How Much Exercise Does Your German Shepherd Need?
Do you want to unleash the entire energy of your German Shepherd? Smart, loyal, and lively, they’re a pleasure to have around, but their high energy and coat need attention! German Shepherds possess a double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily in spring and autumn. Regular grooming helps maintain coat health and reduces shedding.
Moreover, if German shepherds are deprived of proper physical and mental stimuli, they will become restless and destructive, even developing behavioral problems. So what do you need to do so your prized pet remains a happy, healthy, and well-behaved? In this piece, we will discuss the exercise needs of German Shepherds and their benefits to guide you in coaxing the very best out of them.
Daily Exercise Requirements
German Shepherds are working dogs and require a lot of exercise every day. They require, on average, 1 to 2 hours of physical exercise daily, but in various sessions. Physical exercise, nonetheless, can vary from walking, jogging, playing, and brain exercise through training and puzzle games.
The same is true for older German Shepherds; however, they may go from long walking, jogging, and running to group activities like obedience training or agility sports. Puppies and adults differ; puppies require brief sessions, or else they’ll ruin their joints, while aging dogs require light exercises and plenty of resting.
Types of Exercise
To fulfill a German Shepherd’s exercise requirement, variety is the spice of life. Some recommended activities are described below:
- Walking
Walking is an excellent exercise and mentally stimulating for adult German Shepherds. Two 45-minute to 1-hour walks daily are recommended, with supplements of potential brisk 30-minute walks to burn energy and boost cardiovascular health. If you have limited time, try to hire a dog walker or ask a friend or relative if you can leave your pet behind. Depending on how well-trained your pet is, the exercise may be off or on a leash.
- Jogging and Running
Jogging and running are excellent exercises for building endurance and meeting your German Shepherd’s exercise requirements. Do not run on hard surfaces such as concrete to prevent putting a strain on the joints and causing permanent damage. Instead, run on soft surfaces, such as trails or lawns.
- Agility Sports
German Shepherds are extremely gifted with agility training, combining physical exercise and mental stimulation. Agility courses can include tunnels, jumps, weave poles, and other obstructions that challenge your dog’s speed, agility, and problem-solving ability. Fetching-type activities and other interactive exercises can also be included in agility training.
- Swimming
Swimming is low-impact and a great choice for German Shepherds. Swimming is a joint-saver, a muscle-builder, and just an altogether great form of exercise. It is especially good for dogs who suffer from arthritis or are recuperating from an injury.
- Free Play
Free play time is the best way of exercising and socializing for your German Shepherd. Park plays-socializing with other canines and play-dates are used as opportunities for instructing the skills that accompany society, i.e., communicating, boundary establishing, and dispute solving.
- Mental stimulation
To engage German Shepherds in preventing boredom and negative behavior, try the following exercises, such as obedience training, puzzle toys, and games. These exercises keep their mind engaged fully and give more intimacy to the owner.
Benefits of Exercise Every Single Day
A daily routine of exercise could prove helpful to your German Shepherd on different counts, such as,
1. Improved physical health: They will remain slimmer, and their cardiovascular system will improve along with stronger muscles.
2. Reduced anxiety and stress: Exercise decreases the anxiety and stress of German Shepherds, and therefore, they will remain calm and happy.
3. Improved behavior: Consistent exercise will reduce damaging behavior like digging and chewing, and improve general behavior.
4. Improved relationship: Exercise improves the owner’s relationship with his or her German Shepherd.
Health Considerations
German Shepherds suffer from joint issues like hip dysplasia. Owners will need to avoid high-impact exercise and maintain a good weight through diet and exercise. One will need to see a health expert for persistent health issues.
Conclusion
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs, and require at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise and mental stimulation each day. Running, brisk walking, swimming, and agility play are activities that will keep them in physical shape and their smart minds busy. Age and illness are factors to modify the routine as needed. Exercise regularly and mentally stimulating activities will make your German Shepherd happy, healthy, and well-adjusted to life.
