Busy schedule? How to exercise your dog without daily walks.

As a GSD, Bruno really needs exercise twice a day at least 30-45 minutes at a time. That's because they are very high energy dogs that need lots of exercise to keep them healthy and their mind stimulated. If you have no time to play or walk Bruno, I would see about hiring a dog walked to give him that exercise. If you don't have time to play or exercise him, it may be best that you find him a home where he can get the play and daily exercise he needs, and you can get a breed of dog that's much more low maintenance in terms of exercise.

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.

German Shepherds are high energy dogs, especially as puppies. Ellie may need more vigorous exercise than just walking - although walking is great - such as 30 minutes of fetch in the backyard or secure (fenced) park area. With respect to walking, I would consider 3 walks of 30 - 40 minutes each to be sufficient. You might also investigate doggy day care in your area, to help her get some additional exercise and play time.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Jogging with her would be a good option. Other things you could consider include letting her run around at the dog park, playing fetch, having her spend time at a doggy day care with other dogs of a similar age. This will also improve with time as she is really young now. This will get better with time though those activities can help in the meantime. Good luck!

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!

Puppies should be walked five minutes for every month of age, so in Sara's case, she should be walked for twenty minutes twice a day. If you cannot take her out twice a day, then I would make time to play with her more in the yard instead of taking her for an extended walk. Keep the walk and play time separate, as too much exercise too young can and does have an adverse effect on a puppy's growth. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

If you can find a safe, enclosed area where he can run free, that would be ideal. Walks are wonderful, of course, but you cannot go fast enough to work him into a good, sustained trot or even suspension gait, which is typical of German Shepherd Dogs. There are bicycle attachments whereby you can ride a bike with him running alongside, without the danger of his crossing in front of or behind you, or getting away. Before you embark on any serious exercise regimen with him, as the vet to look at his hips to be sure they can tolerate it. The vet cannot certify him free of hip dysplasia, but can spot a poor hip joint.