[activepup]

Hi,
I have a 5 month old Germ Shep mix pup and was wondering how much activity he needs each day. He usually plays (fetch, runs around house and yard) in the morning and goes on a walk every day around 1pm and then sleeps all afternoon and only plays a little in the evening before going to his crate to sleep around 8pm. Is that normal or should he have more energy throughout the entire day?
Thanks!

[labman]

Puppies really vary. My 7 month old Holly is a real couch potato. When we are out somewhere, and she has had chance for a nap, it is hard to get her moving again even though it is often followed by being petted and fussed over which she loves. Then there was Calvin. He wasn't my puppy, but raised by a friend of a friend. He was a hellion. Any time he was out of his crate, he was on the go, shredding anything in his path. He ended up being neutered at 6 months and put on medication. So your puppy sounds much more like my Holly.

He has been to the vet for his shots and check ups? If he is in again soon for his rabies and neutering, talk to the vet about his activity level. A trained vet with the dog in front of him can give a much better opinion than I can over the net.

[heather83]

Each dog has differing activity levels. I have a german shepherd too, and he's 12months now, but he's still a pretty lazy dog. He loves to get out and go hiking and play, and run... but, he also loves to just lay by the couch and relax. Just keep up with your pups levels. And just make sure to give him at least an hour of excersise a day-thats what most vets and dog trainers will tell you, but don't try to over do it ans he's growing, because with large breeds it is possible to put too much strain on their developing ligaments and muscles which could help with the progression of arthritis and hip displasia later on in life.