Is my 8-week German Shepherd puppy's whining normal or anxiety?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If Luna is eating, drinking and using the bathroom normally then she is likely whining because of her breed. German Shepherds are a “chatty” breed. Meaning they make a lot of noise when they are healthy. I would recommend making sure Luna has a lot of exercise and lots of brain toys (toys she has to think or solve to get treats out). Shepherds have an active mind and need a lot of stimulation. Obedience classes can be helpful for you to teach Luna new tricks to keep her entertained. Good luck and kisses to Luna!

Yes. It can be traumatic for young puppies to leave their mom, litter mates, and previous home that they knew. He needs to develop a new bond with you and learn a new home/environment/routine to gain confidence. Keep working with him and with time and becoming older he will learn. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I suggest you consult with a professional in-home dog trainer. Dogs with separation anxiety are difficult to deal with and you need to train him appropriately now before this gets too far. If you try to do it yourself you may make him worse. This is not a quick fix - it will take time. I like Bark Busters and it appears as though they have a trainer in your area. It is never too young to start them with a professional trainer. ( https://www.barkbusters.com/dog-training-sanfrancisco ) Please, also understand, you have acquired a herding dog and they are not meant to be kenneled or indoors all day. If you are gone for many hours per day you may want to consider taking him to day care or have a dog walker come to take him out during the day. These dogs are bred to herd and have high energy. They are not really meant to be house/lap dogs. They need lots of exercise.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your question. Luna is likely experiencing anxiety when in the kennel. I would recommend providing plenty of toys for her in the kennel and even consider using products such as the Adaptil collar and NaturVet Quiet Moments calm chews with Melatonin, which can be found at your local Petco. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

This does sounds pretty bad. I'd have Oggy seen by a vet to discuss using anti-anxiety drugs in her. You do have to play a lot with her, GSD needs a lot of stimulation and play time. You need to play with her as much as possible.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! It does sound like separation anxiety. It can happen in any breed. But some are more prone: German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Huskies, Labs, Border Collies, Pointers, etc. https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-common-signs-of-separation-anxiety-in-dogs/ https://www.petcoach.co/article/top-5-ways-to-reduce-separation-anxiety-in-dogs/

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Nova! It sounds like Nova has severe separation anxiety. Since she is only 4 months old I highly recommend aggressive remedies as this behavior doesn't usually start this young. I would hire a private trainer or a Veterinary Behaviorist and discuss starting anti-anxiety medications now. You will have to work with her a lot one on one. This will not be easy and you will have to put in the effort or she will not get better. Be sure when you have time to provide plenty of exercise and once she is spayed and fully vaccinated I would enroll her in doggie daycare 2-3 times per week. Below are links to articles to read. I hope this helps and I wish you and Nova the very best! https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3144 https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1502 https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1379 https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1129