Too much walking for a dog?

Question

Is too much walking bad for a dog? My german shepherd goes 1-2 times a day, 40 minutes hardcore running. Is it bad?? A lady told me that walking your dog to much is bad because ----- I dont know.

Answer 1

If it's a german shepherd it would be ok. Why don't you ask your vet next time you go.

Answer 2

As long as your dog is enjoying and not resisting, of course it's not bad! Dogs love to get out and walk/run with you. It's a wonderful way to bond. Just make sure if you're exercising heavily with your dog, that they are fully hydrated. Maybe bring a little doggy canteen with you. As long as they're hydrated and not exhausted and breathing too heavily, I say keep up the exercise. It's great for your dog!

Answer 3

I think you are doing just fine with your dog.  Most dogs in the US are probably not walked enough.

With a GSD I am sure that 40 minutes of running twice a day keeps him well exercised and entertained.  This probably prevents boredom and all the bad behaviors that can come from it.  Working dogs need lots of exercise and a job.  Good for you for running with your dog and recognizing that letting your dog out in the back yard is no replacement for good walks.

I walk (not run) my 13 lb mutt for about 1.5 hours a day, and he is doing great.  That lady did not know what she was talking about.  If you are still wondering ask your vet.  Of course there are some breeds of dogs that would not tolerate long walks or runs, but you do not have one of those breeds.

Answer 4

no dogs love walking  

Answer 5

no. unless your dog is showing signs of exhaustion then it's probably having a great time.id just make sure you bring some water for it, which is another great thing to do especially with German Shepherds, go to the pet store and buy a dog backpack, each time you run put it on him and make him carry the water bottle, it will give your dog a job, which is what this breed needs.

Answer 6

When you say "hardcore running", are you also running, which is a good thing, or are you riding a bike or a skateboard or something and making the dog keep up, which is a very bad thing.

If you are running or walking along with your dog, unless he is injured or sick, there isn't much chance that you will be able to "out walk" a dog. Especially a German Shepherd.

If you are in fact "dragging" him behind some sort of vehicle ( board, bike or whatever) Stop it. A dog needs to be able to regulate his pace and level of exhaustion. Something he can't do if he's trying to keep up with you while you're on wheels.

German Shepherds are active, energetic dogs with a high level of curiosity that tend to get easily bored. A walk is a great way to exercise his body as well as his mind. It is a bonding activity that you do together.

A few tips:

*Make sure he gets a chance to take in water on a regular basis. Carry a collapsible bowl to fill along the way or even carry a water bottle.

*Let the dog have time to sniff stuff and explore.

*Take time to stop for a few seconds and just pet your dog and tell him he's doing a good job.

*Don't take your dog out walking or running when it's hot out.     Most people forget how hot cement or blacktop can get and how hard that is on your dog's paws. Reach down frequently and feel the pavement with your palm for about 10 seconds. If it is too hot for your hand after 10 seconds, imaging what 40 minutes on your dogs bare feet must feel like.

I have been raising dogs for the last 50 years and own a company that consults on human and animal behavior (different departments) and I feel confident in saying that the lady in question does, in fact, "not know"