Are you considering getting a German Shepherd? If so, knowing just how much exercise your new pup will need is important. German Shepherds are active and intelligent dogs that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to be healthy and happy.
This means they need regular exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated. Knowing exactly how much activity your pet needs can help you balance restful days at home and fun-filled outings with your pooch! In this blog, we'll discuss all the details behind exercising a German Shepherd so you can ensure that your pup is living its best life!
So, how much time should I invest daily to exercise my German Shepherd dog?
German Shepherds are high-energy dog breeds, and they need at least 60-120 minutes of physical and mental exercise daily to stay healthy and happy. This can be achieved through regular outings with your pup or engaging activities like agility training.
In addition to physical exercise, it is also important to mentally stimulate your German Shepherd. This can be done by playing games such as hide-and-seek and fetch, teaching new tricks or commands, or engaging in herding activities like agility courses.
It's also important to remember that while these amounts seem high, they don't have to be exact. The amount of exercise your German Shepherd needs can change from day-to-day, depending on his age and health. But if you provide adequate physical and mental stimulation for your pup, he'll stay happy and healthy!
After reading this article, you'll know exactly what activity is the best for your German Shepherd and how much you should exercise with him.
Let's see first what could happen if you don't exercise with your German Shepherd enough.
What happens if German Shepherds don’t get enough exercise?
If your German Shepherd doesn't get enough exercise, it won't have adequate physical and mental stimulation. This can lead to destructive behaviors such as excessive chewing, digging, barking, and more. It can also lead to obesity due to a lack of physical activity, which can cause joint problems and other health issues.
Exercise is also important for your pup's mental health. German Shepherds need physical and mental stimulation to stay happy, so if they don't get enough exercise, they can become anxious, stressed, depressed, and in extreme cases, they can try to escape.
Some of the most common signs that your German Shepherd is not getting enough exercise are:
1. Excessive Chewing: Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs, but if your pup is constantly chewing on things around the house, it may be because he's not getting enough exercise or mental stimulation.
2. Digging: This is another common sign that a German Shepherd isn't getting enough exercise. If your pup is bored and not getting enough physical activity, he may start digging holes in the yard as an outlet for his energy.
Digging is also a natural behavior for many dogs, but if your German Shepherd consistently digs for the whole day, you should find a way to burn out his energy.
3. Barking and Whining: Excessive barking and whining can signify boredom or anxiety caused by a lack of exercise.
4. Hyperactivity/Agitation: If your German Shepherd is constantly running around and jumping on people, furniture, or walls, it may be a sign that he needs more physical activity.
5. Weight Gain: If your pup is gaining weight even though you're providing a healthy diet, it may mean he isn't getting enough exercise.
6. Depression or Anxiety Symptoms: Dogs, just like humans, can experience depression and anxiety if they're not getting enough exercise. You may notice signs of depression, such as lethargy or lacking appetite. Anxiety might manifest in destructive behaviors like chewing or excessive barking.
📝 Related blog post: German Shepherd depression
7. Escape Attempts or Aggression: If your pup is trying to escape the house or yard, it may be a sign that he's not getting enough exercise. Similarly, if your German Shepherd becomes aggressive towards people or other animals, this could be because of his pent-up energy.
8. Low Energy Levels: If your pup is constantly tired and lethargic, he may not receive the physical stimulation needed to stay healthy.
Now you may wonder, "how can a dog who doesn't get enough exercise get tired?".
This is a pretty good question, and here's an explanation:
The worst enemy of many dog breeds (including German Shepherds) is the modern world, where they can be anything except dogs.
They need a job, exercise, and a purpose; without that, they will get depressed and bored, which is the main issue for the lack of energy in dogs.
9. Lack of Appetite: Dogs must stay active to keep their bodies healthy and functioning properly. When they don't exercise enough, they can lose their appetite.
10. A Disinterest in Toys or Games: If your pup isn't interested in playing with toys or engaging in games, it's a sign he needs more physical activity.
Do German Shepherds require a lot of exercises?
Maybe you think this dog breed requires a lot of exercise, and you're right!
Compared to other dog breeds, German Shepherds do require a lot of exercises. They are a large and active breed that needs plenty of physical activity to stay healthy. Regular exercise will help keep their muscles strong and joints flexible and give them an outlet for all the energy they naturally possess.
A good exercise routine should include aerobic and anaerobic activities like jogging, swimming, agility training, and playing fetch. However, it's important to remember not to overdo it; your pup should take breaks and rest when needed.
Also, the exercise routine of your German Shepherd must be consistent. German Shepherd dogs are dogs who love routines more than anything else!
If your German Shepherd has a daily routine, his mental health will be far better than that of a German Shepherd dog who doesn't have a routine.
So, create a daily routine for you and your German Shepherd, and stick to it! Maybe this sounds boring, but once you get used to daily routines, you won't be able to live without them!
What is the best exercise for a German Shepherd?
To tire a dog such as a German Shepherd, you need to invest a little more time than for the other dog breeds, so choosing the right activity is crucial.
The best exercise for a German Shepherd varies depending on age, size, and overall fitness level. For puppies, activities like tug-of-war and fetching lightweight toys are great for building strength in their legs and shoulders. For adult dogs, running is a great exercise to maintain cardio health. Swimming is also a beneficial activity for German Shepherds, as it helps build muscle and can be done in various ways.
Agility training is another great exercise for German Shepherds – it encourages them to use their minds and bodies. Agility courses are great for teaching your pup commands, increasing coordination and balance, and providing mental stimulation.
There are so many different activities for a German Shepherd, but here are our 10 favorite activities which will mentally and physically stimulate your German Shepherd:
1. Agility Training: Agility training is an excellent exercise option for high-energy dog breeds like the German Shepherd, as it provides them with the physical and mental stimulation they need.
Not only does it help keep your pup fit and healthy by providing aerobic exercise, teaches them obedience, and helps build their confidence. Agility training involves setting up an obstacle course with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles your pup must navigate.
2. Hiking: For high-energy dog breeds such as German Shepherds, hiking is a top-notch activity to fulfill their physical and mental stimulation requirements. It's the perfect way for them to stay fit!
Not only does it keep them fit and healthy by providing aerobic exercise, but it also helps build their confidence, teaches them obedience, and allows them to explore their surroundings in a safe way.
3. Dog Sports (Flyball, Treibball, Disc Dog): Participating in competitive dog sports is a great way to give your pup the physical and mental stimulation he needs. Popular canine sports include obedience, agility, flyball, dock diving, and weight pulling.
It can be fun for both you and your pup, and it also helps increase their coordination, balance, and confidence
Suggestion: What do German Shepherds like to do for fun
4. Fetch Games: Fetch games are ideal for high-energy breeds like German Shepherds because they provide much-needed physical and mental exercise. Fetch is a great way to burn off excess energy while teaching the pup useful commands such as 'fetch' and 'drop.' The German Shepherd is encouraged to use its full range of motion and speed when playing fetch.
5. Swimming/Water Activities: If your German Shepherd loves water, swimming can be a great activity for your dog because it provides physical and mental stimulation at the same time!
Swimming helps build muscle and can be done in various ways, such as swimming laps or playing fetch in the water. It helps burn off energy while building endurance and strength, especially when done regularly.
6. Sprinting/Running Games: Sprinting or running provides your German Shepherd with an excellent physical and mental workout. Sprinting is great for burning off energy, increasing stamina, and improving muscle development.
Running games also help increase agility and coordination and build confidence in your pup. Some fun running games include playing tag, racing around the yard, or setting up an obstacle course for your pup to navigate.
But be careful. If your German Shepherd dog's body isn't completely developed, you shouldn't encourage your dog to run or jump so much.
7. Obedience/Training Classes: Obedience training is an excellent activity for high-energy dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, as it provides them with the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay fit healthy.
Obedience classes help to teach basic commands such as sit, stay, come, drop, and leave. This helps establish home order and builds the pup's confidence.
8. Hide & Seek or Tracking Game: A hide-and-seek or tracking game can be a great way to provide your pup with mental stimulation.
In the hide-and-seek game, you can hide treats around the house and have your pup search for them. It's a fun activity that helps build their problem-solving and sniffing skills.
Tracking is another great activity for German Shepherds, as it requires a lot of mental stimulation and physical exercise. You can teach your pup to track by using various scents or objects you throw in different areas for him to find.
9. Trick-training Sessions: Trick-training sessions are a great activity for high-energy dog breeds, such as German Shepherds, because they provide mental stimulation while helping to strengthen the bond between you and your pup.
Trick training requires patience and dedication on both sides, but it's an excellent way to give your pup something constructive to do with all that energy. Popular tricks include playing dead, jumping through hoops, and even doggy yoga!
10. Herding Exercises: Finally, one of the best activities for this dog breed; herding! German Shepherds are herding dogs; herding exercises are a great way for this breed to burn off energy and get mental stimulation.
If you can take your German Shepherd to herding classes, do it!
Suggestion: The best things to do with your German Shepherd
German Shepherds exercise by age
Now that we know why we should always strive to exercise with our German Shepherd daily and what kinds of exercises are great for German Shepherds, it's time to see how much you should exercise with your German Shepherd by age.
We prepared an ultimate list of exercise time by age, what activities are the best for German Shepherds at this age, and how frequently you should exercise with your GSD.
How much exercise does a 2 months old German Shepherd need?
A 2 month old German Shepherd needs about 10-15 minutes of physical exercise daily to stay healthy. This should include walking, slow running, playing games (such as tag or fetch), and agility training.
In addition to physical activity, mental stimulation is just as important. Mental stimulation can help keep your pup's mind sharp and can help with training. Mental stimulation activities for a 10-week-old German Shepherd pup include hide-and-seek games, trick training sessions, and food puzzles.
2 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 10-15 minutes | Walking, fetch, tug of war |
How much exercise does a 3 months old German Shepherd need?
At 3 months, your German Shepherd should be able to exercise for around 15 minutes daily. Ensuring he gets short breaks and plenty of water is important during this time. Also, don't forget to reward good behavior with some tasty treats to encourage this behavior!
3 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 15 minutes | Puzzle game, obedience training, play with toys |
How much exercise does a 4 months old German Shepherd need?
Your German Shepherd should be able to exercise for around 20 minutes each day, with brief pauses and lots of water, by the time it is 4 months old. Reward him for good behavior by giving him yummy snacks.
4 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 20 minutes | Tug of war, obedience training, fetch |
How much exercise does a 5 months old German Shepherd need?
By 5 months old, your German Shepherd should have around 25 minutes of exercise each day. At this age, your German Shepherd will slowly show you how much energy he has!
5 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 25 minutes | Tug of war, obedience training, hide and seek |
How much exercise does a 6 months old German Shepherd need?
At 6 months old, your German Shepherd dog can exercise for around 30 minutes daily. Once your German Shepherd gets 6 months old, his energy level will double each month!
6 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 30 minutes | Long walks, tug of war, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 7 months old German Shepherd need?
At this point, you can start slowly to increase the exercise time and frequency, but you should still be careful because the body of your German Shepherd is still developing. Recommended exercise time for a 7 month old German Shepherd is around 35 minutes.
7 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 35 minutes | Hide and seek, long walks, obedience training, |
How much exercise does an 8 months old German Shepherd need?
An 8 months old German Shepherd should be able to have around 40 minutes of exercise daily. During this period, the German Shepherd's body will develop faster than ever, so we advise you to be careful and never over-exercise your GSD.
8 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 40 minutes | Long walks, snuffle mats, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 9 months old German Shepherd need?
By the time your German Shepherd is 9 months old, he should already be able to exercise for 45 minutes daily without any problem.
9 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 45 minutes | Tug of war, swimming, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 10 months old German Shepherd need?
By 10 months old, a German Shepherd should be able to exercise for 50 minutes daily. We advise you to make slow progress still and give your German Shepherd's body enough time to develop all muscles and bones properly.
10 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 50 minutes | Long walks, swimming, obedience training |
How much exercise does an 11 months old German Shepherd need?
An 11 month old German Shepherd can safely have around 55 minutes of exercise each day. Continue with slow progress, and don't forget to include all necessary supplements in your German Shepherd's diet.
11 months old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 55 minutes | Tug of war, hiking, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 1 year old German Shepherd needs?
At one year old, a German Shepherd should be able to have around 60 minutes of exercise daily. By the time your GSD is one year old, he will reach almost full physical maturity, and you can increase his activity level if you wish.
1 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 60 minutes | Fetch, running, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 2 year old German Shepherd needs?
At 2 years old, your German Shepherd should be able to exercise for up to an hour and a half daily. At this age, your GSD is fully physically mature and can have vigorous activity without any problem.
It is important to remember that all puppies grow at different rates, so it is best to consult your veterinarian or dog breeder if you are unsure about the right amount of exercise for your German Shepherd.
2 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 60-90 minutes | Bite work, running, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 3 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 3 year old German Shepherd can safely exercise for up to 2 hours daily. At this age, your GSD will have plenty of energy and stamina and should be able to handle long walks or hikes without any problem.
However, you should remember to give him proper rest time after each physical activity session.
3 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 2 hours | Herding, bite work, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 4 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 4 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for up to 2 hours daily. At this stage, your GSD will have plenty of energy, and his energy level and confidence will be at the highest level.
4 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 2 hours | Agility training, swimming, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 5 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 5 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for up to 2 hours daily. At this stage, your GSD will have plenty of energy, and his energy level and confidence will be at the highest level.
5 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 2 hours | Running, hiking, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 6 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 6 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for up to 2 hours daily. Even if your German Shepherd is six years old, he can still exercise up to 2 hours daily.
6 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 2 hours | Walking, fetch, tug of war |
How much exercise does a 7 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 7 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for up to 2 hours daily. Even at seven years old, your GSD will still have plenty of energy and can handle long walks or hikes without any problem. However, you should remember to give him proper rest time after each physical activity session.
7 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 2 hours | Walking, fetch, tug of war |
How much exercise does an 8 year old German Shepherd needs?
An 8 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise between 1 to 2 hours daily. At this point, you want to slow down and reduce the exercise level of your German Shepherd since his body is getting older and more prone to injuries.
8 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 1-2 hours | Long walks, swimming, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 9 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 9 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for around 1 hour daily. We cannot stop aging; therefore, taking care of our dog's health and ensuring it does not get seriously injured is important.
9 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 1 hour | Walking, fetch, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 10 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 10 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for around 1 hour daily. When your German Shepherd becomes 10 years old, try to be as careful as possible and never forget to include supplements into his diet since this age is crucial for German Shepherds.
10 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 1 hour | Swimming, walking, obedience training |
How much exercise does an 11 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 11 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for around 30-45 minutes daily. The body of our furry friend at this age is so weak, and we must be patient and careful. Never over-exercise an old German Shepherd because that can only lead to a serious injury that can hardly heal at that age.
11 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 30-45 minutes | Walking, tracking, obedience training |
How much exercise does a 12 year old German Shepherd needs?
A 12 year old German Shepherd should be able to exercise for around 30-45 minutes daily. All activities you do with your German Shepherd should suit his age. Forget about jumping and sprinting. Play activities such as fetch, hide and seek, or tracking with your German Shepherd dog.
12 year old German Shepherd
| How frequently 🔁 | Exercise time ⏳ | The best activities 🤸 |
| Daily | 30-45 minutes | Walking, puzzle toys, obedience training |
How do you tell if a German Shepherd is over-exercised?
If a German Shepherd is over-exercised, he will appear tired and lethargic. He may pant excessively or refuse to move for prolonged periods. Also, you may notice that your German Shepherd has difficulty walking up stairs or is unusually irritable after exercising.
If any of these signs are present, it's best to reduce the intensity of your GSD's physical activity and give him a break. Over-exercising can lead to serious injuries, so it's important to monitor your dog's level of exhaustion during exercise.
Some of the most common signs of over exercised dog are:
- Appears tired and lethargic
- Pants excessively
- Refuses to move for prolonged periods
- Difficulty walking upstairs
- Unusually irritable after exercising
- Loss of appetite or not eating enough
- Weakness in limbs
- Unsteady gait or balance problems
- Muscle stiffness, soreness, or tightness
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive panting
If you notice that your German Shepherd is over-exercised, stop exercising with your dog, give him a lot of fresh water, take him to the shade, and let him rest.
Are German Shepherds easiest to train?
German Shepherds can be easy to train, but it ultimately depends on the individual dog and its personality. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as reward-based training.
German Shepherds are eager to please their owners, so they often take direction more readily than other breeds. However, they can also be strong-willed and may require more patience when training.
It is important to remember that there is no one-size fits all approach for training any dog, and it takes time, consistency, and positive reinforcement to achieve the desired results.
The easiest dog breeds to train is probably Border Collie, and right after them are German Shepherds.
So yes, you can train German Shepherds far easier than the other dog breeds.
What should a German Shepherd do all day?
A German Shepherd should be active at least 2 hours a day (if he is an adult). This doesn't mean they must go on long runs or hikes, but they should be physically active. Going on a walk around the neighborhood, playing fetch and tug-of-war, and doing obedience training are all great activities for your GSD.
The majority of the day German Shepherds will spend sleeping. Adult German Shepherds sleep 14-16 hours daily, and puppies can sleep up to 20 per day!
Below you can find a diagram that we created for you. We hope this diagram will help you better understand German Shepherd dogs' needs.
Sleeping 65% of the day or 15.6 hours: As we mentioned, an adult German Shepherd sleeps 14-16 hours a day on average.
Exercise 10% of the day or 2.4 hours: This is enough time for obedience training and activities such as running, long walks, bite work, and more. And yes, it's just 10%. You don't need to train the whole day with your German Shepherd.
Family time 25% of the day or 6 hours: German Shepherds are highly social animals, and they like to be as nearest as possible to their owners and play with them. During this time, allow your German Shepherd to be near you, cuddle with him, teach him some cool tricks, or chill together.
Sound simple, right? Because it's simple as that.
You need to stay consistent with your routine, which will make your German Shepherd the happiest dog on the planet. Keep it simple.
Do German Shepherds get depressed if you don’t walk them?
German Shepherds can get bored or anxious if they don't get regular exercise. If your GSD is not getting enough physical activity, he may become depressed or develop behavioral problems such as barking, destructive chewing, or digging.
Walking is an important part of a German Shepherd's daily routine and helps keep them mentally and physically healthy. It is important to ensure that your GSD gets enough exercise every day.
This could include taking your German Shepherd on 1-2 moderate walks daily, playing fetch or other activities, and providing mental stimulation such as playing hide and seek or teaching new tricks.
But depression isn't the worst thing that could happen if you don't walk your German Shepherd.
Here are some problems your German Shepherd can develop over time if you do not walk him or exercise enough.
1. Loss of muscle mass and tone
2. Behavioral problems such as barking, chewing, or digging
3. Lower energy levels from lack of exercise
4. Weight gain due to decreased activity levels
5. Stress, anxiety, or depression
6. Lack of mental stimulation which can lead to boredom and destructive behavior
7. Joint and bone problems due to insufficient exercise
8. Higher risk for diabetes or heart disease and other health complications
9. Poor socialization skills with people and other animals
10 Poor ability to focus on tasks
The average German Shepherd should exercise each day for around 2 hours.
On average, a German Shepherd should walk at least 2 miles (3.2 km) a day. This amount of exercise can vary depending on the age and health of the dog, but it is generally accepted that a minimum of 2 miles (3.2 km) per day is enough to keep a GSD healthy and happy.
Remember that walking is just a part of the German Shepherd exercise. Besides walking, you must do other activities to mentally and physically stimulate your dog.
Final words
Undoubtedly, German Shepherds are one of the most active dog breeds on the planet, and they do need a lot of exercise compared to other dog breeds.
But does this mean you should invest all your free time into exercising your German Shepherd? Absolutely not!
If you have an adult German Shepherd, 2 hours per day are more than enough to mentally and physically stimulate your German Shepherd.
An active body is a healthy body! Keeping your German Shepherd consistently active will improve his (and your) overall health. Create your exercise routine, stick to it, and enjoy playing and exercising with your German Shepherd dog!
Frequently asked questions
Do you still have questions? Check our FAQ section, and you can find your answer here!
❓How much exercise does a senior German Shepherd need?
Senior German Shepherds should get approximately 30-60 minutes of light exercise daily. This may include walking, playing in a yard, or doing basic obedience training. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best exercise for your pet.
Suggestion: How to care for a senior German Shepherd?
❓How much exercise does a German Shepherd puppy need?
Puppies should be limited to 15-30 minutes of daily exercise until they are 6 months old. Too much exercise can strain a growing puppy’s bones, muscles, and joints and cause problems later in life.
❓Can German Shepherds be left alone?
Yes, German Shepherds can be left alone for short periods. However, they should not be left alone for extended periods as this can lead to separation anxiety and boredom-induced destructive behaviors. Highly trained German Shepherds can spend around 8 hours alone.
Suggestion: Can German Shepherds actually be left alone?
❓Is it okay not to walk your German Shepherd every day?
It is not recommended to omit walking your German Shepherd every day. Regular walks are important for physical and mental stimulation and provide a form of exercise that helps keep the dog fit and healthy. If you cannot walk your GSD daily, try engaging in other activities, such as playing fetch or teaching new tricks.
However, let's say that you are sick and no one can walk your German Shepherd. In that case, your German Shepherd will probably be fine if you skip 1-3 walks.
If you can't walk your dog, exercise and play with him at your home.
