How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?

Plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours of activity a day for a healthy adult, split into at least two outings. A plain walk on the lead covers only part of that need. The brain needs work too: following a scent trail across a field, a 10 minute obedience session halfway through a walk, or searching the garden for a hidden toy tires a Shepherd far more than another lap of the block.

Too little exercise usually shows up as pacing, chewing, barking at every noise and inventing jobs such as herding the children. Too much, especially forced running in puppyhood or long jogs on hot days, shows as stiffness the next morning or a dog that starts lagging behind. Build distance gradually, and save serious running or cycling alongside you until your dog is at least 18 months old.