German Shepherds are wonderful pets, but they also require a lot of attention and exercise. Your regular walks and going to the dog park might not be as exciting as they were in the beginning.
If you’re searching for some fun activities to do with your German Shepherd to change up your daily routine a bit, you’re at the right place. Here are some fun ideas that both you and your pup might enjoy.
#1 Take Your German Shepherd Swimming
While German Shepherds aren’t natural swimmers like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, if properly exposed to water and trained from a young age, they can become excellent swimmers.
Some GSDs will love water, and some will hate it, but if you notice that your pup enjoys swimming, try to include this activity in your routine. Swimming will keep your dog healthy, improve his physique, and tire him out.
Also, salt water can be very beneficial to your dog’s coat and skin. Just make sure that you rinse it down when you get home because too much of it can also cause dry and flaky skin.
#2 Go Outside And Socialize
I love to go out for a coffee, especially when it is sunny and warm. A couple of years ago, I started taking my dog with me… and he loved it!
First, we go to a dog park where he can run and play with all his doggy friends, and then we go rest a bit in a café where mommy can get her much-needed daily dose of caffeine. It’s a win-win situation for both of us.
My point is — your dog loves to spend time with you, so try to include him in a lot of activities you do.
Socialization is very important for dogs, and by doing this, you’ll expose them to a lot of unfamiliar sounds, places, and people, which will, in the long run, help reduce your dog’s fear and anxiety.
#3 Take Your GSD Hiking
Are you looking for the perfect hiking companion?
Well, German Shepherds have some of the best qualities for hiking dogs, so you should definitely consider taking your pooch with you on your next hiking adventure.
These dogs have pawsome personalities, a lot of stamina, and they are able to endure different weather conditions, which makes them the perfect hiking buddy. Trust me, they’ll have the time of their life.
#4 Play With Other German Shepherds
German Shepherds simply love to play with other German Shepherds. They are usually quite okay with other dog breeds, too, but there is nothing like one from their kin.
Two GSDs will usually have similar characteristics, temperaments, and needs, and their energy levels will probably match perfectly, which means they’ll be able to play and exercise just how they like it.
If it is possible, try to get involved in your local German Shepherd community. Your pooch will have friends to play with, and you’ll also find friends with whom you’ll be able to exchange knowledge and information about the breed.
Related: The Prime List Of The Best Companion Dogs For A German Shepherd
#5 Sniff Away The Winter Blues
Winter time can be very challenging for dog owners since it’s difficult to find activities that can be done despite harsh weather conditions. Luckily, there are some indoor solutions that will keep your dog occupied and happy.
K9 nose work can be a fun search and scenting activity that can be done anywhere, indoors or outdoors. It is suitable for almost all dog breeds, but especially for GSDs which are known for their excellent scenting ability.
This activity is very entertaining, tiring, and mentally stimulating… just what your high-energy pup needs.
#6 Bring Back The Ol’ Fetch Game
Everyone loves the fetch game. It’s simple, entertaining, and easy. All you have to do is get a ball or one of your dog’s toys and throw it, so your pup can bring it back.
Ideally, you should do this somewhere with a lot of space for your dog to run, like your garden or the park. This is a great way to exercise your pup and burn off his pent-up energy without you having to do much.
#7 Play Hide-And-Seek With Your Dog
Hide-and-seek is a great game to play with your German Shepherd. It gives you a chance to spend some quality time with your furry best friend while also providing him with lots of mental stimulation.
You can never be too old to play this game. It’s a 100% guaranteed mood booster! Just look at how much fun these two have together:
#8 Introduce Tug-Of-War Games
Tug-of-war is another excellent activity that is not only a high-value training tool, but also a great way to build confidence and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
It will keep your dog mentally stimulated, active, and exercised. You will only need a high-quality piece of rope with knots, and your goodwill.
If your pooch ever feels stressed or anxious, I definitely recommend trying the game of tug because it always helps my dog feel much better.
Related: Why Is My German Shepherd So Anxious? 5 Explanations
#9 Gotta Get That Frisbee
If your GSD loves to play fetch, he might enjoy playing frisbee as well. We all know what a frisbee is, but now it’s time to introduce your dog to it. This is a very rewarding activity that your high-energy pup will absolutely love.
If you don’t believe me, just look at this flying German Shepherd loving his frisbee time:
#10 Teach Your Dog Some New Tricks
German Shepherds are very smart dogs that can be easily taught many fun tricks. Even when they are adults, they have no problem with learning new things. It is actually very good for them and their mental stimulation.
So, if you’re wondering how to spend your weekend, go ahead and have some fun teaching your pooch new tricks. You can find training instructions and inspiration here.
#11 Let Your GSD Help With Chores
Not only are German Shepherds very smart, but they’re also very eager to please. When you combine these two qualities, you get a dog that is capable of learning almost anything, even doing some household chores.
This beautiful German Shepherd called Barron can help load the dishwasher, wipe the windows, sweep the floors, mop, put the toilet seat down, bring you different things, and much more. But, most importantly – he loves doing it.
So, why not try teaching your own pup?
Wrapping Up
Having a high-energy dog like a German Shepherd as a pet is not always easy, but it is 100% rewarding. One thing is for sure — your GSD loves you more than anything, and loves spending time with you regardless of what you’re doing.
But, they still require some new and fun activities to do from time to time. Hopefully, our list has everything that you’ve been looking for.
What are some activities that your German Shepherd likes to do? Leave a comment below!
Read next: 9 Reasons Why My German Shepherd Follows Me Everywhere