How much exercise is enough?

[Thesilentone]

I've been aware that shepherds are high energy breeds of course, working lines even moreso but I want to know how much is enough, as in how much/how long does the dog need exercise not to be necessarily "wiped out", just.. content should I say? I don't know how else to explain this and I kind of feel stupid for asking this though I'm always asking myself in my head how much is really enough.

[MissMetric]

I think my puppy would go endless if I let him...he doesn't sleep unless I put him in his crate, cover it slightly, and tell him that it's time to sleep.

But he's content after a lot of training, at least one food puzzle, we walk at least a mile most days, flirt pole inside for about thirty minutes, we train with the tug for about fifteen minutes a day, and then of course freeplay/me throwing toys, and he'd still keep going if I let him.

He's 14 weeks and I still don't get any of that "puppies sleep a lot!" The only time he sleeps for more than an hour is at night, because he's had a bedtime since 8 weeks old.

[MichaelE]

At 15+ weeks, a mile or so plus playing in the yard and/or the house keeps Lisl content.

Some days we do more and I can tell it takes more out of her. I try not to exercise her so much that she naps more than 20 or 30 minutes when I'm home. I don't want her up all night.

The days I work we have to do more because she spends sometimes up to eight hours in her crate. We walk about a mile in the morning and then again when I get home, plus playing in the house and training.

It's a full time commitment but she's worth it.

[zyppi]

it can be a catch 22

A dog that is exercised, will be able to endure - require - more exercise!

Same as people....

[andreaB]

My boy is 15 months and for him to behave well in house he needs about 2 hours a day. Quick (30 min.) morning walk and afternoon (1and half hour)offleash walk, play, training outside. But he can take much more to make him really tired. On days we are not working is usually whole day hike in winter. In other seasons he bike with us, only way he gets tired.

[dpc134]

Exercise them as much as you can. You will know when the puppy is tired. Dogs love exercise and it is healthy for them.

[Pooky44]

2-3 mile jog is enough for my dog.
Playing fetch or frisbee is a good way to tire them out
without tiring yourself. Just keep the frisbee low because
shepherds are too heavy to withstand a lot of jumping.

[Lalaland]

What i do with mine is walk for about 40 minutes, then play some fetch and train a little. after that she´s quite tired =] then in the evening just a nice walk is enough for her to spend the rest of the night keepin me company lying on my feet

[Nikitta]

I have to have a hip replacement soon so I can't walk my dogs. I take them for a run every day though. They run and I drive slow. hehe It usually is about 2-3 miles. That seems to be enough other then playing at home.

[Blanketback]

My puppy is also 15 months old, and it takes *alot* to actually tire him out, but he doesn't need to be completely exhausted to be content. His favorite game right now is playing catch with his Chewber frisbee, and we do this 4 times a day, for up to 30 min. at at time, depending on how cold it is. Sometimes he only wants to be out for 10, if it's bitterly cold. He lets me know when he's had enough. Leashed walks don't count for exercise with him, lol. He likes the outing but he's still raring to go, but I'm lucky that I have a nice area nearby where he doesn't need to be leashed.