German Shepherd Dogs For Running?
Posted by: Audrey Post date: January 21st, 2009Since I’m not running much at the moment (still lame in the right hind foot), and I’m not doing much else of interest at all, I thought I’d go back to the topic of my blog, and publicly answer a question from a friend. She’s looking for a running buddy, and is seriously considering a German Shepherd.
The German Shepherd is a breed I see at my vet surgery on occasion, and I used to have a lot in my obedience classes when I used to instruct at the local dog obedience club, so I think I’ve got a bit of a handle on them.
They’re an incredibly intelligent breed, and very loyal. If you were thinking of getting one, I’d suggest that you look at puppies from a registered breeder, who is careful to only breed from parents screened for genetic conditions such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. This is even more important if you want to run with your German Shepherd.
As far as dog health goes, they’re a hardy breed. Most of the dogs I see live until around 12 years old. They also don’t take a lot of maintenance – regular flea control, a good brushing and the occasional bath will keep their coats in good condition. I find that the most important thing you can do to keep your dog’s coat healthy is to feed them a good quality diet.
With this breed, I’d strongly advise that you don’t run with puppies until they’re at least 12 months old, and then start gently.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train, so you’ll be able to teach them to run beside you quite easily. They can be protective of their owner, which is a good thing if you’re a female who runs alone. They really benefit from obedience training, it gives them something to do with their mind, and it’s a great bonding experience for you.
So, to my friend, choose your pup carefully and you’ll have a loyal companion who will keep you company on your runs for many years.
I’m hoping to be out running again in the next week or so, foot permitting. I’m back at the podiatrist tomorrow. I’m so keen to get it fixed because the kidlets are now running 3km without stopping, and I need to be better to do their first 5k fun run with them at the end of February.
12 Responses to “German Shepherd Dogs For Running?”
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January 21st, 2009 at 5:40 pm
I love German Shepherds! But I don’t think The Black Dog would be happy with sharing her spot in the limelight. Hope your lameness gets better soon.
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February 7th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Hi there,
I just wanted to say that I’ve read tons of your posts, and I can’t get enough! Don’t ask me why, but I love reading blogs, and yours is one that I keep looking at for updates! Keeps the posts coming.
BTW, all of your dogs are adorable and it’s great to see that you exercise them so much! Here in Canada I take my girl out for runs all of the time in the Summer, but in the Winter we both hibernate…hoping we’ll get out soon, even in the cold. I’m missing our runs! Anyways, love the blog!
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March 25th, 2009 at 11:53 am
My 4 year old GSD and I run about 5 miles a day. However, if the temperature is over 60 she overheats easily. We run next to a creek so she can jump in when it’s hot. We also run on grass most of the way to save her and my joints. She is of leash when we are away from people and recalls even when she sees a deer.
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June 30th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I run at least 4-5 times a week on only up to 3 miles but I bring my German Shepherd with me every time. He loves to go for a run and stays right by my side. He almost does better on a run than just a walk. Louie my German Shepherd wakes me up every morning barking at me till I put my running shoes on. I think German Shepherds make great running partners. Just wait to start running with them till they are a 15 months old. That is usually when their bones are more matured. Also very important!!! Do not feed them before or after you run or exercise them to prevent bloat. Wait an hour ( I wait 2 hours to be safe) before they run and after they run to let them eat.
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July 17th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Since I have osteoarthritis in my knees, running is definitely out. I got lucky to get a 7 month old GSD female from the local shelter 3 years ago. She’s been my walking companion ever since. I tried having her ‘heel’ along with me when I go out on the Mountain Bike and she loves it! I have a 15′ leash I made from 1″ nylon webbing (the kind you can get at REI or an outdoors/camping store). She’s pretty good, even if she sees a cat as we go along.
You wouldn’t want to ride along day dreaming, though. I’m always looking around, just in case a dog might run out of a yard (which has happened). Unless we’re out in the country where cars aren’t zipping by, she’s always on the lead. All healthy GSD’s need to have some mileage at that good German Shepherd trot they’re famous for each week. Just playing at the dog park, a big back yard or good walks just aren’t enough for these strong, athletic companions of ours!
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January 15th, 2010 at 3:33 am
It’s so amazing how you take good care of dogs. I currently have a chihuahua, which i’m taking care of for my friend and I usually take him to a local park and spend at least an 1 hour walking around and training him. I do use nylon leash as it has very good grip and it’s very easy to stop him from walking or running far.
.-= Sumit @ Long Dog Leads´s last blog ..Comment Luv Keyword Luv, Do Follow =-.
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June 5th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
I have a 4 year old GSD, she and I run about 2 miles a day. I have to say she run’s right at my side without a leash and absolutely loves every min. of it. I do run along side a river so when she gets hot she can jump in and cool off. I recommend anyone who runs there GSD that they do it in a area were she can get wet! After a good run she loves to cool off and play in the water, great way to exercise your GSD as well as bound with them. I have a feeling my GSD was cross bread with a fish!Lol
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September 5th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
I have two 10mo old GSD’s and I’m eagerly awaiting their one year birthday so we can start running. They have so much energy and hate for me to run without them! They are very smart and well trained. I don’t think teaching them to run will be difficult. Thanks for the advice
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October 15th, 2010 at 3:41 am
I ran with most of my German Shepherds and for most of each dogs life, they enjoyed it too. However, I had to police their participation because they would wait at the door, irregardless of weather. They couldn’t go as far in the heat and I made sure to keep them off slushy, salt-sprayed roads. That really tears up their feet.
If my dogs developed stiffness in joints or pain along the spine, they were grounded. After that, I would only walk them. But they were great running companions until at least 8 yrs old.
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May 12th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
I have been running with my GSD, a 2.5 year old female, for a while. It is a truly wonderful experience. She does have that german shepherd trot where she just glides along effortlessly. We hit the puddles whe they are around and she plows her velvety nose through the water. When we get home, she guzzles water and mellows out. We will do a 3 and a 5 mile run. I am careful to not go if it is too warm. She does not have a very sloping back which you see in dog shows. She is lightning quick and super fast is she is set free. I feel very happy when im with my dog. She is a lot of work, but worth it.
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June 17th, 2011 at 6:57 am
Same here. I love running with my GSD, he is currently 2.5 yrs old and only recently has he started running without pulling too much. They do heaten up quite fast so I make sure to stop by water points as often as I can so he can get some water! Running with my GSD is like nothing else…he doesn’t judge my speed or my endurance, he is just happy to be by my side at all times!!!
DD
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June 17th, 2011 at 6:59 am
I had a little concern…my dog gets checked regularly by the vet and is healthy.
However it can take him up to 45 min to catch his breath after a run…I wonder if I am pushing a bit too much or if it’s because of the over heating…right now summer is almost here!??
Did you notice anything similar in your GSD?
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