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

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!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! How many times he needs to be walked outside depends on the dog. If once a day works for him and he is at a healthy weight then that is fine. If you think he may need to lose some weight then more frequent walks such as twice or three times a day would be better. Best of 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!

It is recommended that dogs get at least 2 walks a day at 10-15 minutes each time. Of Course some dogs are very high energy and require much more activity. I hope this gives you an idea of how much to start with. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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!

A 10 minute was twice a day is really encouraged. However, once their body acclimates to that you could easily work them up to an hour walk it more a day. If you want to run them I would start at a 5 or 10 min run several times a week and work yourself up by 5 minute increments weekly. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.