Whether you have just brought a German Shepherd into your home, or you are thinking about getting on in the near future, there are lots of things that you will need to know about them.
Something that you will need to be aware of when you get any breed of dog is how much exercise they are going to need.
All dogs require a certain amount of exercise, but some dogs will need more than others. German Shepherds are known for being quite active, but how much exercise do they really need? It might be more than you think.
In this article, we are going to tell you everything that you might need to know about the activeness of a German Shepherd, so you can find out how much exercise they need on a daily basis.
We are also going to look at other things, like how vocal they can be, and whether they will make good pets.
How Much Exercise Do German Shepherds Need?
German Shepherds are dogs that are highly active, and they were originally bred for working and guarding flocks of sheep.
In a more modern society, these dogs are used by military and police forces, and they are among some of the most high energy dogs that there are.
Their exercise requirements will vary depending on a few factors, like their age, fitness level, general health, food intake, and more.
However, there are some general rules that you can stick to when it comes to exercising these dogs.
The majority of German Shepherds are going to need around 90 minutes of exercise every day, and this can be spread out through a variety of activities. Some high energy activities that they love include walking, running, and playing.
How Much Exercise Does a German Shepherd Puppy Need?
A German Shepherd puppy is not going to need as much exercise as a companion, and it is actually really important not to over exercise your puppy.
This could lead to joint and mobility issues in later life, which isn’t something that anyone wants.
This breed in particular needs to be careful not to over exercise, as they are prone to certain health conditions, like hip dysplasia. Puppies will need around five minutes of formal exercise for every month of their age.
So, if your puppy is 3 months old, they will only need 15 minutes of exercise.
These walks also provide great opportunities for your dog to explore their environment, work on training, and socialize with other people and dogs.
It is also worth keeping in mind that puppies will get lots of exercise from playing in the house. You will need to ensure that they are also getting enough sleep in between play sessions, so they can regain their energy.
How Much Exercise Does a Senior German Shepherd Need?
A senior German Shepherd will need less exercise as they get older than they used to, and it is important to make sure that they are not overdoing it.
You should try to set age-appropriate exercise goals for your dog that become shorter and easier as they get older.
Are German Shepherds Vocal?
Something that you need to know about German Shepherds is that even though they are absolutely adorable, they are very vocal, and are not afraid to use their voices when they need to.
The bark of a German Shepherd can make sounds as loud as 106 decibels, and as well as barking, they are also known to howl, whine, moan, and make other weird sounds that you might not have been expecting.
These are dogs that were originally bred to be working dogs, and one of the reasons that makes them so great as working dogs is the fact that they have an excellent sense of smell and protectiveness.
These dogs are able to smell predators from miles away, and they would be trained to bark to signal their approach. They would also be expected to bark whenever a stray sheep made its way away from the flock.
This is one of the main reasons why your German Shepherd is going to be quite vocal, as they will smell people and animals in the distance and will likely bark to let you know about it.
German Shepherds also often use their voices to scare off intruders, and they are pretty good at doing so.
It is also thought that a German Shepherd’s wolf ancestry has something to do with the reason why they make howling sounds.
According to experts, all dogs are descended from wolves, which are animals that will howl to communicate with other wolves.
This means that your dog is unable to control their need to howl, and they will do this in response to noises that are made by other dogs. As well as this, your dog might howl when they hear a sound that they find strange or exciting.
Another reason why your German Shepherd could be vocalizing is that they are bored.
Due to the fact that these dogs are quite active, if you do not provide them with enough exercise, they will likely make lots of noise until you satisfy their boredom.
Do German Shepherds Make Good Pets?
German Shepherds are often known for their courage and loyalty, and they can be perfect as guide dogs or the latest addition to your family home.
German Shepherds are also known to be good with children and other pets if they have been raised with them, but they can sometimes be weary with strangers.
This is a dog breed that is considered to be smart, which makes them very easy to train, and they suit active households due to their exercise requirements.
This makes them perfect for those with lots of free time, as they can get bored easily.
German Shepherds can be gentle companions and family protectors when they have been properly trained and socialized, and they are ideal for active households.
The fact that they are intelligent and protective can make them great for families with children if they are properly trained.
