Some households with dogs are lucky enough to have someone at home for most of the day. For families with all adults working outside the home and school-aged children, dogs are often left alone for some or most of the day. This scenario is a typical routine for many households with dogs.
You can leave a German Shepherd alone for 8 hours. This statement applies to healthy adult dogs who don’t have any debilitating conditions. Exceptions would apply for dogs who are puppies, elderly, have health issues, have separation anxiety, or have a history of destructive behavior.
There are more factors to examine when it comes to leaving German Shepherds home alone than merely how long your dog can hold its poop and pee. In this article, we’ll go over both the physical and emotional effects to consider. We also have some suggestions for making the experience better for your four-legged family member.
Do Dogs Have A Sense Of Time?
Your dog waits for you to walk in the door from work around the same time daily. Yet, that same dog greets you excitedly when you leave for two minutes to get something from your car. The first suggests that dogs have a sense of time, while the second indicates the opposite.
Dogs cannot tell time. Instead, they can judge time using what they have learned from experiencing a routine. After seeing you come home from work every day for several days, a dog will come to expect it around a particular time of day. Going out to your car to get something is an isolated incident, so your dog is delighted when you’ve returned because he or she did not have any expectations about when you would be returning. (Source)
Having the routine of coming home at approximately the same time helps your dog relax a little during the day. He or she might nap peacefully until the time of your return draws near. If you come home at all different times of the day, then your dog might be anxiously waiting for you for hours until you arrive home.
Are German Shepherds Prone To Separation Anxiety?
German Shepherds are very susceptible to separation anxiety. The qualities you love about them the most, their loyalty, affection, and protectiveness, are the same things that cause them to miss their owners so much. This type of anxiety can also be triggered by moving to a new home, and changing your routine.
You can employ these tactics to help curb destructive behavior caused by the extreme stress of being separated from their pack:
- Do not give your German Shepherd extra attention for destructive behavior. Doing so will only enforce that the negative behavior will get the attention your dog is craving. Go out of your way to react as little as possible to such actions. Instead, be sure to give extra praise for good behavior.
- Help your German Shepherd become accustomed to being alone. Start by leaving your dog alone in another room while you’re in the house. Then try leaving your dog alone in your home for 15 minutes. Increase the time away each time you do this. Eventually, your German Shepherd will realize that you will return every time you leave the house. Although your dog will still miss you, their anxiety level will decrease.
- Help your German Shepherd associate your going with something positive. You can give your dog positive attention right before you head out the door. You can also provide them with a treat, a bone, or a toy they love as you leave.
How Else Does Being Alone Affect Your German Shepherd?
In addition to separation anxiety, being left alone at home for a large portion of the day has other physical and emotional effects on your German Shepherd. Some of these effects will differ depending on the size and age of your dog.
Having Accidents
Eight hours is a long time for a dog to hold their poop and pee. Puppies and smaller dogs have smaller bladders, so they cannot be expected to go as long as a larger adult dog without relieving themselves. A full-grown healthy middle-aged German Shepherd might be able to hold their pee for 10 to 12 hours. An elderly dog is unlikely able to wait as long as a younger adult dog. (Source)
The quantity of water your dog drinks will play a part in how long they can go without relieving themselves. You cannot deprive your dog of water all day long, especially in dry, hot climates. We’ll discuss some solutions to your dog having accidents while you’re at work later in this article.
Getting Bored
Just as with separation anxiety, German Shepherds can become destructive when they grow bored. It is essential to leave your dog in a safe place. If they display aggressive behavior due to boredom when left alone, there must be nothing around that could be harmful to them.
Ways To Keep Your German Shepherd Entertained
It is vital to keep your German Shepherd entertained while you are away at work. This dog is energetic and needs something to focus on besides missing his or her pack. Here are a handful of ideas to keep your dog occupied while they are alone:
- Make sure your dog has access to at least one window. Watching people, cars, birds, and squirrels outside is like television for dogs.
- Provide your dog with exciting toys. German Shepherds are very intelligent and enjoy keeping busy with puzzles, chew toys and balls.
Tips For Making Your Dog Happier While You’re At Work
Have Other Pets In The House
As a breed, German Shepherds are family-friendly. If your dog accepts other pets as part of its pack, then one or more additional pets will keep your dog from getting bored and lonely while you’re away. Once accepted, your German Shepherd should protect the other dogs and cats as members of its family.
Hearing The Sound Of Your Voice
With the help of technology, you can pop-in virtually to check on your German Shepherd throughout the workday. The treat-tossing Furbo Dog Camera has 2-way audio and allows you to see and talk to your dog. Hearing your voice and receiving a dog treat would undoubtedly brighten up your dog’s day.
Calming Treats
There are many options for over-the-counter calming treats for dogs that effectively ease your dog’s anxiety. They all should have specific instructions about doses based on your dog’s weight range. Since all dogs react differently to calming treats, it would be best to ask your veterinarian to recommend brands and dosages.
Hire A Dog Walker Or Sitter
If it fits in your household budget, you could consider hiring a dog walker. This option not only gives your German Shepherd a chance to relieve themselves, but it breaks up the sheer monotony of being alone in the house. If hiring a dog walker is not in the cards, you could always ask a responsible neighbor or family member to visit your dog, give him or her some positive attention, or go for a quick walk.
Indoor Dog Potty
If you think your dog is having a hard time holding their pee and poop for the duration of the time you’re away, consider setting up an indoor dog potty. It is harmful to demand that your German Shepherd hold it when your dog physically cannot. Having an approved place to relieve themself would reduce suffering and messes around your house. MEEXPAWS Dog Grass Pee Pads with Tray creators designed their product with large dogs in mind.
Final Thoughts
Adult German Shepherds can be left home alone for 8 hours. The exceptions would be elderly dogs and dogs with physical conditions that prevent them from holding their poop and pee for such a long time. There are easy strategies you can employ to help deal with separation anxiety and boredom. The most important thing is to maintain a safe environment for your dog while they are home alone.