How much exercise do Dobermans need? and what about a Doberman puppy? This article explains the correct amount as well as other helpful tips and ideas on exercising your Dobie.
Table of Contents
Do Dobermans Need a Lot Of Exercise?
How much is enough? Dobermans are one of the most athletic breeds we know of. They are muscular yet lean, very quick, and love to bound around. They are definitely classed as a high-energy breed.
Adult Dobermans need between 1-2 hours of moderate to intensive exercise per day. Good exercises consist of running, hiking, swimming, and agility work. Doberman puppies require less than this and should stick to the 5-minute method.
If possible, it’s preferred to split these 2 hours up into two sessions, once in the morning and again in the evening. Although I know for many, this may not fit their schedule.
Once your Doberman reaches his senior years 8+, extra caution should be taken with his bones, joints, and muscles.
He will still be able to handle a moderate amount of exercise, and it still remains to be very important. But gradually avoid strenuous tasks, and opt for easier walks and activities.
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How Much Exercise Do Doberman PUPPIES Need?
Puppies are a little different. It’s essential that your Doberman puppy doesn’t over-exercise or overload his muscles, joints, or bones while they’re still developing. Sure, exercise remains important, but rest, recovery, and growth trump it for now!
- Doberman puppies should follow the 5-minute method. This means giving him 5 minutes of dedicated exercise per day, per month of age he has.
When he’s 4 months old that will be 20 minutes per day, 5 months will go up to 25 minutes per day, 6 months 30 minutes… and so on.
It sounds finicky, I know. But it’s a well-known method that’s frequently referred to by veterinarians as a way to exercise puppies without stressing the body.
It’s so crucial for puppies to prioritize rest and growth during these early stages. Before their body is physically strong enough, it’s very easy to cause injuries and impact the joints negatively.
Plus, they also get a lot of indirect exercise throughout the day when playing and bouncing around.
When to give him more exercise? At around 10-12 months your Doberman will be able to handle a more intensive exercise routine. By this age, their full height is usually reached, but keep in mind he will still be gaining weight and muscle until around 2 years old.
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7 Best Exercise Ideas For Dobermans
What kind of exercise helps to keep your Doberman fit, strong and muscular?
Once your Doberman is physically mature, exercises like jumping, swimming, sprints, and hiking are great ways to encourage muscle growth and overall strength. These particular activities recruit more muscle fibers than less impactful activities like walking.
Although it’s important to allow your Doberman to rest and recover, they are a breed that needs moderate to intensive exercise every single day to keep their bodies happy.
⭐ Best intensive exercises and activity ideas for your Doberman:
- Hiking (physically challenging + mentally stimulating)
- Swimming (water fetch)
- Sprinting (short bursts)
- Jumping (flirt poles)
- Agility courses (works many muscles + their minds)
- Frisbee (sprinting and jumping)
- Playing with another energetic dog (high intensity + mentally stimulating)
⭐ Top Tip: Any exercises that incorporate mental engagement along with physical exercise are particularly awesome. Aside from physical exercise, your Dobie must receive adequate mental exercise too. Without both, he will not feel content, worked, or satisfied.
Activities like agility courses, going on new hiking trails, or playing with new dogs at the park will perk up his senses and help engage his mind, not just his physical body.
How To Fit All This In?
Many owners respond with something like “2 hours!?”. But it’s easier than you think. And all your efforts throughout the day count. You don’t need to suddenly take up 2 hours of swimming with your Doberman every day.
You can break his exercise up throughout the day into shorter periods, 20 minutes here, 20 minutes there. Just be sure that he receives at least one prolonged session (40-50 minutes).
Why Mental Stimulation Is Just As Important
I just mentioned mental stimulation, but it needs its own little section!
As the physical exercise needs of Dobermans are commonly known and discussed, it casts a shadow over their mental exercise requirements.
Dobies NEED to have both, not one or the other. In fact, if you fail to provide enough mental stimulation you may find that your Doberman never runs out of energy. You could give him 2 hours of running every day only to find him ready to go again in just 10 minutes. If the mind isn’t tired, the body won’t be either.
Be sure to incorporate a lot of command training into his day aside from dedicated physical exercise. Go through new tricks, practice his “sit” and “stays” with increasing difficulty, and be sure to do this every day to satisfy his mental exercise requirements.
Signs That Indicate Your Doberman Isn’t Receiving Enough Exercise
If your Doberman isn’t receiving enough exercise both physically and mentally, there are some telltale signs to know of.
As Dobermans are a high-energy breed, much of their overall health, temperament, and behavior are directly affected by exercise.
Signs your Doberman is lacking either physical or mental exercise:
- Destructive behavior and chewing
- Less obedient
- Harder to train
- Irritable, pacing around the house
- More reactive to situations
- Whining and crying throughout the day
- Less tolerable towards other dogs
- Looking increasingly lethargic
Doberman Exercise FAQs
Can Dobermans Go On Long Walks?
Yes, Dobermans can certainly go on long walks. A healthy Doberman needs around 1-2 hours of exercise per day. Just ensure that these walks include at least some form of higher intensity activities like short sprints, fetch, or jumping as casual walking alone likely isn’t sufficient.
Can Dobermans Go Running With You?
Dobermans make great running partners, but it’s very important to first practice running side by side with your Dobie using a hands-free leash. Start with short jogs before moving on to long runs. Always run in safe areas, plan a sensible route, and avoid roads.
Is Swimming Good For Dobermans?
Most Dobermans love swimming and it’s a great exercise for them. Swimming is particularly good because it’s tiring and challenging yet it’s low-impact. Always be careful where your Dobie swims, the temperature and time of year, and consider using a doggie lifejacket.
When Can I Start Exercising My Doberman Puppy?
As soon as your Dobie puppy has gone 2 weeks after his last set of vaccines he’s ready to go outside. This is the best time to introduce the leash and harness to him if you haven’t already. But at this young age, he will only need a very small amount of dedicated exercise. Puppies should avoid putting stress on their fragile bones, muscles, and joints until older.
How To Make Doberman’s Muscles Bigger?
Dobermans continue to grow muscle and gain weight until 2 years of age and sometimes even longer, so keep this in mind. To ensure his body is strong and has an athletic build to it, incorporate exercises that stimulate his muscles like sprints, jumping, swimming, and agility work. And of course, having a premium diet that he gets on well with is essential.
Top Exercise Products For Dobermans
⭐ Dog Agility Training Set
⭐ Doggy Lifejacket
⭐ Flirt Pole
⭐ Durable Dog Frisbee
⭐ Durable Puzzle Toys
⭐ Dog Weight Jacket
⭐ Portable Drinking Bottle + Bowl (very important)
Thank You for reading! I really hope this article answered your questions about exercising your Dobie. If I have missed anything out you were expecting to see, please let me know! I am always happy to add relevant sections and I appreciate the feedback.