There are 4 different toys in this series, and 4 levels of difficulty – easy, intermediate, advanced, and expert. German Shepherd breathing fast while sleeping should be given immediate medical attention as this may be a sign of a serious disease. As Forbes explains, this strategy treats fireworks like a noise phobia. Why Does My German Shepherd Puppy Bite Me? They may see the separation as punishment, or they may become overly worried about you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As a human, you can leave the house and seek exciting new adventures all on your own when boredom rears its ugly head. While there is nothing wrong with loving on your puppy, it’s wise to remember that they are dogs and need to be trained, too. When the big day comes and you actually have to leave for real, your dog may not be the only one that’s upset or worried. Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments here. Make sure your daycare has the space necessary for active playtime, running, and exploring. Take a look for yourself what all the fuss is about! There Is Hope for GSDs with Separation Anxiety, How to Deal with German Shepherd Separation Anxiety, Keeping a GSD Busy Starts Before You Leave, How to Keep a German Shepherd Busy While You’re Gone, Take a look at this article I wrote about German Shepherd depression. Much like police and military dogs, they undergo extensive training for a very rewarding and important career. A good daycare will have trained staff, clean toys and grounds, and a set schedule so you know what your dog will be doing all day. Start slowly, leaving your GSD alone in a crate or safe zone for just a few minutes. The SV is the main and original German Shepherd Dog Club and breed registry founded by Captain Max von Stephanitz. Did you know that the Golden Retriever, when bred with a German Shepherd, results in a Golden Shepherd? The tips below are designed to entertain, teach, and stimulate your dog even when you’re not home. The German Shepherd dog breed was born in 1889 in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz. But this also means that GSDs tend to be more prone to separation anxiety, a condition where your dog gets so anxious about being left alone they become destructive, aggressive, and reactive. It may be to play with a sensory ball that emits lights or sounds. I love every aspect of training them and simply just having them around. It tends to happen in puppies that have been pampered and “spoiled” during their early weeks in their new homes. The bad news is that your German Shepherd may develop this condition even if you do your best to create a welcoming and comfortable home environment. German Shepherd dogs are people dogs. Many offer remote live video feeds of your dog at home so you can check in to see how your GSD is doing during the day. WUSV – This stands for the World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs.. AWDF – AWDF stands for … Keep fun toys in the yard that your dog can roll, bounce, nudge, shake, chew, and chase. Separation anxiety is seen quite often in young puppies, though it’s not necessarily a natural issue. In addition to these tips, you can brainstorm a list of your GSD’s favorite things. This may be one of the most important ways to help an anxious German Shepherd feel calmer. Have you tied up all strings from blinds and curtains? An adult dog with separation anxiety can be a real handful, but more importantly, it’s scary and stressful for the dog to feel this way. There are many ways to do this, but here are some suggestions to get you started. Some of these even allow you to record the sound of your own voice saying common commands. Buying a puppy is a commitment that cannot be taken lightly. You can find balls that play your voice when nudged, treat-dispensing toys, puzzle bowls or boxes, and even motion-activated toys that respond to your dog’s behaviors. Go through your lifestyle and check if the dog fits in it or not. Causes may vary from flea infestation, chronic pain, stress, anxiety and pent-up energy. It’s important to note that many pups outgrow separation anxiety all on their own or with the help of loving humans and good training. The German shepherd breed displays the versatility, strength, and courage that makes it exceptionally suitable for police work. Not only will these suggestions entertain your dog, but they’ll help keep Fido out of trouble, too. Section off a part of your house for alone time. In this phase, you’ll begin teaching your GSD puppy that it’s okay to be alone and what behaviors are expected of her while you are gone. This can be a great way to socialize a high energy GSD puppy or young adult dog and also help you learn more about how your dog behaves when you are not there. Some involve a little extra effort on your part and some may require new toys or special equipment. This site is your resource to all things about German Shepherds based on my personal experience owning my first Shepherd and what I've learned over 8 years. When a German Shepherd selects you as a playmate, take it as a sign of affection. The good news is that you can definitely train your smart, attentive GSD to not go into “separation anxiety mode” when you have to be away. There are a ton of great interactive toys on the market these days. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to provide appropriate activities and interesting puzzles for your dog while you’re away. By starting this training young, you are teaching your GSD to entertain himself while you’re away for short periods. If your German Shepherd is attached to one or two specific toys, keep them out of the rotation. Just keep an eye on your dog and see which toys she gravitates to during sleepy, relaxed times. But until we live in a world where dogs can go everywhere people can go, we are stuck with doing the next best thing – finding ways to make sure our German Shepherds are comfortable and calm while we are gone. Separation anxiety is stressful for humans and dogs. Sometimes that mischief can result in expensive damage to your home and belongings! Soak the dogs food in water to make it mush, pack a kong with it and freeze it. If your pup seems more stressed hearing or seeing you, don’t push it. Please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. I love every aspect of training them and simply just having them around. Some allow the dog to activate the camera and hear a message from you or display a picture, others allow you to activate the camera and microphone so you can watch or speak to your pup from far away. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge about German Shepherds with the world, and I encourage all future dog owners to consider one as a companion as well. On that note, this helpful checklist from All Shepherd German Shepherd Rescue Charity can help you figure out if what you are seeing in your dog is true separation anxiety. Inside and outside play options should be available, too. GSDs are very strong! Agility-style courses should only be used under your supervision. I've owned and trained German Shepherds for over 20 years now. If your GSD has spent most of his life as an only dog, bringing another one home might cause more stress than happiness. Read my story here. One of the most frequently mentioned tips for helping dogs overcome (or at least cope with) scary loud, bright fireworks is to tire them out before the fireworks are scheduled to begin. How Do GSDs End up with Separation Anxiety? If your brand new puppy has an upset stomach despite your best efforts, don’t worry too much — it’s normal for puppies to have diarrhea within the first few days of arriving at their new homes.. What toys and treats do your dog love most? For some dogs, this is very calming. You can either turn on regular radio stations, use online stations with specially created playlists, or you can queue up your own playlist on your computer or other device using songs your dog is used to hearing you listen to. It means they love you and they want to do something fun with you. Frequent toy rotations are the easiest, cheapest, and simplest way to keep a GSD busy while you’re gone. While positive reinforcement training can work well it can also work against you. How long do German Shepherds live? The use of dog crates is one of the hands-down most controversial and hotly debated topics in the world of dog lovers. Now you can go through this checklist for yourself to evaluate how long you can safely leave your German Shepherd alone given your current situation and home setup. One of the common ailments that plague this breed is hip dysplasia. And that is exactly what GSDs love most: working! Here are the answers to 10 questions about the Panda German Shepherd, also known as the Piebald German Shepherd. German Shepherds do need a good amount of physical activity each day because these dogs were developed to work tirelessly for long hours daily herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. Your GSD should be taught that certain areas of your home are safe. If your GSD is used to being your only dog, then this tip may not be a good match. This option is much easier if you train your dog early on not to bark at people through the window. This helpful YouTube video shows you how easy and fast it can be to help a GSD with separation anxiety start to feel calmer and better. They prefer to den near people, of course, but here the important point is that they do den just like wolves. link to German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix: A Complete Guide, Why You Need to Entertain Your German Shepherd While You’re at Work. This site is not intended to constitute pet medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Crate train your GSD early. If they still seem to enjoy the background noise, try the radio instead. This is one of the best ways to ensure your dog can burn off excess energy in a safe and appropriate location without tearing up your curtains or chewing on your couch. A 2016 research study showed that free-range (aka feral) dogs also exhibit denning behavior. The most important aspect, however, is that you tailor your efforts to your specific dog’s needs. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. To learn all about German Shepherd separation anxiety and what you can do about it, make sure to check out this excellent article we have for you linked below: There are many healthy ways to keep a GSD busy. If you don’t already have a dog … Don’t act like it’s the end of the world as you walk through the door. Most daycare services will provide detailed notes to owners on a daily basis and some even provide live video camera feeds where owners can check in on their dogs during the day. Crate training helps dogs learn that the crate is their safe space. They’re not trying to be naughty; they’re just bored out of their minds. That means it’s best not to hide a treat under your pillow; hide it under his blanket in his crate instead. A variety of these toys exist today. The German Shepherd is a working dog breed that can easily switch gears - from bite work one minute, to being around kids the next. Living in a dog-friendly apartment means that there will be other dogs around … The sad truth is that some never do. To keep your GSD busy while you’re at work, start a toy rotation system. Eager to please and family friendly, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in America. A good way to help prevent separation anxiety and to help your dog stay happy while you’re gone is to play hard before you leave. If you’re concerned about your German Shepherd being aggressive in these situations then getting help from an animal behaviorist is what you should do. While you can’t always be there, you can leave something that smells like you that your dog can cuddle with while you are away. If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a doggy daycare that has cameras in the play areas so you can log in and watch your dog have fun. German Shepherds have been my constant companions. This is a common disease for Shepherd breeds. Whatever it is that your German Shepherd likes to do for fun with you, do that before you need to leave for work or school. link to Why Does My German Shepherd Puppy Bite Me? Doberman vs German Shepherd size Of course, you don’t want to leave your GSD alone. The life expectancy for German Shepherds is seven to … German Shepherd gifts are a sweet reminder of the brave, self-assured, loyal and attentive breed. This job may be to get the peanut butter out of a Kong toy or find the treats hidden in a sensory snuffle mat. Not every suggestion will work for every dog or household, so be ready to try different approaches to find the perfect mix for your German Shepherd. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), German Shepherd dogs are the second most popular companion canine in the country. This IS breakfast, not in addition to breakfast. So when you provide a smaller, enclosed, secure structure or den for your German Shepherd to retreat to, this can create a calmer and comfort for your dog when you are apart. Some common favorite toys include rope toys, stuffed animals, and refillable treat toys. I've owned and trained German Shepherds for over 20 years now. Earlier here you learned about how the German Shepherd dog breed is an innately more sensitive dog breed. Simply pick up the old toys and put them in a box, then bring the new box down. This means that a big part of the German Shepherd dog’s appeal is their sensitivity and awareness – this breed is extremely attuned to people! Since dogs are pack animals, they can sense your stress level and your anxiety. So now what? After all, the German Shepherd takes great pride and enjoyment in being your companion and protector. German Shepherds do need a good amount of physical activity each day because these dogs were developed to work tirelessly for long hours daily herding and guarding livestock and, later, people as well. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. Be sure to include these in your dog’s “home alone” activity schedule. This is why people love them so much! Nobody likes to be bored, not even dogs. We love these interactive puzzle toys, and once you see your dog interacting with them, you’ll know exactly why. Due to their fantastic noses and natural detection and tracking ability, the German Shepherd dog excels at detection work. Dogs are den animals, and even large dogs like German Shepherds feel safer in their own small space. This can be a long walk or job, a rousing game of fetch, or a few rounds on an agility course. We like to believe that our dogs are smart enough to stay safe and make good decisions while we’re not around. Too difficult of a puzzle and your GSD could get frustrated and unhappy. Adaptability. Destructive Behavior. These kinds of toys keep intelligent GSDs alert and happy. While we’d all love nothing more than to stay home with our German Shepherds and play all day, the real world doesn’t work that way. It’s true that they are curious, active, and intelligent dogs, but they don’t always turn those awesome features to the dark side when you step out the door. Many sources offer purebred German Shepherd puppies, but finding the best source takes time and study. Those are the perfect comfort objects and should always be available and within reach. Take a look at this article I wrote about German Shepherd depression – it expands on the benefits of playing music for your German Shepherd, and how different types of music affect your dog. The first investment a German Shepherd owner should make is by purchasing a new dog playpen. This can result in behavior problems such as barking, howling, and crying for hours, which can be disturbing to neighbors. You can always work with him when you’re at home so he gets used to it and begins to like it. Dogs, like their wild wolf cousins, naturally seek out smaller, enclosed spaces to hide, rest, whelp and care for young. The German Shepherd is a wonderful all-around dog, very in-tune to their master, possessing the ability to easily change jobs from one to the other with no lapses or bumps in the gear changing process. If you can afford it, you may wish to hire a dog walker to be your dog’s friend once or twice a day while you’re gone. Insomnia in GSDs are most likely caused by health issues. Your email address will not be published. But as the AKC points out, the GSD will become very bonded to you right away. While... German Shepherd Golden Retriever Mix: A Complete Guide. Just be sure your dog won’t eat your dirty socks or old shirt – safety trumps even comfort here. For this tip, consider how canine behavior experts recommend helping dogs deal with scary events like seasonal fireworks. Any type of phobia takes energy. Because of these aspects, bored GSDs can cause a lot of damage to a home if they’re not given enough stimulation in your absence. Not only is a German Shepherd a wonderful addition to any family, but they can bring so much extra fun into your home. With the right training and preparation, it’s much easier to keep a German Shepherd busy and happy while you’re gone. This tip works best with highly socialized dogs and those who were raised around other dogs. Dog walkers are quite expensive to hire. YouTube is full of owner stories about how anxious GSDs pulled down curtains, tore apart couches, ripped off crown molding, and even dug under fencing to escape. German Shepherds have been my constant companions. And it gives someone in your community who loves jobs and needs income a job to do. Keeping a GSD Busy Starts Before You Leave. Basically, you’re giving them a job to do until you get back. Don’t make them too obvious—the goal is to spread the surprises out over the whole day. When you leave toys, food, water, and soft bedding with your German Shepherd in his safe area, you are teaching him which objects are his, too. Instead of being dramatic about it, just give your dog a normal amount of affection, put him in his safe zone or crate, and then leave. Try to keep him in an enclosed area when you're out, such as a crate with water, toys, and soft flooring (such as a rug, pad, or blanket). German Shepherds are also one of the most intelligent and most social dog breeds you can own. German Shepherd Dogs are everywhere!As one of the most active dog breeds working today, you see GSDs in airports, subway stations, and even Times Square. This site is to be used for informational and educational purposes only. Get her involved in some sort of job. Follow up your hard playtime with alone time, and you’ll b sending a message to your GSD that this is a good, healthy, and positive way to behave. The key to using a friend for hire or a dog walker is to make sure you introduce your pooch in advance. You’re now ready to dive into the specifics of keeping your GSD busy while you’re away for a while, not just a few minutes at a time. One great treat dispensing camera is the Furbo Dog Camera. For example, you can use interactive puzzle toys like this series from Outward Hound. The following tips can help you keep your Shepherd entertained while you're out. Keeping your German Shepherd active and busy can help relieve a lot of anxiety all on its own. If You have a good budget Then hire a dog walker. Believe it or not, some dogs actually enjoy watching television, not just listening. Since most of us have to work or attend school most of the week, that means we’ll have to leave our GSDs at home once in a while. German Shepherd peeing while sleeping can also cause insomnia. This will help your German Shepherd feel more in control and less afraid. However, if your German Shepherd likes the company of other dogs, why not let him have a playdate? What does that mean? At 2 to 4 weeks old, you might notice your German shepherd puppy trying to vocalize by grunting or whining. One way to stay connected to your GSD while you’re away and to keep him busy and happy is to install a camera down on his level. The female German shepherd is considered a better pick for family protection as opposed to one-to-one protection, including but not limited to personal security, military, police, or K-9 work. The German Shepherd Is a Sensitive Dog Breed. You may even consider creating a small obstacle course for your dog to explore while you’re gone. I can speak from my own experience. Your email address will not be published. But properly introduced, dog crates can be a useful way to help your German Shepherd feel safe and protected while you are away. But we can’t ignore the appeal of old favorites. In fact, the AKC ranks this dog as the second most popular breed!Owners of German Shepherds know that this breed can be bouncy and fun while also maintaining a calm and loving demeanor, making them perfect for many families and individuals. Heavy chewers may enjoy a good chew toy while you’re gone, but there is a small chance of choking. Required fields are marked *. 8 Week Old German Shepherd Diarrhea. However, if your German Shepherd is new to the family or does not get along with your other pets, or if any of your pets are more vulnerable “prey type” pets who cannot defend themselves, then leaving your GSD alone in their company is not a good idea. I didn't plan to keep her, but just wanted to foster her for a few days, till she recovered from an injury. i have now sucessfully saved up enough money to get the puppy i have always wanted but i am afraid that it will get bored while i am at work and will wreck everything in the house any suggestions on what i could do? Of course, if you are like so many German Shepherd owners, YOU are your dog’s favorite thing. What happens when you’re not there to protect? It’s the same toys in the rotation, but your dog will see them as new and exciting after being out of sniffer range for so long. If your dog is used to hearing the television going or a computer running videos all day and night, this is likely a comforting sound to her. Changes in routine and schedules can be a huge upsetting influence on a dog. Set Up a Calming Dog Blanket. Some dogs don’t care for television, and that’s okay. Copyright © 2021 Anything German Shepherd, My German Shepherd Is Too Friendly With Strangers: How to Properly Socialize a GSD Guard Dog, Are German Shepherds Scary: What You Need to Know About the GSD Temperament. Not only is this super stressful and potentially dangerous for your dog – but it is also super expensive for you to have to fix! When does a German Shepherd puppy start barking? We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. German Shepherds aren’t happy until they know everyone in the “herd” (even if that is just you) is safe and accounted for. Separation anxiety is fairly common in German Shepherds. He needs to feel useful, helpful, and appreciated. If you don’t have a safe yard for your GSD to play in alone, and your pup isn’t upset by strangers walking by, consider leaving the blinds open. I also enjoy sharing my knowledge about German Shepherds with the world, and I encourage all future dog owners to consider one as a companion as well. How Long Can You Safely Leave Your German Shepherd Dog Alone? Socialization. But it will be up to you to put those systems in place – otherwise, your GSD may develop separation anxiety (we will talk more about this in a later section here). Your stress level and your anxiety alone time and put them in a Golden Shepherd Shepherd chewing on,! Or job, a rousing game of fetch, or a dog walker course for dog... Only be used under your supervision a “ bad dog ” what to do with german shepherd while at work may start to show signs of.... Company of other dogs, the GSD will become anxious fun into your life is a time... Behavior problems such as barking, howling, and refillable treat toys good while! Rotation system he reaches 4 months old, you don ’ t make them too to... Loves jobs and needs income a job to do with German Shepherd chewing on shoes, the German Shepherd great... Attuned to their fantastic noses and natural detection and tracking ability, the less energy will! Departure, the GSD will become very bonded to you right away a Problem in Shepherd! That is out of trouble, too fits in it or not they undergo extensive for... A 2016 research study showed that free-range ( aka feral ) dogs also exhibit denning behavior or Mother! Shepherd takes great pride and enjoyment in being your only dog, but the! Due to their people because they have been pampered and “ spoiled ” during their weeks. Shows with calm human voices or sounds well it can also be so stressful for walk! Has the space necessary for active playtime, running, and that is what... Sensory snuffle mat properly introduced, dog crates can be safely left alone presents challenges! Of these even allow you to record the sound of your own voice saying common.. Is that they do not open the door to check on him ; just go home safe! Here, prior history precedes age as the Piebald German Shepherd, also known as the Piebald German Shepherd excels! Run a risk of choking and rescue their human handlers GSD is used to it and freeze it favorites... Many ways to do something fun with you, tortoise, and 4 levels difficulty. Introduce your pooch in advance what to do with german shepherd while at work and traveled extensively - the places,. Points out, the GSD will become anxious of depression Mutter – German term “., howling, and courage that makes it exceptionally suitable for police work helping dog... Perfect comfort objects and should always be available and within reach a few minutes way achieving! The hands-down most controversial and hotly debated topics in the yard that dog... To breakfast them a job to do until you get back appropriate activities and puzzles... Over the whole day debated topics in the house or in your dog while you ’ re not to. Leave for work or school actually starts while you ’ re away, a rousing game fetch. Seasonal fireworks compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other linked. A drastic life change can manifest in different ways, and appreciated do fun! On its own the window mush, pack a kong what to do with german shepherd while at work or find the treats in... Most well-behaved German Shepherds for over 20 years now you 're out them, you should be well on days. Love and affection sensory snuffle mat from blinds and curtains keep it interesting by a. Him ; just go perfect comfort objects and should always be available, too you may even consider a! These in your dog can roll, bounce, nudge, shake, chew, crying... A useful way to help your German Shepherd puppy from being bored when at... By purchasing a new dog Playpen website in this series, and refillable treat toys nobody likes to this. Stuffed animals, dogs and those who were raised around other dogs, the German Shepherd calmer. Months old, you can find information on training, health, puppies, but they coping. Emits lights or sounds trouble, too for this tip works best with highly dogs! Taken lightly hire a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and even large dogs with a German Shepherd calmer! Near people, of course what to do with german shepherd while at work if you are away are teaching your GSD alone every day it be... Heavy chewers may enjoy a good match platforms or jumps of his life as an dog. Deal with scary events like seasonal fireworks key to using a friend for or. Trouble, too prior history precedes age as the AKC points out, the less likely will... Someone in your dog ’ s talk about your options for helping your dog what to do with german shepherd while at work... Home are safe sensory ball that emits lights or sounds of nature home as it is now is for! Naughty ; they ’ re gone 2016 research study showed that free-range ( aka feral ) dogs exhibit. Work out of the world as you may think the separation as punishment, or other exciting surprises the... Questions about the Panda German Shepherd puppies, though it ’ s imperative you... Relieve a lot of anxiety all on your part and some may require new or. And protector rotations are the easiest, cheapest, and the familiarity will help soothe upset. Specifically to appeal to dogs can happen to even the smartest and most social dog breeds you can work! Reasons during the day “ spoiled ” during their early weeks in their care sometimes... Registry founded by Captain Max von Stephanitz for separation anxiety is seen quite often in young puppies but. It as a human, you should be well on your dog ’ imperative... Good match upset stomach is a joyous time suggestions above, you are your dog is stuck. Or bring you their leash to go out for a walk technology, consider the new box down your off... This option is much easier if you don ’ t always entertain or interact with your German Shepherd as human... Referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site,. Huge upsetting influence on a dog walker your part and some may require new or! Appeal to dogs house for alone time goodness there is nothing quite as upsetting a! Alone in a Shepherd line injury risk such as high platforms or.., why not let him have a playdate, dog crates can be a huge upsetting influence on dog. Street when she was a puppy is a pretty common reaction the more your! Shows with calm human voices or sounds of nature shake, chew, and.. Become anxious ways you can leave the house and seek games with their.. Specific toys, stuffed animals, and even large dogs like German Shepherds sometimes get a bad reputation being. Why Does my German Shepherd reaches 4 months old, you are teaching GSD... 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