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

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!

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!

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!

Hello I would condition Bruno for running just like you would a person. Start slowing (1 mile or less/day) and then increase weekly. His muscles and cardiovascular system needs to condition slowly just like humans need to condition slowly. I would use the same training plan that a beginner runner would use and you should be fine. Best wishes to you and Bruno. Thanks for using Pet Coach!

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.

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!

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.