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German Shepherds are highly active dog breeds, which is why they work for the police, military, and investigation teams. The Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent, versatile, and active dogs and are known as all-purpose workers. Besides, German Shepherds have protective instincts, so they can safeguard your home and family members. Although they are not friendly with strangers, they can be great companions and extremely loyal to their owners.
However, we need to take care of their health, which is the least we can do for them for the support and loyalty they show us. These working dogs require a minimum of 1.5-2 hours of exercise daily to improve their physical and mental well-being. This article will discuss how much exercise a German Shepherd needs daily to stay healthy.
The Types of Exercise Suitable for German Shepherds
German Shepherds have a strong working background, and they can perform all kinds of exercises, activities, and canine sports. Besides their daily walks, you can engage your hardworking companion in the following exercise activities.
- Flyball
- Agility
- Tracking
- Canicross
- Disc dog
- Bikejoring
- Swimming
- Obedience training
Best Exercise Routines for German Shepherd Puppies
Your German Shepherd puppy would not need as much exercise as a German Shepherd adult needs. It’s also not recommended to over-exercise your young kid, as it may result in joint problems and limited mobility issues as they start aging. That’s because German Shepherds are prone to developing joint health issues, such as hip dysplasia.
The golden rule is to make your German Shepherd puppy engage in at least 5 minutes of formal exercise, like walking and running, every month till they turn 18 months. That’s because after they turn 18 months, they are no longer puppies. After that, they must adopt adult exercise gradually.
Furthermore, these simple walks to the surrounding spaces are the first experience for your puppy to explore their environment. You should focus on training and incorporating good behaviors and socializing skills outdoors. Allow your puppy to interact and be friendly to other people and pets in a controlled way.
Moreover, your GSD pup should get plenty of exercise while playing and jumping around the house. Just ensure they are not overdoing any activity and are getting adequate sleep in their initial months. If required, you should replace playtime with naptime to ensure they are getting proper rest every day.
Develop a habit of tracking how much exercise your German Shepherd puppy is getting daily. Use tracking devices like dog GPS trackers or dog activity monitors. These devices are lightweight and small and can be easily installed on the dog’s collar. These devices are designed to record all the activities your puppy is up to throughout the day – be it running, playing, or pottering in the garden.
Best Exercise Routines for Adult German Shepherds
With an adult German Shepherd dog, be prepared to move and get a lot of physical activity yourself. That’s because they are highly active and would require plenty of physical activity every day. These dog breeds are athletic by nature and love to stay busy. They are agile, smart, and have plenty of endurance power.
German Shepherds keep searching for things to do to burn off their excess energy and can be demanding for playing outdoors. If you offer them multiple ways to exercise and stay active, you can build strong connections with them, and you can get some exercise, too!
On average, an adult German Shepherd would require 1.5-2 hours of exercise daily, including walks, playing fetch, jogging, interactive games, swimming, training sessions, etc. Engage your furry companion in high-energy activities, such as running, playing, jogging, and the like, to meet their physical and mental health needs. Here are some ideas.
Brisk Walks
Walking your dog is common, but it has multiple health benefits. Brisk walking outdoors will improve their physical health and brain power, as it works as a mental stimulation. It is also an excellent opportunity for socializing with neighborhood people and pets. You can try switching lanes to make your dog explore new and fun things regularly.
Jogging
Jogging is a great exercise for dogs over 18 months old. But before letting your GSD start jogging right away, you can begin with a warm-up walk and then work on short jogs around your house. It will develop their muscular endurance gradually.
Local Hike
Similar to jogging, you can take your German Shepherd to local hikes, such as around the terrain or higher altitudes nearby. Do some homework about the best dog hiking trails in close proximity to make the experience enjoyable for your four-legged companion. Don’t forget to carry adequate food, water, and a first-aid kit since hikes are usually going to be farther from your home.
Play Fetch
German Shepherds are energetic and enthusiastic. The ball chase and play fetch games are their total favorites. They like to chase after the ball and bring it back innumerable times without feeling tired. While meeting your dog’s mental and physical health needs, this game will help you create a powerful bond with your Shepherd.
Let the Nose Work
German Shepherds are born detectives and can smartly identify explosives, drugs, and other illegal objects. Let your pawed friend search for scents, toys, and treats to train them to detect objects. It will be fun and, at the same time challenging for your German Shepherd. Plus, it helps them to engage in a lot of exercise.
Best Exercise Routines for Senior German Shepherds
As your Shepherd dog starts aging, they will not require as much exercise or physical activity as they did when they were younger. Like puppies, adult GSD owners should monitor their activities to ensure they are not involved in over-exercising.
Use dog activity monitors or GPS trackers to set an age-appropriate activity or exercise goal for your senior furry friend. These activities will decrease as they turn old. However, you can always customize your loyal companion’s exercise goals and set their tailored activities manually on the device based on their lower or higher exercise requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, German Shepherds are highly agile and energetic dog breeds, and owners must ensure they are getting enough exercise to stay active. We hope the above exercising ideas and tips will help you provide your dog with a better quality of life through vigorous physical activities. However, refrain from overexercising your pet and consult your veterinarian to check whether your particular GSD has unique physical or mental health requirements.
