German Shepherds are high-energy dogs. After all, these dogs are often used in military and police forces—highly active situations. As an owner of a German Shepherd, you’ll need to make sure that you provide your pup with outlets to get rid of all that excess energy. Here are some tips to get you started:
How much exercise do German Shepherds need?
As we said, German Shepherds are high-energy dogs. This means they’ll need a bit more exercise than the average dog. How much exercise they need will typically depend on their age. Adult German Shepherds need on average at least 90 minutes of activity per day. Seniors and puppies won’t need this much exercise, but they’ll still need some. During these life stages, keep an eye on your pup and see when they get tired during your daily walks.
What kinds of exercises are good for German Shepherds?
Thankfully, there a whole host of ways to exercise these athletic dogs. Even if you’re not super athletic yourself, you can still find low-key ways to exercise them. Here are a few ideas:
Go for walks
German Shepherds may be energetic, but a simple walk can always do the trick. They will need more walks than most—about 2 to 3 each day, depending on their length—but these walks don’t need to be strenuous. You can take a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood or a nearby park. And who knows, your own health might improve in the process, too!
Play fetch
If you’re tuckered out for the day, but your German Shepherd is still raring to go, try playing a game of fetch. These dogs love fetch, and you will never see them happier than when they’re trotting back to you with a ball or frisbee in their mouth.
Tug-of-war
A friendly test of strength is always fun for both parties. Grab a toy or rope and have a competitive game of tug-of-war with your German Shepherd. This will surely tucker them out!
If you need more tips on how to care for your German Shepherd, or if you’re looking to adopt a German Shepherd into your family, contact Vom Springer today!