Adult German Shepherd Care

Lifelong Care for Your German Shepherd

Once your puppy matures into an adult, maintaining a consistent and proactive care routine is essential. Here’s what every German Shepherd owner should prioritize to keep their dog happy and healthy:

Physical Exercise — Daily Activity (At Least 1 Hour)

German Shepherds are athletic, high-energy dogs. Daily physical activity helps prevent behavioral issues and supports muscle development. Suitable activities include:

• Jogging or brisk walks

• Fetch in a secure area

• Tug of war for strength and bonding

• Swimming, where accessible and safe

Note: While adult dogs need plenty of exercise, it’s important to avoid overexercising young dogs before 12–16 months of age. Avoid jumping from cars, high-impact activities, or agility training until bones and joints are fully developed. The skeletal system continues maturing during the first year and a half — preventing early injuries protects long-term health.

Mental Stimulation — Training and Engagement (At Least 1 Hour)

Their sharp minds require regular mental challenges. Engage your dog with:

• Obedience training sessions, ideally just before meals

• Teaching new tricks or tasks

• Puzzle toys and scent work games to keep their brain active

• Optional: Herding activities, where facilities and training are available, to fulfill their working instincts

Importance of Routine

Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, training, and sleep can greatly reduce anxiety and improve overall behavior. Feeding your dog at the same time every day helps with digestion, appetite, and even potty training.

Signs of Insufficient Physical and Mental Stimulation

If a German Shepherd is not receiving enough physical or mental stimulation, they may begin to show behavioral issues such as:

• Digging soil excessively

• Over-aggression or reactive behavior

• Jumping on furniture or running wildly indoors

• Chewing destructively or vocalizing excessively

These are signs your dog is under-stimulated and needs more structure and outlets for energy.

Grooming and Hygiene

Regular grooming not only keeps your dog clean but also helps monitor their health. Focus on:

• Brushing 2–3 times a week to reduce shedding

• Bathing every 4–6 weeks or as needed

• Dental care, brushing several times a week

• Ear cleaning and checks to prevent infections

Routine Veterinary Care

• Vaccinations:

  • DHPP booster every 1–3 years

  • Rabies as per legal requirements

  • Optional: Lyme, Lepto, Bordetella based on risk and location

• Vet Visits every 6 months, including:

  • Full physical exam

  • Eye and heart checks

  • Blood panel and CBC

  • Fecal float test for internal parasites

Spaying or Neutering (Recommended at 24 Months)

For large breeds like the German Shepherd, it’s best to wait until 24 months of age before spaying or neutering. This allows for full skeletal and hormonal development, which can help reduce the risk of joint disorders and certain cancers.

Benefits include:

• Reduced risk of unwanted litters

• Lowered risk of reproductive cancers

• Reduction in some hormone-related behaviors (such as marking or roaming)

• Improved overall long-term health when timed appropriately

Optional Health Screening at 2 Years

At 2 years of age, you may choose to have your dog undergo OFA certification for hips, elbows, and spine. These screenings help detect early signs of dysplasia or spinal issues and are especially helpful for maintaining long-term orthopedic health. Sharing these results with your breeder also supports responsible breeding programs and canine health research.

Weight Management and Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to increase your German Shepherd's lifespan and quality of life. Obesity can lead to joint issues, heart disease, and decreased energy.

• Avoid overfeeding—stick to recommended portions and monitor body condition

• Use high-quality, balanced food

• Incorporate daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and overeating

Parasite Protection

Don’t forget year-round protection from:

• Ticks and fleas (use vet-approved topical or oral preventatives)

• Heartworms (monthly preventatives based on vet advice)

• Internal parasites (routine deworming and fecal exams)

Senior Dog Care (After 6–8 Years)

As your German Shepherd ages, their care needs evolve. It's important to adjust their routine accordingly:

• Reduce intense physical activity, but maintain daily walks and light play to keep joints mobile

• Slightly reduce food intake if activity decreases, to prevent weight gain

• Increase focus on joint supplements and senior-specific nutrition

• Vet visits may increase in frequency based on individual health — consider every 4–6 months

• Continue grooming and dental care

• Monitor for signs of arthritis, vision changes, or changes in behavior

By committing to this routine, you’ll give your German Shepherd the foundation they need for a long, active, and fulfilling life.