This is the most common question that many new potential German Shepherd owners have been asking for years.
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the individual dog's personality and age. However, there are certain traits common among German Shepherds that can give us an indication as to whether they tend towards being high-energy or not.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of those traits and discuss how they affect their energy levels. We'll also provide insight into what kind of lifestyle might best suit them if you're considering getting one as your next pet!
Is a German Shepherd a high-energy dog?
It is an important question to ask when considering adding a German Shepherd to the family – are they high-energy dogs compared to other breeds?
The answer to this question is yes, German Shepherd is a high-energy dog. German Shepherds tend to be an energetic breed and require plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation in order to be fulfilled, in other words, you need to spend at least 2 hours with him every day.
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs and have a natural curiosity, which is why they require a lot of mental stimulation and activities in addition to physical exercise. They need plenty of opportunities to learn new skills, practice old ones, go on adventures, explore new places, and play with their people.
In addition to needing a lot of physical activity, German Shepherds need plenty of socialization with other dogs and humans from a young age in order to feel comfortable around new people and situations. Without proper socialization, they may become overprotective or even aggressive toward others.
Why do German Shepherds have so much energy?
German Shepherds are an active and high-energy breed of dog, typically having an abundance of energy. This is due to a number of factors, including their intelligence, size, and history.
One of the primary reasons for their high energy levels is their size and genes. German Shepherds are large dogs that require more calories and exercise to maintain their body mass and muscle tone. They need regular daily physical and mental stimulation to keep them fit, healthy and contented.
The bottom line is that German Shepherds are highly-energetic dogs, that require 60-120 minutes of activity (depending on the age and health condition) or a short hike every day if you don't have the time for long walks or hikes and other exercises.
They can also benefit from agility training, sports like flyball and dock diving, obedience classes, and regular playtime with their people. With the right lifestyle and level of activity tailored to your individual dog's needs, a German Shepherd can make an excellent companion!
The best activity do to with your German Shepherd
One of the best activities to do with a German Shepherd is agility training. This incorporates both physical and mental stimulation, as it encourages your dog to focus on a task while completing obstacles. Agility training is an excellent way for German Shepherds to stay active, as it involves jumping, weaving, running through tunnels, and navigating A-frames.
Another great activity for German Shepherds is enrolling them in a sports class such as flyball or dock diving. These activities provide an excellent way to give your dog plenty of exercises, while also providing mental stimulation and building teamwork skills.
Here is a list of the top 15 activities and things that you can do with your German Shepherd dog:
- Walking
- Running
- Obedience training
- Tracking
- Playing with the toys
- Swimming
- Cleaning up
- Agility training
- Find a job for your dog
- Seek and find
- Getting outside
- Flyball
- Herding
- Playing fetch
- Brain training games for dogs
Each activity is different. Some of them will work for you and your German Shepherd dog, some won't. Some activities aren't available in the place where you leave.
It's important to try as many new activities as possible, and find what suits the best you two. You can learn more about these activities in our blog post dedicated to that topic.
Suggestion: The best things to do with your German Shepherd dog
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
The amount of exercise that a high-energy dog, such as a German Shepherd, needs can vary greatly depending on the age, type, and lifestyle. Generally speaking, an adult German Shepherds dog needs at least 60 minutes of daily exercise in order to stay physically healthy and mentally stimulated.
This can be in the form of long walks, jogs, hikes, or active playtime. It’s important to note that German Shepherds need regular physical and mental exercise for their overall well-being. If the dog does not receive enough exercise on a daily basis it can lead to destructive behaviors from boredom and pent-up energy.
This is the main problem that bothers new German Shepherd owners - they didn't know that German shepherds are a type of dog that has a lot of energy.
The first thing that you should aim to achieve once you get a German Shepherd is creating a daily routine for you and your pup and staying consistent.
A daily routine will help you to prioritize tasks, finish everything that you need during the day, and be productive. If you didn't know, German Shepherd loves daily routines, what more, your German Shepherd dog will be much happier if he has a consistent daily routine.
Once you organize your day and stick to your routine, completing tasks will become a child game for you!
This is a little tip that can change your whole life - build a daily routine.
Do German Shepherds ever calm down?
Yes, German Shepherds can and do calm down with age. While they may always be active and energetic, their energy levels will decrease as they mature. As puppies, German Shepherds are full of boundless energy that needs to be channeled in the right direction through training and exercise.
It's important to remember that every dog is different; some may calm down faster than others. However, with enough exercise and mental stimulation, your German Shepherd can become a calmer adult dog.
How long do German Shepherds need to be walked?
German Shepherds are an active breed, so they need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. The amount of exercise a German Shepherd needs can vary greatly depending on age, size, and lifestyle.
Generally speaking, adult German Shepherds need at least 60 minutes of daily exercise in the form of long walks, jogs, hikes, or active playtime. Puppies should receive shorter and less intense sessions of exercise to allow their bodies to develop properly.
It's important to remember that exercise doesn't just refer to walking; it also includes activities such as playing fetch, agility training, flyball, herding, brain games, swimming, tracking, and more.
Finding activities that your German Shepherd dog enjoys and mixing them up will help to keep them engaged and interested in their daily activities.
Suggestion: How many times a day should you walk a German Shepherd
Are German Shepherds easy to train?
German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs, making them very trainable. While they may have a reputation for being stubborn and independent, this is not always the case. With consistent and positive reinforcement training, German Shepherds can learn quickly and be very obedient.
It’s important to start training your German Shepherd puppy early, as this will help to establish a strong bond between you and your pup.
When it comes to training your German Shepherd, there are certain commands that should be taught first as they will help ensure a strong bond between you and your pup.
The following commands are good ones to begin teaching your German Shepherd puppy: 'sit', 'come', 'down', 'stay', and 'heel'.
With consistency and patience, you can teach your German Shepherd these commands and help them become an obedient dog.
Suggestion: German Shepherd Training Commands
German Shepherd exercise by age
German Shepherds are an active breed and need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and happy. The amount of exercise that a German Shepherd needs depend on their age, size, and lifestyle.
Puppies should receive shorter, less intense sessions of exercise to allow their bodies to develop properly. Taking your pup out on short walks multiple times a day is the best way to provide your pup with enough exercise. Adult German Shepherds require at least 60 minutes of daily exercise in the form of long walks, jogs, hikes, or active playtime.
Finding activities that your German Shepherd enjoys and mixing them up will help to keep them engaged and interested in their daily activities.
Below you can find our exercise chart by age. This recommendation is based on the average German Shepherd dog, which means that some GSD can exercise more, and some less. It's important to know the limits of your dog and never try to move them aggressively.
Exercise Chart by Age for German Shepherds
| Age | Frequency | Walking | Running |
| Under 1 year | Daily | 30-60 minutes | 10 minutes |
| 1 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 30 minutes |
| 2 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 40 minutes |
| 3 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 60 minutes |
| 4 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 60 minutes |
| 5 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 60 minutes |
| 6 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 40 minutes |
| 7 year old | Daily | 40-120 minutes | 40 minutes |
| 8 year old | Daily | 30-90 minutes | 30 minutes |
| 9 year old | Daily | 30-90 minutes | 30 minutes |
| 10 year old | Daily | 30-90 minutes | 20 minutes |
| 11 year old | Daily | 30-60 minutes | 20 minutes |
| 12 year old | Daily | 30-60 minutes | 10 minutes |
| 13 year old | Daily | 30-60 minutes | 10 minutes |
Why are German Shepherds so hyper?
German Shepherds are a very energetic breed of dog, often displaying high levels of energy and enthusiasm. This is because they were originally bred to herd livestock and guard flocks, and they retained this trait long after they stopped being used in those roles.
Their high energy level gives them an edge when it comes to protection and sport, but it can also make them hyperactive and hard to manage. This can be especially true for puppies, who are often teeming with energy and curiosity.
📝 Related blog post: Why Is My German Shepherd So Hyper?
To avoid this behavior, the most important thing is to provide your German Shepherd with enough outlets for its energy. Give them plenty of exercise in the form of walks, playtime, and brain puzzles.
This can help to tire them out so that they are not as hyper or destructive in the house. It’s also important to give your pup positive reinforcement training and make sure they get enough mental stimulation. With these tips, you should be able to keep your German Shepherd from becoming too over-energetic.
Here are the 5 most common reasons why German Shepherds are so hyper.
1. Not Enough Exercise - German Shepherds are active dogs and require regular exercise to stay content. Without enough physical activity, they can become overly energetic and hard to manage.
2. Boredom - If a German Shepherd isn’t given stimulation, it may take it upon itself to find it through hyperactivity or destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture, destroying toys, and barking.
3. Too Much Sugar in Diet - Dogs, like humans, can get a sugar rush when eating high-sugar treats or food products with added sugar or syrup ingredients such as applesauce or honey. This can leave your pup feeling extra energetic and unruly for an extended period of time afterward.
4. Lack of Mental Stimulation - Consider offering your dog puzzles and activities which will help stimulate them mentally along with their daily physical exercise routine.
5 . Genetic Predisposition – Some German Shepherds may have inherited genes from their parents that make them naturally more high energy than others. To ensure a balanced temperament, provide plenty of training but avoid overstimulation at the same time.
How can I keep my German Shepherd busy?
Keeping a high-energy dog breed, such as a German Shepherd, consistently active isn't an easy job at all, and that's why we decide to share with you our top 10 favorite ways to keep your German Shepherd busy!
Some of these activities will not work for you (due to your location), but most of them will. It's important to test as many different activities as possible and see what suits your schedule, and your furry friend, the most.
Below you can find some of our favorite ways to keep your German Shepherd dog active and busy!
1. Slow-feeder bowl - Slow-feeding bowls are a great way to keep your German Shepherd busy and engaged. These bowls make it more difficult for them to eat their food, so they have to work for their meals instead of gulping them down in one go.
2. Food puzzles - Food puzzles can be purchased from pet stores or made at home with objects like Kong toys, old socks, and cardboard rolls. Fill the toy with kibble or treats and watch your pup work hard to get their reward!
3. Interactive toys - There are a variety of interactive toys on the market that will challenge your German Shepherd mentally and physically. Try hiding treats in puzzle boxes or offering them a game of fetch with a ball or frisbee.
4. Brain games - Many dog owners have seen a dramatic decrease in hyperactivity once they started playing brain games with their German Shepherd. Games like hide and seek, training, and agility courses can provide your pup with mental stimulation while also giving them an outlet for their energy.
5. Solo tug toys - Solo tug toys are great for providing a healthy outlet for your pup’s energy and teaching them to control their own behavior. These toys can help keep your German Shepherd busy for hours as they try to get the toy out of its container, making it an ideal boredom buster!
6. Let your German Shepherd sit near the window - Allowing your pup to sit near a window can give them something new to look at and keep them occupied. By providing this type of stimulation, you can help reduce the amount of energy they have during the day.
7. Playing tug of war - Tug of war is a great way to get your pup to expend their energy in a controlled and healthy manner. Just make sure that you set ground rules so that your pup understands when the game is over and it’s time to be quiet and calm.
8. Give your German Shepherd a block of ice to play with - Playing with a block of ice can keep your pup busy for hours. They will be intrigued by the cold and slippery object as they try to figure out how to best get it out of its container or playfully chew on it. Before you freeze water, don't forget to put some tasty treats. This is something that they really enjoy, especially during the hot summer days!
9. Enroll your dog in a dog academy - Enrolling your pup in a dog academy can help them learn how to focus and control its energy. The trainers at the academy will be able to teach your German Shepherd the right commands, socialization skills, and general obedience which will help keep them calm and focused throughout the day. This can be a little expensive, but if you have the opportunity to do this, we highly recommend you!
10. Hire a dog walker - Hiring a dog walker can help keep your pup’s energy levels under control and provide them with much-needed exercise. If you have an energetic German Shepherd, it's important to make sure they get regular walks throughout the day to help expend some of their energy. A professional dog walker will be able to give them attention and exercise when you’re busy or unable to do it yourself.
Low-energy dogs
If you're really busy, the German Shepherd isn't the best option for you, at least for now.
There are dog breeds that have a really low energy level, and they can also be great companions!
Dogs with the lowest energy level are typically breeds that have been bred for centuries to serve as companion animals.
These breeds include dogs such as the Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Pug. Although these dogs were originally bred to be companion animals, their inherent temperament means they still need regular exercise and mental stimulation in order to remain healthy and happy.
Here are the 10 most popular dog breeds with a low-energy level:
- Pug
- Shih Tzu
- Pekingese
- Papillon
- Mastiff
- Chow Chow
- Bichon Frise
- Basset Hound
- Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
HERE you can discover more low-energy dog breeds.
Final words
German Shepherds are an incredibly loyal and intelligent breed of dog that requires significant, attention, exercise, and stimulation to remain happy.
They make a great addition to any family as long as you have the time and energy needed to provide them with all these things.
For those who don't have enough free time or resources for such high-maintenance breeds, there are plenty of other low-energy dogs out there that can still serve as excellent companions!
Remember when deciding which type of pet is right for your lifestyle: do your research first so you know exactly what kind of care they need before bringing one home.
Frequently asked questions
Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here!
❓Are German Shepherds good family dogs?
Yes, German Shepherds are excellent family dogs! They are loyal, intelligent, and active companions with an excellent sense of loyalty to their owners. As long as they receive plenty of exercises and mental stimulation, these dogs can be a great addition to any home.
❓Do German Shepherds get angry easily?
No, German Shepherds do not get angry easily. They are known for their level-headedness and good temperaments, although they do require regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced.
However, if your German Shepherd is high-stressed or anxious, he may bark or even bite in some situations. It's important to train them in a way that allows them to be calm and confident and to treat them as a dog.
❓Do German Shepherds need alone time?
Yes, German Shepherds do need alone time. Just like any other breed of dog, they need time to themselves to relax and unwind from the active lifestyle they’re used to living. Proving a safe place for them such as a dog breed and dog crate will help them to relax and feel safer.
But do German Shepherds like to spend their time alone? To learn more about this topic, visit our suggested blog post to learn more!
Suggestion: Can German Shepherds be left alone?
❓Do German Shepherds need a lot of attention?
Yes, German Shepherds do need a lot of attention. These dogs are extremely intelligent and loyal, so they crave interaction and stimulation. They thrive when they have companionship and require regular exercise to remain healthy and happy.
While German Shepherds can fit into a variety of lifestyles, they do need significant grooming and activity, so it's important to consider your lifestyle and make sure you can provide them with the attention they need.
