Comments on: German Shepherd Dogs For Running?

By: Babel

Babel — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:59:22 +0000

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?

By: Babel

Babel — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 20:57:15 +0000

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

By: John Hansen

John Hansen — Thu, 12 May 2011 04:34:16 +0000

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.

By: Lincoln

Lincoln — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:41:15 +0000

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.

By: Birdiechick7

Birdiechick7 — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:30:26 +0000

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

By: AJ Snedeker

AJ Snedeker — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 03:33:07 +0000

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

By: Sumit @ Long Dog Leads

Sumit @ Long Dog Leads — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:33:53 +0000

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 =-.

By: Wayne Blankenship

Wayne Blankenship — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:26:35 +0000

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!

By: Natalie

Natalie — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:07:34 +0000

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.

By: Dan

Dan — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:53:44 +0000

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.