How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Need?

A lot of people think that German Shepherds only need a moderate amount of exercise, but this could not be further from the truth. If you don’t provide your dog with enough exercise, they can become overweight and lazy, which can lead to all sorts of problems.

The best way to make sure your German Shepherd gets enough exercise is to take them for walks or runs each day. Playing fetch in the backyard is also a great way to get them moving. Just make sure to vary the activities so they don’t get bored.

How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Need?

At best, German Shepherds need around two hours of exercise each day. This can be broken up into a few different sessions throughout the day. If you work long hours, consider hiring a dog walker to come by and take your German Shepherd for a walk while you’re gone.

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. If you’re considering adding a German Shepherd to your family, be prepared to commit to giving them the exercise they need. With a little planning, you and your German Shepherd can enjoy many happy years together.

What Are The Benefits Of Regular Exercise For German Shepherds?

Regular exercise has many benefits for German Shepherds, including:

Improved physical health

German Shepherds are working dogs and were bred to have high levels of endurance. Without regular exercise, German Shepherds are prone to weight gain and joint problems.

Improved mental health

German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that need stimulation to stay happy and calm. A tired German Shepherd is a good German Shepherd. Regular exercise can help keep your German Shepherd’s mind active and prevent boredom.

Improved behavior

German Shepherds that get enough exercise are less likely to display destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard. A tired German Shepherd is a good German Shepherd. This is because they will no longer have the excess energy to display these behaviors.

Increased bonding with their human family

Lastly, German Shepherds that get enough exercise are more likely to bond with their human families. After all, German Shepherds cannot exercise on their own. They need their human family to help them out. This is a great way to bond with your German Shepherd and create a lasting relationship. Plus, it allows you to get moving, too!

Examples Of Good Exercises For German Shepherds

There are many different exercises that German Shepherds can do. Here are some examples:

Going on walks

Walks are great for German Shepherds of all ages. They provide low-impact exercise and are perfect for German Shepherds that cannot do more strenuous activities.

Jogging

If your German Shepherd is up for it, jogging is a great way to get them exercising. Just be sure to start slow and increase the distance and intensity gradually.

Playing fetch

Playing fetch is another great way to exercise your German Shepherd. It is also a great way to bond with your dog. Make sure to find a good toy that your German Shepherd will enjoy fetching.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way to exercise German Shepherds that are looking for a low-impact workout. It is also great for German Shepherds with joint problems. Just be sure to supervise your dog while they are swimming.

Endurance training

If your German Shepherd is competing in dog sports, then they will need to do endurance training. This type of training is different from the other types of exercise because it is more about building up your German Shepherd’s stamina.

Is It Possible For German Shepherds To Get Tired Of Exercise?

German Shepherds can get tired of exercise if they are not properly stimulated. This is why it is important to vary your German Shepherd’s exercise routine. You should also make sure that you are giving your German Shepherd enough rest in between workouts. Otherwise, your German Shepherd may become too exhausted and start to resent exercise.

What Are The Risks Of Not Getting Enough Exercise For German Shepherds?

There are several risks associated with not getting enough exercise for German Shepherds. These risks include:

Obesity

Obesity is a common problem in German Shepherds that do not get enough exercise. This is because German Shepherds are natural athletes and need to burn off a lot of energy. If they do not have an outlet for this energy, they will start to put on weight.

Joint Problems

German Shepherds that do not get enough exercise are also at risk for joint problems. This is because German Shepherds are very active dogs and need to keep their joints healthy. If they do not get enough exercise, their joints will start to deteriorate.

Behavioral Problems

German Shepherds that do not get enough exercise are also at risk for behavioral problems. This is because German Shepherds need to release their energy in order to stay calm. If they do not have an outlet for this energy, they will start to become destructive. German Shepherds that do not get enough exercise are also more likely to bark excessively.

German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Chart

German Shepherd puppies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken on at least two walks per day, and they should also have plenty of time to play. German Shepherd puppies need at least an hour of exercise per day.

Below is an example of a German Shepherd Puppy Exercise chart:

Age of the German Shepherd Puppy	Amount of Time to Spend On Walking
2 months old	10 minutes of leisurely walks daily
3 months old	15 minutes of leisurely walks daily
4 months old	20 minutes of leisurely walks daily
5 months old	25 minutes of leisurely walks daily
6 months old	30 minutes of leisurely walks daily
7 months old	35 minutes of leisurely walks daily
8 months old	45 minutes of leisurely walks daily
9-11 months old	50 minutes of leisurely walks daily

It’s important to gradually increase the amount of time that your German Shepherd puppy spends exercising. They should not be exercised for more than two hours per day. This is because they need time to rest and recover.

German Shepherd Adult Exercise Chart

German Shepherd adults, on the other hand, need at least two hours of exercise per day. They should be taken on at least two walks per day, and they should also have plenty of time to play. German Shepherd adults need at least an hour of exercise per day.

Below is an example of a German Shepherd Adult Exercise chart:

Type of Activity	Number of Minutes Per Day
Running	30 minutes
Fetching	30 minutes
Swimming	30 minutes
Walking	30 minutes

It’s important to make variations to your German Shepherd’s exercise routine. They should not be allowed to become bored with their exercise, or they will become restless and destructive. German Shepherds are working dogs, and they need a job to do. If you don’t give them a job, they will find one – often to your detriment!

The exercises in the chart can be replaced depending on your preference. Just make sure to keep your German Shepherd hydrated!

FAQs

How long should a German Shepherd be walked?

German Shepherds should be walked for at least 30 minutes to an hour each day. This way, your dog can get the physical and mental stimulation it needs.

Is one walk a day enough for a German Shepherd?

No, German Shepherds need more than one walk a day. They are athletic dogs, and they need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy.

What is the best exercise for a German Shepherd?

The best exercise for a German Shepherd is anything that gets them moving and uses up their energy. This can include walks, runs, hikes, games of fetch, and more. German Shepherds love to work, so any activity that engages their mind and body is ideal.

What happens if you don’t exercise your German Shepherd?

Failing to exercise your German Shepherd can have a number of negative consequences. German Shepherds who don’t get enough exercise are more likely to be overweight, and they may also develop behavioral problems. German Shepherds who don’t get enough exercise may become destructive, bark excessively, and become difficult to train.

Is running good for a German Shepherd?

Yes, running is a great form of exercise for German Shepherds. German Shepherds are bred to be working dogs, and they love to run. German Shepherds who get to run on a regular basis are happy, healthy dogs.

How to tire out a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds need a lot of exercise, so it can be difficult to tire them out. One way to tire out a German Shepherd is to take them for a long walk or run. German Shepherds also love to play fetch, so playing fetch with your German Shepherd is another great way to tire them out.

How much exercise does a 1-year-old German Shepherd need?

A 1-year-old German Shepherd needs about an hour and a half of exercise per day. German Shepherds can handle more exercise as they get older, but it is important to start off slowly and increase the amount of exercise gradually.

How much exercise does a 4-month-old German Shepherd need?

A four-month-old German Shepherd needs about half an hour to 45 minutes of exercise per day. It’s important to not overdo it with German Shepherds at this age, as they can easily become overexerted.

How much exercise does a 6-month-old German Shepherd need?

A six-month-old German Shepherd needs about an hour of exercise per day. German Shepherds at this age are full of energy and need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Final Thoughts

How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? German Shepherds need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. It’s important to start them off slowly, though, as they can easily become overexerted. German Shepherds are full of energy and need about an hour of exercise per day if they are still puppies. However, adult German Shepherds would benefit more from two hours of exercise per day. German Shepherds are wonderful dogs and make great exercise partners! Just be sure to start off slowly and increase the amount of exercise as they get older.

Author

Nicole Barnett