What Every Owner Should Know About German Shepherd Separation Anxiety

Remember the first time you were away from your mother and felt a void, even as a child, and all you wanted to do back then was go back to her, until then you kept denying food, throwing things, and crying. Well, that’s a simple version of separation anxiety in dogs for you.
Especially in breeds like German Shepherd, which has a history of being herding dogs and living and working alongside humans. It’s their nature and instinct to always seek human company, and the absence of that can naturally make them feel overwhelmed. So, no, they are not throwing tantrums; they just can’t bear you leaving. Then what should you do in such a situation? Well, that is what we are going to figure out: learn how to identify separation anxiety and then know the right ways to deal with it.


No exact reason for why they have separation anxiety can be pinpointed, as different dogs are exposed to different situations and surroundings, and so the causes differ as well.

• For some, the reason could be the early separation from their mothers when they were puppies, especially separation before eight weeks could trigger separation anxiety.
• Abuse of a dog could also be one reason among many.
• Another could be a change of family.
• Abandonment or giving them away to dog shelters could also be behind the development of separation anxiety.
• A very simple and unnoticed reason could be frequently changing your dog’s daily routine, which makes it difficult for them to get used to and adapt to different situations, triggering anxiety.
• And one obvious reason could be overattachment to the owner.
• Absence of a family member could also trigger separation anxiety.

Being a pet parent is quite similar to being a toddler’s mom or dad; every day you try to decode their behaviour, their reactions, figuring out what they like, what they don’t, what triggers them, and what makes them happy. And this is one very important step that can forever make or break your relations, even with your dog. Because everything begins with understanding. When you start noticing more, you’ll eventually see how they react when you leave them alone, and what their behaviour pattern is when they are left without company. This will help you in finding ways, and the right ones, to help your dog deal with their anxiety.
Some common signs could be:

• Excessive barking
• Whining or howling
• Showing excessive aggression, like growling or biting
• Chewing, scratching, or other destructive behaviour
• Getting restless, pacing, or panting
• Trying to escape
• In some cases, self-destructive behaviour
• Refusing food or reduced appetite
• Lack of interest
• Hiding when they get overanxious

The signs can differ from dog to dog, as some are more sensitive than others. So, it is important to understand how your German Shepherd reacts in order to help them out. For that, you’ll have to notice their behaviour and reactions carefully and identify the patterns.


After you have tracked the cause and identified the signs, it becomes a lot easier to help your dogs cope with separation anxiety. All you have to do is work on eliminating the causes, working on their behaviour, and establishing trust while giving them endless love.
Some steps that you can follow are:

• Establish a daily routine - It is very important for both you and your dog to have a fixed daily routine. This helps them get prepared as they know what’s coming next. This also helps them adapt to their surroundings and react or get anxious less, as they are well aware of everything in advance. So, make sure you feed and walk them at the same time every day, and you leave and come back at the same time too.
• Don’t change their routine abruptly or suddenly - Even if there is a need to change their routine, take it slow. Because trust me, no one likes abrupt surprise. So, don’t change anything about their daily routine suddenly. Give them time, bring in changes slowly, and let them adjust and adapt at their own pace. Be patient.
• Encourage them to spend time alone - As much as German shepherds are known to be clingy and always wanting a human presence, teach them slowly how to be alone. Make being alone a normal thing for them and not something to stress about or fear from. Also, start leaving them alone for a shorter duration first and gradually increase the time; this will help them adjust to being alone better.
• Don’t leave them to get bored - Leave chewing toys, other things to play with, and food and stuff to do for them. The more they don’t know what to do when alone, the more anxious they’ll get. So give them something to be busy with until you return.
• Make sure they exercise a lot - this is important as exercise is a key to not only a healthy body but a healthy mind too. Make sure they have had plenty of exercise before you leave, it’ll help them manage their anxiety and stress. Since they are a breed with high energy, this will also exhaust them a little, leaving them in a much peaceful state.
• Crate training - This could be started since a very early age, as with time they’ll see their crate as a safe space to be and slowly learn to be alone knowing that you will return soon. But it is important that the crate is never used as a punishment, as it might backfire, making them more anxious.
• Dog day care or pet sitter - if your dog loves being around or playing with other dogs, then dog day care could be a lifesaver for you. This will keep them not only occupied but happy, too. And if they can’t be without company at all, then pet sitters are an option to consider, too.
• Never make a big deal when you leave them or come back home. Being emotional or crying when leaving can actually make them vulnerable.
• Get help from a behaviourist or any professional - if your dog is excessively depressed and nothing works out for him, well, then it’s time you took help too. Seek a professional or a behaviourist to help your dog out.
• Medication and natural supplements - these should be the last resort and should only be considered in severe and extreme cases and should only be administered under the advice of a veterinarian.

Separation anxiety in dogs affects not only the pets but the pet parents, too. It wreaks havoc in both the lives and so it is important to understand your fur buddies and help them out. Because they can’t help themselves, but they trust their lives with you. So don’t ignore their repeated behaviour as mere tantrums; always be careful and notice and try to identify the reason behind any continuous behaviour or reaction.
Ultimately, all they’ll ever need and ask for is your love. So let them have it, let them feel it. Say the "I love Yous" but not with words, rather with gestures.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can separation anxiety start at a later stage in German Shepheard?
   Yes, it can. Losing a loved one or changing home could be some of the reasons behind it.
2. How to identify if the destructive behaviour is due to boredom or due to separation anxiety?
   Notice other signs. Anxiety brings in pacing around the house, excessive barking or aggression and other signs too and it occurs mostly when you are going out or leaving them alone.
3. Should I use a crate if they have anxiety?
   Yes, but only if they feel safe and comfortable in it, not as a punishment.
4. Can getting a second dog help my dog with separation anxiety?
   It might, as it depends on the condition of the dog, for mild cases it is easier to help with a little training, and, for severe cases professional assistance is needed, but giving them a company can always be a good option.