You should put your best paw forward and start your newly acquired German Shepherd puppy out on an active lifestyle straight away. However, strategy and timing are involved in meeting your dog’s needs and talents in physical exercise.
For this reason, it’s essential to understand that training a German Shepherd puppy differs considerably from exercising an adult dog. For this, we have created the best German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Chart.
High-engagement, low-impact exercises emphasizing socialization and problem-solving over physical stress are ideal for German Shepherd puppies, as are time limits proportional to the puppies’ ages.
How Much Exercise Is Appropriate?
Puppies of the breed German Shepherd shouldn’t be taken out for more than five minutes at a time, and that’s a conservative estimate depending on their actual age in months.
Consequently, a 6-month-old puppy can go for 30-minute walks on a leash, but an 8-week-old dog can only do so in 10-minute increments.
On the other hand, your puppy may participate in low-impact, mild workouts for far longer. Games that encourage long-term development may be played without risk many times a day.
When you reach the following points, you should stop exercising:
- The point at which your dog becomes exhausted
- Whenever they take noticeably more time than usual to perform anything
- Whenever they finally get to lie down and relax
- If they are breathing fast or panting excessively
Limit your exposure to hard surfaces and err on the side of caution.
Instead, try working out on softer surfaces, like
- Grass
- Sand
- Paths or pathways made of dirt.
You should avoid putting your young puppy under unnecessary stress, especially on their developing joints, ligaments, or muscles. Problems in adulthood are a direct result of this, which you can prevent.
Also read: German Shepherd Growth
German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Chart
German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Chart
| Age | Exercise |
|---|---|
| 2 – 6 months | Only a 10-minute walk on a leash for a 2-month-old (add 5 minutes for each month afterward), then plenty of rest, play sessions inside or outdoors may last 10–15 minutes each time (stop when pup tired or breathes hard), focus on obedience training, incorporate cerebral stimulation |
| 6 – 12 months | Slowly add in extra time walking, and don’t jog or run with your dog just yet; a 30-minute walk on a lead is all that’s needed for a 6-month-old (add 5 minutes for each month after that), then lots of rest, play sessions indoors or outdoors can last 15-30 minutes each (stop when pup tires or breaths heavily), and obedience training, mental stimulation. |
Healthy German Shepherd Exercises
Take a walk every day.
Walking your dog is the de facto common practice among dog owners to ensure their pet receives daily physical activity and fresh air.
How frequently should you take your dog out for a stroll? For how long, exactly? Unlike smaller dogs, German Shepherds have a lot of energy. They need regular exercise since they are both large and working canines. So, they need something more than a short stroll.
How many exercises do German Shepherd Puppies Need Daily?
| Puppy Age | Exercise time |
|---|---|
| 3 Months | 15 – 30 minutes |
| 4 Months | 20 – 40 minutes |
| 5 Months | 25 – 45 minutes |
| 6 Months | 30 – 60 minutes |
Doggy Squats
Do you know that squats are a standard part of human workout routines? And just like humans, dogs can do their unique squats.
This strange-looking workout can strengthen your dog’s leg muscles and promote hip health in your German Shepherd.
Also read: German Shepherd Puppy Food
Activities with a Balancing Disk
Among the many options for dog training equipment, balancing disks stand out as a favorite. They may be used in the comfort of your home and only take up a little room.
Using the balance disk, your dog’s reflexes will be sharpened, which will help him avoid embarrassing stumbles. In addition, it raises bodily awareness, making your dog more in command of their movements.
Using a Flirt Pole as a Toy
You may think of a flirt pole as a vast cat toy. Your dog will be enticed to run after the tempting bait at the end of the string linked to the end of a pole.
If you own a German Shepherd and feel run down, this product is ideal since it enables you to train your dog without exerting too much.
Using a Spring Pole as a Toy
Possessing a spring pole is beneficial because it encourages your German Shepherd to engage in self-play by tugging and pulling, thereby burning off excess energy.
While doing so, you may sit back and enjoy the show. Put it in your yard if you like!
Jogging
Jogging is the most proper cardiovascular exercise you can perform with your dog. A German Shepherd’s athleticism and build make it natural for the canine sport of canine agility.
They find it a great way to exercise and spend quality time with their owners.
The easiest way to accomplish this is to switch surfaces often so that your dog’s joints don’t have to endure prolonged exposure to concrete. You can also take reference from the above German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Chart.
Uphill Running
Given the increased difficulty compared to jogging on a flat surface or downhill, there would be added advantages to running uphill.
Your German Shepherd’s hind legs and muscles will be used much more actively while running uphill, providing them with extra strength training.
This bodybuilding workout is terrific for increasing power and strength. It will help your dog’s back, particularly when many German Shepherds have issues.
Also read: GSD Puppy Height and Weight
Sprinting
German Shepherds are very active, athletic canines. Their history of herding was initially developed for their working abilities.
This implies that not only are sprinting workouts a lot of fun but also that they are fantastic for them.
Their cardiovascular health, the muscular mass, and strength may all benefit significantly from regular sprinting.
Ropes You Weaved
We’ve established that German Shepherds, mainly, are exceptionally agile and sporty. They were initially bred for labor. Therefore, they are relatively bright and take to instruction with gusto.
Conclusion
Get started slowly, and utilize the daily times and workout plan as a baseline. Puppy exercise might be moderate initially, but it can be ramped up to adult levels as your dog develops.
The essential thing you can do is learn to read your puppy’s body language and understand what he’s trying to tell you. I hope you find this German Shepherd Puppy Exercise Chart helpful. Please let us know if we need to include something in the comments below.