Walk Time for a GSD

[Candre168]

Hi there,

I'm fearful my 5 month old GSD is seriously over exerting himself. For one, it's my Dad who takes him for his walks in the morning, and the walks are often in excess of an hour. But the walk is rigorous as my Dad throws sticks & balls for him a fair distance throughout the walk. Sometimes he takes him on an evening walk for a similar duration.

He is very energetic as a dog and is not hesitant going for long walks or playing with footballs/tennis balls for ages in the garden, I'm just worried because in the last week he's been a bit subdued as if he's worn out.

I've decided to take over his walk time/play time to avoid him getting worn out (my Dad won't even consider the chance he's wearing him out). So I was just wondering how much walk time was required in the mornings and evenings?

As I said, he is an energetic bundle of energy but I don't want him to overdo himself.

Many thanks.

[RocketDog]

My pup has gone on 7-8 mile hikes and he's just over 5 months. If we have a hard day (like one of those) I kind of take it easier the next. I just watch him.

Some days we walk 2 1/2 miles in the am (I live on a mountain so it's either up or down, never flat either) and another mile in the eve. The experiences he has on the walk factor in too. If he's meeting lots of new animals or people, it's more tiring for him than just a plain, boring walk. Some days we only go a mile or so.

I don't think the level they need is the same EVERY day. It's just like people--and they're growing, so some days they need more rest, some days they are full of P & V!!

[MaggieRoseLee]

Originally Posted by RocketDog

My pup has gone on 7-8 mile hikes and he's just over 5 months. If we have a hard day (like one of those) I kind of take it easier the next. I just watch him.

Some days we walk 2 1/2 miles in the am (I live on a mountain so it's either up or down, never flat either) and another mile in the eve. The experiences he has on the walk factor in too. If he's meeting lots of new animals or people, it's more tiring for him than just a plain, boring walk. Some days we only go a mile or so.

I don't think the level they need is the same EVERY day. It's just like people--and they're growing, so some days they need more rest, some days they are full of P & V!!

I agree with Rocket. It's amazing how much a young dog can do IF we use our common sense and alot of the activities are off leash so the pups can pace themselves.

[mebully21]

a tired pup is a happy owner!!!! let him set the pace, if he enjoys the long exercise that is great!!

[chelle]

I think your dad is a GEM!!!! Can I please, please, please borrow him?

I don't think you have anything to worry about. Your dog may become very accustomed to that level of exercise, though, so if you can't maintain it in the future, it might be a little difficult.

As long as he'd healthy, "worn out" is a good thing. Don't worry, mom.

[Candre168]

So long periods of exercise aren't a problem?

I was told that it's good not to over exert a young puppy (he's 4-5 months).

He does seem to enjoy the exercise quite a bit.

Thanks very much for the repsonses btw.

[RocketDog]

I think you need to watch him and trust your gut. When I took Rocket on some of those 8 milers, I observed him carefully for signs he was ready to be done. We were prepared to carry him, LOL. Like I said--if he seems to want to sleep a lot one day, I let him. (Usually he is more than raring to go the next, ha). Different growth phases will require different exercise needs, but listen to your instincts. Is he having fun? Seem to recover ok? Then you're fine. If he starts dragging on the walk, tongue hanging out, I would say to shorten them for a bit.

During our "long" periods, we would stop and take a 10-15 (even 20) minute break and on the hikes, we usually stop and snack/have lunch and Rocket get to have "lunch" too.

Oh, and like Chelle said, my pup is now not so happy sometimes with "short" hikes Ha ha. But that's ok, because when he's old enough, I want to start him running with me, so hopefully he'll have a bit of a better base than if I hadn't. Plus, I get to eat whatever I want this holiday season since we're doing so much! Silver lining!

[BowWowMeow]

I think if your dog is all of a sudden acting worn out then it is time for a trip to the vet.

The length of exercise though is fine if that's what he's used to. It should also help keep him nice and calm in the house!

[chelle]

Originally Posted by Candre168

So long periods of exercise aren't a problem?

I was told that it's good not to over exert a young puppy (he's 4-5 months).

He does seem to enjoy the exercise quite a bit.

Thanks very much for the repsonses btw.

Well, you're only talking about an hour or so each session... I don't really consider that a super long exercise period. I'm assuming (could be wrong!) he's on leash part of that and offleash to play with your Dad. Sounds like a nice combo! Is there any way you could go WITH your dad to see just what they're doing? You could then see how excited / tired, etc your pup gets. I'll bet your pup is loving it. That's what I'd do if I was worried, go with and see what they do.

[shaner]

An hour walk while fetching sticks and balls isn't too much for most 4-5 month old GSD puppies. My pup used to do far more than that and she wouldn't even slow down a little bit. Even after an hour, she was still ready to go longer. She'd go home and crash for a few hours, then be ready to go again.

Your puppy will not run itself into the ground. Once the puppy is tired, it will slow down and/or just stop completely.

I would definitely let your dad continue to take the puppy out for walks, he's not hurting him in any way. GSD's are working dogs and are extremely athletic. I think sometimes we try to limit our dogs too much and we forget that they will limit themselves if necessary.