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Is it true short walks shorten dog life? How much exercise is ideal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old

As I ask how much walk 2 yr old gsd should do and answer was it depends dog to dog when is my dog tired and to turn around for home before he gets tired but if i go for short walks like 15 minutes then it might affect his life span because my friend told me if you take dog for walk 15 minues inly then his life span will be shorter and if he walks for hours then he gonna live longer so what is the truth?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on November 15th, 2017

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

In your first post you indicated that you and Bruno walked miles, so I think cutting it down just a little bit may help. If you can be more specific about at which point in the walk (which mile or how many minutes) he wants to turn around that would be helpful.

I have never heard of short walks or no walks shortening the life span of a dog. Obesity shortens the life span of dogs. Exercise is healthy for the body and mind. If Bruno doesn't want to walk for miles at a time then try a dog park, or playing Frisbee or throwing a ball. If you want to push the walks then take breaks to let him stop and sniff or throw the ball or rough house for 5-10 mins then resume your walk.

I hope this helps and I hope you have a great day!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA
Veterinarian
Published on December 16th, 2017
I think any amount of exercise is better than no exercise. You don’t have to make them run a marathon to have a longer lifespan. I think daily 20 minute walks are great! Plus it is good for his joints to keep him moving daily. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 29th, 2017
If your pet has an underlying heart condition right now, then regular walks (approx 30 minutes-1 hr) daily that are well tolerated by your pet should be fine, but you must check with your regular vet first to ensure this is ok. Some heart conditions are worse than others and will limit the amount of strenuous exercise the pet can do. Also always look at what your pet is doing clinically, because not every pet is going to fit into a specific time frame in which they can handle regular exercise. If your pet is struggling to breathe and collapsing on even short walks, then you have to use your best judgement and cut back on the length of time and distance so that your pet can easily manage it the next time.
Walks don't decrease your pets life span, but if you push your pet too far, this can acutely cause complications for them, if there is an underlying heart condition. I hope this helps to answer your questions. Best wishes with Bruno.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Is short daily exercise enough for my dog's health and lifespan?

Walking is good for dogs because it keeps their weight down, and their body strong. Because Bruno is a German Shepherd, their exercise requirements are higher because they are active dogs. He should be getting at least 30 minutes twice a day of exercise, but it's fine to keep it shorter when it is hot outside. You can't exercise him too much in the heat because it will lead to heat stroke, which is deadly. There are dogs who don't get much exercise and still lead full lives, so I wouldn't listen to your friend. But that doesn't mean Bruno wouldn't benefit from more exercise when it's cooler outside. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Can less outdoor walking and indoor potty harm my dog's health?

As long as Bruno is eating a healthy diet and is not eating too much (is maintaining a healthy weight) and you are able to get him out for a walk at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes or so, I don't see any reason to fear he will die early due to this walk routine. I hope that answers your question! Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

How much should a 2-year-old German Shepherd walk? Why does he stop?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is no set amount, it's just what you and Bruno want to do. If Bruno at a certain distance seems tired or doesn't want to go further then cut your walks a little shorter. He maybe tired or bored on super long walks. Every dog is different like people. I recommend turning around before Bruno wants to stop. I hope this helps and I hope you have a great day!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Is walking my dog daily important for health and a longer life?

Generally we recommend dogs be walked regularly for all the reasons you described. Regular exercise is good for their mental and physical well being. Dogs that are exercised regularly are generally better behaved at home. I would not say that walking increases their life span, as there can be lots of factors that influence the life span of a dog. However, we do know that overweight dogs on average have a shorter lifespan as they tend to have more health issues as they age. I would try to get Bruno on a walking schedule if possible. It depends on his energy level as to whether or not he needs to go for a walk every day, or only needs to go a few times a week. He definitely needs to go outside regularly to urinate and defecate.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my dog so tired after walks? Is it too much exercise or health?

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. If you feel that Bailey has lost energy and is not as playful as she used to be, I would recommend having her checked out by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. In regards to exercise, anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours per day is sufficient for exercise for most dogs. If there are other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, discomfort, inappetance or decreased appetite, etc. then there may be something more serious going on. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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How long and how often should I walk my 8-year-old GSD & Boxer?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If the dogs are not in shape I would start off on short walks multiple times per day to work up their tolerance. There is no formula per se as all dogs athletic abilities and desire to walk and run are different. If you are looking for a running partner start off walking and then a slow jog and slowly increase your distance. I think it is fair to say most dogs should get 2 walks per day. I hope this helps and good luck!

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Does stress, cold, or lack of exercise impact my dog's lifespan?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Don't beat yourself up! You can only do what you can do and most dogs do not have shortened life spans from decreased exercise, stress and mildly cold temperatures. Exercise is a very good thing to provide, maybe you can increase the walks and play time. The biggest health risk for inactivity is obesity and it has been proven that leaner dogs live longer. I would also provide comfortable enclosures and do not keep Joshie out in very cold weather or very hot weather. Any changes you can make, no matter how small, will benefit Joshie. I hope this helps and I wish you both the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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