How Much Exercise Does My Doberman Need Per Day? Breed Requirements & FAQ
By Cheryl Regan
Updated on
On average, adult Dobermans need at least two hours of exercise1 per day. That said, you should take into account your dog’s age, weight, and any existing health conditions when planning out their daily exercise routine.
Dobermans are full of energy, so structured daily activities will help to keep them out of trouble. This daily exercise should ideally be spread out over the entire day rather than packed into one session.
To learn more about these incredibly energetic and intelligent dogs, and for tips on keeping them healthy, keep reading!
Why Does My Doberman Have So Much Energy?
Dobermans were bred to be guard dogs—and they are still used today as working dogs, helping out in both police and military settings. They can also make wonderful house pets. As long as they’re housed with active families, and are provided with lots of space to run around, they should fit in just fine.
Because Dobermans are inherently active and intelligent dogs, if they are not kept physically and mentally stimulated, they will simply get bored And, as they say, the devil makes work for idle paws!
Boredom can lead these lovable dogs to turn their attention to chewing things they’re not supposed to, or digging lots of holes in your backyard. The best way to deal with this is to keep your Doberman on an adequate exercise schedule and get them engaged in mentally stimulating activities.
What Are Some Great Exercises for My Doberman?
There are lots of ways to keep your Doberman entertained and physically exercised, from simple walks to exercises even you can join in on. Here are a few examples of some great exercises your Doberman will love.
Swimming
Dobermans are not great natural swimmers, on account of their dense, muscular bodies and mass. But once they get used to it, swimming is a high-intensity activity that’s sure to burn off plenty of energy and engage your Doberman’s mind.
Agility Course
Agility courses are one of the best activities for Dobermans—both for physical exercise and mental stimulation. Not only that, they’re really fun too. Training your Doberman through the obstacles is great for strengthening the bond between you and your pet, too. Check out the American Kennel Club website to learn more about how you get started with agility courses.
Fetch
While a game of fetch will not provide as much mental stimulation as an agility course or swimming, what it can offer is a great, fun way to help your Doberman burn off lots of excess energy. All you need is a ball or other toy you can toss, a park or open space, and you’re good to go!
Hide and Seek
Playing hide and seek with your Doberman can be great fun for both of you. Get your Doberman to sit and stay while you go hide, then shout out for them to come to find you. This will engage your dog’s mind as they use their multiple senses to figure out where you are. When they do find you, make sure you’re ready with praise and treats!
Jogging and Running
If you’re looking for an exercise that you can do along with your Doberman, simply pack a bowl, and enough water for both of you, and go for a run. Your dog will burn plenty of energy, and so will you.
Just bear in mind that running and jogging are not ideal if your dog is under 24 months old, because their joints are still growing. If you have an adult Doberman that you want to go for a run with, remember to watch out for heatstroke on sunny days. Provide them with plenty of water, and keep them in the shade if you can.
How Do You Mentally Stimulate a Doberman?
One of the best ways to keep your Doberman’s mind engaged is to change things up from time to time. For example, if you’re going for a walk every day, try a new route. The new sights, the navigation, and the new environments will keep your Doberman’s mind occupied.
Dobermans love to learn new tricks, so take some time to teach them something new. Remember, Dobermans were bred to be working dogs, so get them to help around the house—not only will they love this, but so might you!
Other activities that can engage your Doberman’s mind include the following:
- Playing tug-of-war
- Interactive dog puzzle toys
- Meeting other dogs
Ways to Keep My Doberman Happy
Dobermans are lovable, intelligent dogs that crave their owners’ attention. Here’s are three ways you can make sure your Doberman remains happy and healthy:
- Feed your Doberman well and on time every day. A healthy diet full of all the minerals and vitamins your dog needs is essential to give them the best chance of a healthy happy life.
- Make time to play with your Doberman each day. It may be tempting to neglect play time, especially if you’ve had a long day at work, but making time for your Doberman each day is essential to their happiness. Whether it’s fetch, hide and seek, or just a small tug-of-war game, your Doberman will appreciate it—and so will you! Playing games with your dog can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in your body, helping you to relax and unwind.
- Give your Doberman plenty of opportunity to exercise. Make sure they get at least two hours of exercise every day.
Wrapping Up
Dobermans are highly intelligent and energetic dogs. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation every day. Make sure you split their exercise over the entire day, rather than try to do it all at once, and don’t forget to make some time to play games with your dog.
Games like fetch are great for helping your Doberman burn off excess energy, while agility courses and puzzle games will occupy their minds. Whichever activities you decide to go with, don’t forget to enjoy the time you spend with these uniquely loyal four-legged friends!
Featured Image Credit: Vivienstock, Shutterstock
