Dobermans are large dogs with a lot of energy that need up to 2 hours of exercise daily or more. This skilful, highly intelligent, and attentive breed likes to be kept busy and is known for being active both mentally and physically.
A structured exercise schedule keeps your Doberman in excellent physical shape and reduces the likelihood of bad behaviour such as chewing, barking, and digging. Combining both physical and mental exercises also ensures your Dobie has a healthy digestive system and boosts their trust and confidence.
If you are considering getting this trusted breed as a companion, expect a lot of exercise, not just for them, but for you too.
What Affects How Much Exercise Dobermans Need?
While all Dobies need to stay active, various factors affect their exercise requirements. Remember, each dog is unique, you need to keep a close eye on your pooch to understand their requirements.
Here are some factors that may affect your Doberman’s exercise needs.
Age
Younger and senior Dobies do not have the same exercise requirements. Depending on your dog’s age, you must structure a proper exercise routine suitable for their needs. A young pup is not likely to have enough energy to sustain 2 hours of physical activity making too much exercise dangerous for them.
Healthy Dobies at 3 months of age will only require 15-30 minutes of exercise while at 6 months they may be able to sustain up to 1 hour of physical activity. Use the following chart as a guide as you structure an exercise routine for your pooch.
Age | Exercise Requirements |
3 months | 15-30 minutes |
4 months | 20-40 minutes |
5 months | 25-45 minutes |
6 months | 30-60 minutes |
As your Dobie grows more mature, they will be able to sustain 2 hours of vigorous exercise. However, senior Dobermans do not have as much energy and may not be able to participate in high-impact exercises.
Consider scheduling 45-90 minutes of moderate exercises such as swimming or walking for senior Dobies.
Health
Before you create an exercise schedule for your pooch, consider their overall health and physical conditions. A healthy Dobie is usually athletic and will take on vigorous physical activity with ease.
However, if your dog suffers from joint disease and other medical conditions that may not be suitable for high-impact activities. Consult your veterinarian regularly to find out whether your Doberman suffers from any health problems or medical restrictions before creating their exercise routine.
Energy
The Doberman is a highly energetic breed that generally needs a lot of physical activity to expend excess energy. However, all dogs have different personalities and some have less energy than others.
Consider your Dobie’s energy levels and their capacity to sustain mental and physical activity. If your dog gets tired quickly, reduce their exercise time. If your pooch has more strength and vitality, provide as much exercise time as possible to keep them happy and healthy.
Signs Your Doberman Needs More Exercise
If you are unsure whether your Doberman is getting enough exercise, look out for the following signs and adjust their activity schedule accordingly.
Hyperactivity
Well-exercised Dobies are calm and relaxed after their daily dose of physical activity. If your pooch still has lots of energy even after exercising, they may need to expend more energy. Some signs that your dog needs to exercise more are hyperactivity, running around the house, and reluctance to go back inside.
Consider increasing their exercise time or taking them out again for additional physical activities later on in the day. Another way to help your Dobie get enough exercise is to make their physical activities more challenging or more vigorous.
Overweight
If your Dobie is putting on some extra weight, it is a clear indication that they need more exercise. Dobermans are large dogs that can grow up to 100lbs so they require plenty of physical activity to prevent obesity and keep them fit.
While a chubby pooch is adorable and certainly ideal for cuddles, there are many health problems associated with obesity that may become a burden on you and your beloved canine.
Consider visiting the vet to rule out any medical conditions that could cause excessive weight gain before adjusting their exercise routine. If there are no medical causes, review your Dobie’s diet and adjust their exercise time and activities to boost energy balance and reduce weight gain.
Remember, each dog has a unique personality. If your pooch seems unmotivated, you will need to put in extra effort to encourage them to exercise and keep them healthy.
Behavioural Changes
Behavioural changes are vastly different from hyperactivity. A hyperactive dog might pace and run around the house, but a dog that is acting out can cause a lot of damage.
Always keep your Dobie entertained. If ignored, these pups will seek attention in destructive ways. Take note of any misbehaviour to evaluate whether your dog is getting enough exercise.
Dobermans may sometimes use behavioural outbursts to express their frustration caused by insufficient exercise. On the upside, they are also very smart and fast to train. Any bad behaviour can quickly be rectified with training and enough physical and mental stimulation.
If you notice your dog is acting out more and displaying rowdy behaviour, consider increasing their exercise time or adding more physically and mentally challenging activities to keep them occupied and help them expend pent-up energy.
As a general rule, your Dobie will let you know when they get enough exercise. They will be calm, even-tempered, and relaxed. As you observe your pooch, keep in mind they have unique needs and 2 hours of exercise may be enough for one and insufficient for another.
Exercise Ideas For Dobermans
Dobermans are active, energetic dogs that don’t tire easily. These dogs love a challenge and require both physical and mental activities to tire them out. Outdoor activities, interactive challenges, and dog sports are good options to meet your Dobie’s requirements.
Some exercise ideas for Dobermans include:
Fetch
Fetch is a popular game that helps pet parents exercise their dogs. Chasing and retrieving balls and other toys is an excellent way for your Doberman to enjoy vigorous physical challenges. It not only tires the dog but also helps them learn how to engage with prey.
This activity can be enjoyed at the dog park or in your backyard if you have enough space and a secure fence. Dobermans love to play fetch and will generally thrive in a household where the pet parents can meet their physical and emotional needs. Playing fetch with your Dobie allows you to spend time together and build a strong bond keeping them fit physically and mentally.
If your Doberman is still a puppy, consider introducing the game in stages and working up to longer training periods. If your dog is not sufficiently challenged by fetch, introduce more challenging activities such as retrieving discs. A Dobie catching a disc mid-air is not only fun to watch but also thrilling for the dog.
Tug Of War
Interactive tugging is another fun exercise to keep your Doberman happy. This intensive activity stimulates both their mind and body and helps them maintain a healthy energy balance.
If you’re wondering whether tug of war can encourage aggression in Dobermans, don’t worry. This game is safe for you and your pooch as long as you play by the rules.
Some rules to keep the game of tug of war fun and helpful to your pooch include:
- Using appropriate toys
- Initiate the game
- Your Dobie must master the ‘Drop it’ command before your start playing
- The game stops immediately should the dog touch you or your clothes
A safe and healthy game of tug of war has numerous benefits for your Doberman including:
- Excellent physical and mental exercise
- Helps in training
- Strengthens the bond between you and your dog
- Builds confidence
- Helps control their desire to chew
- Boosts self-control
Flirt Pole
In addition to their high energy levels, Dobermans also have a high prey drive. Flirt Pole uses a giant feline teaser specially designed for dogs. Pet parents hold the pole and move it around as the Dobie chases after the teaser and tries to catch it.
This exercise is intensive and considered a vigorous, high-energy activity. It also helps engage your Dobie’s prey instincts and is ideal for use if you have limited space. You can also build a DIY flirt pole and use a teaser that your pooch likes to chase after to make the game more interesting.
Agility Training
Dog agility training is ideal for Dobermans because it uses an obstacle course that will stimulate them both physically and mentally as well as help them build their strength. This dog sport also helps boost obedience as your dog works off excess energy.
Build your own obstacle course in your backyard or if you’re a beginner, visit your nearest trainer to learn the basics.
Swimming
When it’s hot outside, participating in intense physical activities outdoors can be difficult and even dangerous for your dog. Swimming safely tires your Dobie on hot summer days without exposing them to overheating.
You will have to teach your Dobie how to swim or use a floatation device as you train them. Always keep a close eye on your pooch in the doggie pool because swimming can pose serious risks such as accidental drowning and water intoxication.
Remember to gently hose down your Dobie after each swimming session to prevent skin irritation from pool chemicals.
Walking
Walking is a low-impact activity that is perfect for older Dobermans. Using a leash take your dog out for a walk around the block or to the park where they can socialize with other pups. You can also increase the intensity by picking up the pace.
The length of the walk is determined by your free time as Dobies can walk all day. Consider taking your canine companion on a brisk quick trot for at least 30-45 minutes daily to ensure they get sufficient exercise.
If your dog still has lots of energy after your walks, incorporate a weighted vest or a doggie backpack that is no more than 10% of their body weight. You can also increase resistance by walking uphill or on the sand.
Can You Run With A Doberman?
Yes, you can run with a Doberman as long as they are over 1 year with no physical injuries or medical conditions. Taking your Dobie out for a run helps you both stay in shape and improves your bond as you explore the outdoors together.
If your dog is physically fit, it can easily outrun you so be sure to take necessary precautions. Ensure you use an appropriate harness that will not tangle but will hold your pooch firmly and prevent them from breaking away from you.
Be aware of your environment as you run. Dobies often need a lot of space so they can explore and move around. If the running environment is not big enough, accidents can occur hurting you or your dog.
Remember to keep your dog’s training and obedience levels in mind. Running with a rowdy Dobie can make them difficult to control. A large untrained dog running at a fast pace will find it difficult to stop or listen to commands and with a full adrenaline rush, things can go wrong fast.
The Bottom Line
Most mature Dobermans need up to 2 hours of exercise a day. This large high-energy breed is also very obedient and intelligent making it easy to train. A Dobie is perfect for you and your family if you lead an active lifestyle and have lots of space for them to run around.
Consider your Doberman’s age and health so you can determine just how much exercise is necessary for your canine companion.
Remember a tired Dobie, is a happy Dobie.