Hi, I have a shepard as well. First thing you need to realise is that Shepards are working dogs and very intelligent. They quickly get bored. A shepard nees to walk at least 1-2 hours a day and needs stimulating activites. I know when Samantha is bored....we all suffer; she whines, walks back and forth in the house, etc...
Shepards also have allergies. Ours has food and environmental allergies...find out which one and the vet will give you the right meds for them. Samantha is constantly biting her paw pads because of allergies...
For anxiety, especially when I am at work is simply dealt with some Melatonine. It calms her down until we get her outside.
Shepards also have weak tummies...they can easily have problems...
now having said all that...they are the most amazing dogs ever!!!!