German Shepherds Need Exercise: How to Keep Your Dog Healthy

In What Ways Should I Train My Dog?

German shepherds are an athletic and high-energy breed that thrives on physical activity. They need to play and run off energy multiple times a day. That means you can’t just walk them once and expect them to be tired.

German shepherds need both physical and mental activity to stay happy and healthy. They are bred for working on a farm, so they need a task for at least part of the day. This can be something like herding or guarding property.

The American Kennel Club recommends that you keep your dog’s mind active by giving it problem-solving and decision-making tasks. You can do this with puzzle toys or take it to agility challenges. The idea is to give your dog a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when it completes a task.

Insufficient Exercise in Your German Shepherd

If your German Shepherd can’t tell you when he needs more activity, it’s up to you to look out for any signs that he might need more exercise. Some common symptoms of a sedentary lifestyle are:

1. Destructive Behavior

If your dog seems to get more and more out of control, it might be because he is not getting enough exercise. Dogs must expend their energy through play or walking. If this is not possible, the dog might act out other ways.

Even though it may not seem like it, your pet is not trying to upset you. Pets can get bored just like people do, and when they are bored, they sometimes play with things that they shouldn’t. This means that your pet may chew on your shoes or furniture when you’re not home, but it’s not because he doesn’t love you. He simply requires something to occupy him.

2. Excessive Barking

A dog’s barking is another method of releasing energy. Barking is a dog’s way of alerting or requesting attention. The barking of working dogs, such as herding or hunting dogs, is a common occurrence. Sometimes, a bored dog may even try to herd you!

Dogs bark when they want someone to react. They may bark when they are bored, restless, or trying to communicate. Some dogs bark because they are hyperactive. They may tap their foot or pace around when they are restless.

3. Weight Gain

One sign of a dog that isn’t getting enough exercise is its weight. Carrying around extra weight isn’t good for them, and it can lead to some health problems.

• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Bone and joint issues, including arthritis
• Increased cancer risk
• High blood pressure
• Mobility difficulty
• Respiratory problems

Even if your dog is not putting on weight quickly, it is still important to keep track of their health by going to the vet. Remember that “healthy” looks different on every breed of dog.

4. Lethargy and Depression

If your German Shepherd has been acting strangely, he may require additional exercise. Inadequate physical health can result in mental health problems such as depression, leaving a pup unmotivated, sad, and occasionally unwilling to exercise. You’re likely to notice an adjustment in your activity level and daily habits, such as sleeping or eating. He may lose interest in playtime and other activities he enjoys or exhibit signs of lethargy and sleepiness.

How to Exercise Your German Shepherd

Only a few breeds of dogs necessitate more than one daily walk. However, most German Shepherds require far more. They must engage in physical activities to discharge their accumulated vigor. This can be done through running, hiking, playing with other dogs, or agility drills.

Several of these activities benefit your dog’s physical and mental well-being. However, your dog will benefit from a range of activities as well. Training your dog can be enjoyable and confidence-building, so get started today!

If you think that your dog wants you to go outside, go ahead and get creative. There are many things to do outside together. Your dog won’t even feel like exercising with the right stimulation!