Does walking my dog more prevent cancer and extend their life?

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.

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.

That amount of walking is WONDERFUL for mental health and maintain good muscle mass. Many German Shepards are under worked, bored, and start having behavioral problems are Bruno's age because of it. However, dogs don't suffer the same types of heart diseases that humans do (no heart attacks), so the walking isn't going to help with that specifically. Thanks for using Pet Coach and keep up those great walks!

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!

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!

Walking him more will not increase or decrease his life span. The length of walks depend on how much he enjoys them and how hot it is outside and how much excerise he gets outside of the walks. If he has room to run and play then a walk is not necessary. If it is his only form of getting out then short ine often are aooriroriate or 1 longer one

I don't think you need to worry about psychological damage to Bruno. However, German Shepherds are very intelligent dogs that require a great deal of mental stimulation to be good companions. As a result, the more exercise they receive or jobs they have to perform, the happier they usually are. If you do not think you will have time to walk him enough during the day, you should try to get him somewhere to run at least a few times a week, either in a park or a field. There are also daycares where dogs can go to interact with other dogs. The most common negative side effects I see in my practice with dogs that are understimulated include destruction of property, eating things they aren't supposed to, or self-inflicted injuries.