In this post we want to talk about the speed that a German Shepherd can reach. German Shepherd dogs are known for being very fast, capable of reaching up to 65 kilometers per hour. However, it must be taken into account that this figure may vary depending on weather and terrain conditions.
How to train a German Shepherd to run with you?
If you want your German Shepherd to follow you while you run, the first thing you need to know is that he will not be able to do it in the first few weeks. Therefore, you should go little by little and not try to make the dog go as fast as you.
You should start with short walks and see how the animal responds until it gets used to intense physical exercise.
Another highly recommended option for these cases is the bicycle: if you like to ride a bike and have your dog follow you, you can start in the same way as if you were going to run, that is, with short distances that gradually increase. What you should never do is force him to go faster than he wants or follow a pace that is too high for the animal.
It is vital that both you and your German Shepherd warm up your engines before going out for a run, otherwise you will be putting your health at risk.
The goal you should pursue is for your pet to be able to follow you during a race, regardless of the distance. If you follow these tips, you will be able to run with your best friend and have a good time together.
Be careful about forcing your dog to run
Like any person or any animal, in a situation of overexertion, they could get a heart attack and that is why you must pay attention to the signals that your dog gives you during the experience.
If the dog stops suddenly, starts watering, or has a pained expression on his face, he is suffering and the best thing you can do is stop immediately. Don’t hesitate to go to the vet if you notice that your pet is not feeling well after physical exercise.
Don’t make your dog run on difficult terrain
If your dog is inexperienced in running, the best thing you can do is not take him running on difficult terrain. It is very important that the animal feels comfortable and that it adapts little by little to physical exercise.
On the other hand, if you are going to run on a trail that includes rocky areas or areas with a lot of vegetation, you must be careful that your dog is attentive to everything around him so that he does not trip or get lost.
If you run on the beach, keep in mind that the dog could get into the water and drown.
Take the weather into account before you go running
Dogs are not used to the cold and, therefore, it is important that you take the weather into account before going for a run. If it’s very cold or stormy, it’s better to stay home with your dog than to go running and put him in danger.
Be patient and take breaks
If your dog is inexperienced, don’t expect him to run with you all the time. It is important that you take breaks so that the animal recovers and is ready to continue the race.
Increase the distance of the route progressively
If you want your dog to continue running with you for a long time, it is important to gradually increase the distance of the runs. In this way, the animal will get used to physical exercise and will not suffer any type of injury.
Why are German Shepherds so fast?
German Shepherds are fast because they are trained to be fast. They are dogs that have a lot of energy and adapt very well to physical exercise. In addition, it comes from their ancestors who were dogs that were used for hunting. For all this, it is normal that they are so fast.
What happens if I don’t train my German Shepherd?
If you do not train your German Shepherd, it can become fat. Dogs that are not used to physical exercise tend to eat more and therefore become very fat. In addition, excess weight causes them to suffer health problems that could lead to a short life.
Is it advisable to go for a run with your dog after eating?
It is not advisable to go for a run with your dog after eating, as it could cause indigestion. It is better for the animal to do physical exercise at another time of the day and for it to be well hydrated.
What is the recommended walking distance for a German Shepherd?
If your dog is an experienced runner, meaning he already has many hours accumulated in the race and is well trained, he could even travel up to 15 kilometers in distance.
However, if you are inexperienced or not yet very trained, the best thing you can do is start with short distances (about five kilometers) and gradually increase until you reach your limit. The most important thing you should keep in mind is that the dog is healthy and does not suffer any type of injury.
The most important thing you should keep in mind is that the dog is healthy and does not suffer any type of injury.
Should my dog wear a muzzle if I go running with him?
It is recommended that your dog wear a muzzle if you go out for a run. Although it is not mandatory, it is important that the animal is well controlled and that you have all the necessary permits so that it can circulate through the streets of your city without problems.
How long does a German Shepherd require to be in shape?
A dog that has not done physical exercise for a long time or has been stopped for several weeks or months will require an adaptation period that can vary between two and four weeks.
From that moment on, the animal will be ready to start running alongside you in short races and gradually increase their duration.
If your German Shepherd is not in good physical shape, the best thing you can do is take him to the vet for tests to find out what health problems he has.
