6 Month GSD - Exercise

Question
I have a 6mos old German Shepherd.  Both parents have 'good' hips.  I want to jog with him eventually.  For now we take walks.  How long and how many walks are safe.  Can you suggest a guideline for increasing the distance/duration of our walks between now and one year that won't cause him any injury.  And, at one year when we can begin our jogs, what is a safe schedule for him?

Thanks
Barbara

Answer
German shepherds are high energy dogs that need to be walked daily and enjoy vigorous exercise.  

At six months your dogs can go much further than pups.  You don't say how far you jog.  I am taking my 6 month olds for 20 minute bike rides and they are enjoying it a lot, I keep them at a walk or trott and I find it is not hard on them, but rather they love it.

For walking I recommend daily walks anywhere between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours.  The Dogs love it.  They should be able to go on jogs with you.  The main concern for them is with running and jumping.  No exhaustive or "major distance running" other than what they will do on their own.  No Jumps (ie, agility, schutzund, etc.) until they reach 1 year.

Dogs do run a lot when in a field playing retrieve and do take rests from time to time, so going with you when you jog should be OK.  The dog's don't run that fast when jogging but rather walk or trot.  They can handle a couple miles.  If jogging more than a couple miles, ease them into it.  Take your dog on a jog and provide rests and water until they are adjusted.

Mine do well with a daily walk for 45 minutes - 1.5 hours or a 20 minute bike ride, plus about 30 minutes retrieve in a field (with 4 of them).  They do rest during retrieve time.

I also feed my dogs premium large breed puppy food which takes into consideration the growth requirements of their joints.  Ekanuba or Royal Canin both have a good premium large breed dog food that takes into consideration, hip and joint development, skin issues, and easy digestibility.  Both make adult formulas especially for the requirements of the German Shepherd.

For more info check out my german shepherd information page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/gsdinfo.htm

Or help page at http://www.gallantshepherds.com/help.htm

Glad to be of assistance

Sincerely
Gallant German Shepherds
http://www.gallantshepherds.com