German Shepherds are one of the most cherished dog breeds worldwide. In fact, they consistently rank as one of the most popular dog breeds, and surprisingly, they are also one of most common pets found in shelters, which shows that even the most devoted pets can face challenges. Like people, German Shepherds have emotional needs, and when these aren’t met, loneliness can affect their behavior and overall well-being. That’s why recognizing the signs of loneliness in German Shepherds is key to keeping your furry companion happy and healthy. So how can you tell if your German Shepherd is lonely? Read on to see what dog trainers and veterinarians reveal as common indicators of GSD loneliness.

“German Shepherds are seriously one of the best all-around dogs out there,” says Krissy Spero, a dog trainer with The Dog Wizard Upstate. “They’re smart, loyal and totally devoted to their humans. These dogs love having a job to do, whether that’s protecting their home, following you around the house or just being your hiking or walking buddy.” She adds that they especially make great pets for families. “They bond deeply with their families and always want to be part of the fun,” Spero shares. “A well-trained GSD is confident, gentle and eager to please—basically the perfect mix of brains, muscle and heart.”

However, knowing what these big dogs are feeling and communicating can be hard for pet parents. That’s where paying attention to their body language, daily behavior and subtle cues comes in, as these signs can reveal whether your your German Shepherd is lonely, anxious, or simply in need of more social interaction. By learning to spot these signs of loneliness in German Shepherds, you can ensure your dog stays emotionally healthy, socially fulfilled and connected to their family.

Related: The #1 Sign a Dog Will Be a Good Protector or Not, Says a Trainer

How Social Are German Shepherds?

German Shepherds are known not only for their intelligence and loyalty, but also for their social nature, making it important for pet parents to understand how their GSDs interact with people, other dogs and new environments. “GSDs are extremely social,” Spero says. “They live for connection and love being included in whatever’s going on.” Though, because of their strong bond with family members, German Shepherds can become lonely or anxious if they’re left isolated for long periods, which is why social interaction is critical for their emotional well-being.

While German Shepherds can provide a lifetime of laughs, Spero notes that strangers often get their more “serious” side. “Many GSDs are naturally protective and a little reserved until they get to know someone or see that they are not a threat to their family,” Spero says. “With good socialization from a young age, they usually do great with other dogs and new faces.”

Additionally, Dr. Liza Cahn, DVM, a veterinary consultant with Embrace Pet Insurance, shares that the German Shepherd’s high intelligence, energy and focus can lead to boredom—and even loneliness—if they aren’t given enough mental stimulation and exercise. “This breed of dog requires an experienced and confident owner who is willing and able to provide outlets for extensive daily physical exercise and mental stimulation,” she reports, noting that proper socialization and consistent engagement are key to preventing behavioral issues and ensuring a happy, well-adjusted German Shepherd.

Related: 7 Ways Dogs Say “I’ve Got You” Without Words, Experts Say

8 Signs Your German Shepherd Is Lonely

As a confident and competent pet parent, you’ll want to know how to tell if your German Shepherd is lonely so you can help curb these feelings and behaviors. Below, experts reveal some of the ways a GSD is really saying, “Hey, I’m lonely!” By understanding these signals, you can ensure your German Shepherd stays happy.

1. Destructive behavior

German Shepherds, like other breeds, often show signs of loneliness or separation anxiety by engaging in destructive behaviors. “Chewing, scratching, or digging may be your dog’s way of coping with anxiety or trying to keep themselves busy when left alone,” Dr. Cahn says. “German Shepherds need mental and physical outlets. Otherwise, they will often invent their own ‘job.'”

This type of behavior can also indicate boredom, which can happen in dogs with or without separation anxiety. Either way, it’s worth working to curb this behavior. Dr. Cahn says durable chew toys, crate training and lots of daily exercise (for the brain and body) can help curb destructive tendencies in lonely or bored German Shepherds.

2. Excessive vocalization

German Shepherds can’t verbalize the sad feelings in their lonely hearts. Yet, they sure can vocalize them. “Excessive vocalization while left alone may be a sign of separation anxiety, distress or a plea for attention,” Dr. Cahn reveals.

Lonely or bored German Shepherds often use barking, whining, or howling to communicate their emotional needs. To help reduce excessive vocalization, Dr. Cahn recommends increasing daily interaction, providing engaging toys or activities while your dog is alone, and avoiding reinforcing barking with immediate attention. Addressing this behavior early is key to keeping your German Shepherd emotionally healthy and preventing long-term stress.

3. Restlessness

If you’re wondering how to tell if your German Shepherd is lonely, restlessness or pacing can be a key behavioral sign. To find out if your GSD is doing this, consider investing in a pet camera. Then, watch how your GSD moves when you are not home. Just because they aren’t high-tailing it to your couch for a chew session with your throw pillows doesn’t mean they aren’t craving more connection.

“An inability to settle is a physical manifestation of anxiety,” Dr. Cahn says. Pacing is one sign of restlessness and often indicates that a German Shepherd is bored, lonely, or in need of more stimulation.

Instead of shame spiraling, use this information to take practical steps to help your sweet GSD. “Provide physical and mental exercise through walks, playdates, daycare and scent-based games,” suggests Dr. Rebecca Guglielmo, DVM, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals. These activities not only help curb restlessness but also keep your lonely German Shepherd happy, engaged, and emotionally fulfilled.

4. Shadowing

Dogs, including German Shepherds, will naturally follow their owners everywhere. Yet, if your GSD is displaying this behavior more than usual, it may be a sign of loneliness or insecurity.

“It’s sweet, but constant shadowing can mean they’re feeling a little insecure when you’re not around,” Spero says. “This is also a gateway to separation anxiety. Practice short periods of alone time, slowly building their confidence. A cozy crate with a favorite toy or blanket can help, too.”

5. Appetite changes

If you’re wondering how to tell if your German Shepherd is lonely, a good place to start is their food dish. Is it fuller than usual? If so, your GSD’s emotional cup may be running low.

“Loneliness and anxiety can mess with appetite,” Spero points out. “Keep their feeding schedule consistent and make mealtime positive. Try hand-feeding, work for food using their kibble as ‘treats’ while training or using treat-based games to get their tail wagging again.”

Paying attention to changes in appetite can help you spot early signs of loneliness and take steps to boost your German Shepherd’s emotional well-being, keeping them happy and healthy.

Related: 4 Zodiac Signs That German Shepherds Love Most & Bond With Best, According to Experts

6. Excessive grooming/licking

Another sign of loneliness or stress in German Shepherds? Spero explains that over-grooming is sometimes a self-soothing behavior.

“Increase playtime, offer more mental challenges and make sure they’re getting enough one-on-one attention each day,” Spero says. “This breed can be fluffy couch potatoes, or they can be like toddlers running around and getting into everything, so exercise is key.”

7. Accidents

Even though German Shepherds are typically easy to train dogs, a sudden regression in housebreaking or inappropriate elimination can signal loneliness, stress, or anxiety.

“Inappropriate elimination, like urinating in the household. may be due to loneliness or anxiety,” Dr. Guglielmo notes. “A stressed body needs to relieve more often.” Dr. Guglielmo also mentions behavior is also common in GSDs left outside too long or not given sufficient bathroom breaks. “Ways to improve this problem include not leaving your GSD outside for extended periods of time alone,” Dr. Guglielmo explains. “When outside, play games like fetch for stimulation and exercise. This makes being outside a positive experience, which will encourage appropriate elimination.”

8. Depression

As heartbreaking as it sounds, German Shepherds can display depression-like behaviors, if they are feeling lonely.

“If your dog seems mopey, excessively sleepy or loses interest in food or toys, they may be sick, and a veterinary visit is in order,” Dr. Cahn says. “However, in some cases, these behaviors may be a manifestation of emotional stress, boredom or loneliness. Once medical issues have been ruled out, try to reestablish play and activity with a consistent routine.”

How to Prevent Loneliness In German Shepherds

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to German Shepherd loneliness. By giving your GSD enough structure, stimulation, and social connection, you can help them thrive both emotionally and physically.

“German Shepherds are huge-hearted, intelligent dogs who just want to feel included. When they get enough communication, structure and stimulation, they truly shine, and you’ll have one of the most loyal companions you could ever ask for,” Spero notes.

5 Expert Tips to Help German Shepherds Feel Connected:

• Exercise. Dr. Cahn says GSDs need “extensive daily physical exercise.” She reports this breed loves walking, jogging, scent work and agility sports, as regular exercise helps prevent boredom, restlessness and loneliness.

• Puzzle toys or enrichment games. The mind also requires daily exercise, which is where mental workouts come into play. “Food-dispensing toys, lick mats or hide-and-seek with treats can keep them entertained when you’re not around,” Spero says. These enrichment activities help prevent destructive behaviors linked to loneliness and anxiety.

• Create a vibey atmosphere. “Leaving on the Alexa or radio can help create a soothing atmosphere and calming background noise,” Dr. Guglielmo says. Dr. Guglielmo suggests trying classic or reggae music, which might lower stress and calm dogs.

• Crate training. Crate training, when done properly, can provide your GSD with a sense of security. “Keeping your puppy in a crate from a young age is a great way to avoid separation anxiety, loneliness-triggered mischief and destructive behavior,” Spero says. “This also keeps them safe while you are away, while making them feel safe.”

• Seek support. “If you are concerned that your dog is lonely or showing signs of separation anxiety when left alone, you could also consider doggy daycare or a dog walker,” Dr. Cahn says. These resources help ensure your GSD gets consistent social interaction, even during your busy days.

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This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.