If you’re considering bringing a German Shorthair into your life, one question that usually comes to mind is, “can they be left alone?” After all, as much as we want our furry friends to be with us at all times, that’s just not realistic – sometimes, we have to run errands and can’t take them with us.
So, can German Shorthairs be left alone? The answer is yes – but only for short periods of time, ideally 3 hours. German Shorthairs are very social animals and love being around their humans, so leaving them alone for too long can cause distress, boredom, and separation anxiety.
In this article, we’ll discuss what you can do to make sure your German Shorthair is comfortable when left alone and how you can prevent separation anxiety.
Let’s dive in!
Can German Shorthair Be Left Alone: At a Glance
In short, yes, German Shorthairs can be left alone – but only for short periods of time.
When it comes to leaving your German Shorthair alone, the main rule of thumb is that they should never be left alone for more than 3-4 hours at a time. This is because German Shorthairs are highly social animals, and they may suffer from boredom, stress, or separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long.
Additionally, if you have a young puppy, they should never be left alone for more than an hour or two. Puppies are curious and easily distracted, which means they may get into trouble if you’re not there to watch them. Plus, their demanding needs – such as regular potty breaks – require constant supervision.
If you’re going to be away for more than 3-4 hours, you should make arrangements for someone else to come and check on your pup or find a pet sitter who can stay with them until you get back home.
Table: How Long Can a German Pointer Be Left Alone
Here’s a quick table showing how long you can leave your German Pointer alone depending on their age:
| Age | Acceptable Time Alone |
| 8-10 weeks | 1 hour |
| 10-12 weeks | 2 hours |
| 3 months | 3 hours |
| 6 months+ | 6 hours |
How To Make Sure Your German Shorthair Is Comfortable When Left Alone
It’s natural to worry about whether or not your German Shorthair will be okay when you leave them alone. To make sure they are comfortable and safe when left alone, here are some things that you can do:
Exercise Your Dog Before You Leave
Exercising your German Shorthair is a great way to make sure they are comfortable when left alone. Exercise helps tire them out, so they are more likely to nap while you’re gone. An added bonus? When you come home, they’ll be ready and waiting for playtime!
Ideally, you should exercise your German Shorthair for at least 30 minutes each day. This can include playing fetch in the park, going for a run around the block, or even just taking them on a stroll around the neighborhood. Not only will these activities tire them out physically – they’ll also give them mental stimulation as well.
When it comes to exercising your German Shorthair, timing is key. Give yourself plenty of time so that your pup gets the most benefit from the activity – if you leave too soon after exercising, they may still be amped up and not want to rest like you want them to.
Provide Your Dog With Toys
Toys are a dog’s best friend! Not only do toys provide mental stimulation and physical exercise, but they’re also a great way to ensure your German Shorthair is comfortable when left alone. Toys can help to keep them occupied and distracted, which can help prevent separation anxiety and boredom.
When it comes to choosing the right toy for your pup, consider their age, size, and activity level. If you have a young puppy, go for interactive toys that require them to think and solve puzzles – this will keep their minds engaged while they’re alone. For adult dogs, look for durable chew toys or food puzzles that encourage natural behaviors like chewing and searching.
You may also want to rotate out your GSP’s toys from time to time, so they don’t get bored with the same ones over and over again. This is especially important if you have an older GSP who needs extra mental stimulation due to age-related cognitive decline (a condition known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome).
Create A Safe and Comfortable Space
Make sure your German Shorthair has a safe and comfortable area to rest when you have to leave them alone. Put their bed in a quiet corner of the house, away from any noisy appliances or doors that can startle them. Make sure it’s filled with blankets and pillows, so they feel cozy and relaxed while they’re alone.
If you have a crate for your GSP, make sure it’s well-ventilated and big enough for them to turn around in. If they start barking or whining when left alone in the crate, this may be a sign of separation anxiety – if that’s the case, you may want to consider finding a pet sitter who can stay with your pup while you’re away.
It’s also important to make sure that your German Shorthair has access to fresh water and food when they are left alone. Place their bowls in an easily accessible area so they don’t have to climb or stretch too far to get their meals.
Reduce Your Goodbyes
When it’s time to leave, make sure you don’t linger and say goodbye for too long. Long, drawn-out goodbyes can make your GSP anxious and stressed, which increases their chances of developing separation anxiety when left alone.
Instead of making a big show out of leaving, it’s important to try to be as casual and nonchalant as possible. This can help your German Shorthair stay calm and relaxed when left alone. Give them a quick pat on the head and tell them you’ll be back soon – then go about your business.
If your German Shorthair does suffer from separation anxiety, it’s important to talk to a professional trainer or behaviorist. They can help provide you with tips and tricks on how to manage the situation and make sure your pup is comfortable when left alone.
Schedule a Playdate
If you’re away from your German Shorthair for extended periods of time, it may be a good idea to schedule regular playdates with other dogs. This not only gives them something to look forward to when you’re gone, but also helps wear out any pent-up energy that can lead to destructive behavior if left unchecked.
Playdates provide companionship and exercise for your pup, something that they may not get when left alone. Not only will they have someone to interact with, but they’ll also have an outlet for their energy and enthusiasm. This can help ensure that they stay calm and relaxed while you’re gone instead of getting anxious or destructive.
When setting up a playdate, make sure you choose the right breed of dog for your GSP. German Shorthairs are known for being friendly and social animals, so it’s important to find another pup who has similar traits.
Conclusion
So, can a German Shorthair be left alone? The answer is yes – they can! However, make sure not to leave them alone for over 4 hours and take the necessary precautions to ensure that their environment is comfortable and safe.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your German Shorthair is comfortable and content when left alone. This way, both of you can enjoy some peace and quiet away from each other!
