at home.
Provide comfortable crates
The crates where your beloved German Shepherd lives must be bigger in size and more comfortable. If the size of the crate is small then it may lead to discomfort or pain in their joints. In addition, you can provide them with some toys for entertainment.
Put Enough Food
If you are leaving your beloved German Shepherds for some time then it’s better to provide enough food so that they can eat when they are in hunger.
German Shepherds can be left safely inside your home in a variety of ways, therefore you should never leave them alone for long periods.
Final Thoughts:
German Shepherds are very energetic canines and cannot be left unattended for an extended period. It is our responsibility to provide them with a favorable environment and healthy life.
I hope you have understood why the German Shepherd can’t be left alone and what to do if left in case of emergency. By the way here is a quick recap:
- You shouldn’t leave GSD puppies for over an hour.
- No more than three hours should be spent alone with a middle-aged GSD.
- German Shepherd adults shouldn’t be left unattended for longer than 4 hours.
- Let them have a favorable environment, food, and fresh water in case you leave your GSD alone for some time.
- To keep them engaged, provide some amusing objects like toys, relaxing music, or TV.
- In addition to various health problems, leaving them for an extended amount of time might cause separation anxiety.
- You can appoint a dog sitter to take care of them in your absence.
Hope you enjoyed reading this post, stay tuned with us for more interesting info about German Shepherds. Till then Good Luck!!