German Shepherd is known for their activeness and energetic breed, they like playing and doing various physical activities more often. Having a German Shepherd as a pet provides the feeling of having a Rolls Royce in the dog world. But what about some German Shepherds not doing so much fun and other physical activities, aren’t they lazy?
German Shepherds may be lazy because of fatigue ness or some type of illness you have not noticed. German Shepherds may also be lazy because of the diet they are following, boredom, depression, or lack of exercise.
Though sickness may also force your German Shepherd to not let them be active, however, you should always observe their behavior and if they remain not so energetic and active then your should consult your vet.
Apart from this, there may be another more reason that can force your German Shepherd to be less energetic and remain lazy. This post is fully dedicated to this behavior of your German Shepherd as there is a lot to know and a lot to discuss.
Let’s go through this topic and discuss it in detail:
Table of Contents
Why Is Your German Shepherd So Lazy?
It becomes a little surprised when your German Shepherd act like a lazy dog, their nature is to be active and energetic most of the time. Because of their active nature, they are also the best guard dog but some of them may be lazy. The main question here arises in our is why lets them be lazy.
German Shepherds are not naturally lazy but there may be factors that can let them lazy more often. They may be feeling bored, suffering from depression, sickness or not getting enough exercise.
However, it’s always important to monitor the behavior of your German Shepherd if they do not act actively that should not be ignored. There may be some vital reasons that may force your German Shepherd to be lazy. Let’s discuss some of the factors that may be forcing your German Shepherd to be lazy.
Here are some of the reasons why your German Shepherd may be lazy:
1. Age Factor
The age of your German Shepherd may one of the factors for their laziness behavior. They must be becoming old which may let them not do more physical exercise. Older German Shepherds lack physical stamina and they avoid doing more exercise.
In such a case, you must ensure their mental health. Be sure that they must be happy so that they can live with their beloved ones a happy life. However, you should not force them to do more exercise that may affect their health too. Rather you can make them walk for some distance as it would be good for them.
2. Diet Plan
If your German Shepherd is lazy or not active most of the time that their diet plan is the factor because which they may be being forced not to do anything. They must not be getting a nutritional diet that allows them to be active.
Being an active breed German Shepherd needs a diet with sufficient calories and protein that provide them with enough energy. A meal with fat can also let them laziness more often so it’s always important to monitor your dog’s health closely and feed your German Shepherd a well-balanced diet.
3. Boredom
Your German Shepherd may be lazy because of boredom, they may not be getting fun or getting enjoyment which may result in them in boredom. Again physical activity for German Shepherd plays a very crucial role in making them active and energetic.
You should take desired steps so that your German Shepherd can easily get rid of this issue. You can provide them with some toys to play with or some other instrument which they can enjoy. You should also be aware of their mental health which can’t be ignored as you can also take help from professionals for better suggestions.
4. Fatigue Ness
Your German Shepherd may be tired which may also let them act lazy more often. Fatigue ness or tiredness in German Shepherds occurs for many reasons, they may be overexercising which can also exhaust their energy and as result, they may become lazy.
The important thing your can do is follow the proper routine for your German Shepherd and avoid overexercising. You should also know that they are a very active breed and do a lot of physical activities that are also treated as some type of exercise.
Overexercising your German Shepherd may also affect their hits. They may get injured and as a result, they may ignore doing physical activity further and they may become lazy. You should always observe their behavior and follow regular routines for them so that they remain fit all the time and can’t act as lazy.
5. Separation Anxiety
Another reason your German Shepherd is lazy is because of the issue of separation anxiety. They may be living alone for a longer time and become bored which may lead them to suffer from separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety in German Shepherd is also popular when the dog owners do not spend enough time with them and leave them alone for a longer time. Leaving German Shepherd for a long time will also let them suffer from severe stress as there will also change in their behavior.
Your dog will show initial signs like howling more often, excessive barking or whining, chewing unnecessarily, and others when they suffer from separation anxiety. When all these activities become excessive they will become frustrated and ultimately they will stop doing any physical activities which you may also consider a lazy German Shepherd.
6. Depression
Depression may be the other reason your German Shepherd is acting lazy. This type of issue again arises due to loneliness as you may not be spending enough time with them. Your German Shepherd has gone through a lot of mental trauma which may lead them to suffer from depression.
German Shepherds may go through this type of mental issue if they live alone for a longer time period. When your German Shepherd suffers from depression they will show some signs like a lack of doing physical activities, loss of interest in doing the thing they enjoy earlier, excessive sleeping, licking their paws, and many more.
However, it will always be important to spend most of the time with your German Shepherd as meeting your vets for better suggestions will also be helpful. Provide them with enjoyment tools and follow a proper routine so that they can’t be separated from their enjoyment. Once they find their enjoyment they will be happy and will get rid of this mental issue.
7. Health Factor
German Shepherd is not naturally lazy, there may be some health factor that can force them to be lazy most of the time. They may be suffering from some type of illness or injury that may be preventing them from doing their physical activities.
Sickness may force them to be less energetic. This can easily be determined if you see a sudden change in their behavior as your German Shepherd was more active earlier and they remain calm and less active suddenly then there will be the possibility of sickness or injury.
Injury may also force them to be more aggressive and they will not be able to do their physical activities. Here observing the behavior is also important whenever you notice your dog is ill then you should immediately meet your vet for their treatment.
8. Lack Of Exercise
You may not be allowed to provide them with enough exercise which may also force them to be lazy most of the time. They are a very active breed and will require a lot of exercise which is also essential to exhaust their energy but again if they are able to do so they remain lazy.
This issue in German Shepherds can easily be resolved as you should provide various types of exercise at regular intervals. Also exercising your German Shepherd makes their body muscular and they remain active most of the time. But again this should be done at a moderate level as excessive exercise may also affect their health.
9. Naturally Less Active
If your German Shepherds are born naturally less active then they may remain lazy most of the time. However, they are a very active breed but remaining lazy most of the time is a thing to consider.
You can provide your German Shepherd for doing physical activities or exercise regularly. Feeding them a nutritional diet can also provide them the energy that will also let them be more active. However, you can also take help from your vets for better suggestions.
10. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors may be the major reason, your German Shepherd is acting lazy more often. They may be facing unfavorable environments or surrounding that may force them to express their physical experience.
The only thing you should do is provide them with favorable conditions where they would enjoy their life and do a lot of ever exercises will also allow them to express their feelings as a dog owner you will also enjoy lot seeing their adorable behavior.
How Can I Let My German Shepherd Be More Active?
German Shepherds are a very active breed but whenever they show less activeness there may be some issue that may be preventing them from doing their activities. An active German Shepherd is always a treat to watch and you should always be knowing to let them be more active.
Earlier we discussed the laziness behavior of German Shepherds. However, you should also know the important measures that you should apply to them to make them more active.
Here are some of the reasons you can also follow to make your German Shepherd more active:
Follow a Proper Diet Plan
Feeding your German Shepherd’s nutritional diet is always beneficial. It provides them to gain all the benefits of calories, protein, fats, and carbohydrates that are essential parts to make them active.
You should also keep in mind that they have muscular bodies and need a proper nutrient diet to maintain their energy.
Regular Exercise
German Shepherds are a highly energetic breed and they need regular exercise to maintain their energy level.
This energy level allows them to remain active all the time so it’s recommended to provide them with sufficient exercise that will be beneficial for them physically as well as mentally.
Provide Enjoy full Toys
German Shepherds can remain active when they get an environment with a lot of enjoyment that you can provide them by giving them toys.
They will enjoy their surroundings by playing with them as it removes their stress and let them remain active most of the time.
Things To Consider
German Shepherds always love their beloved ones and as a good owner, you should also respect their feelings. If they are lazy then you should not feel frustrated rather you can take important measures so that they can easily get rid of such types of issues.
However, you should also consider the German Shepherd which will help you a lot in maintaining their health as well as fitness level.
- Never Scold them
- Always be friendly with them
- Provide favorable environmental conditions
- Spend as much time as you can
- Never leave your GSD alone for a long time
- Provide fun activities for them
- Always provide a nutrient diet
- Monitor their behavior regularly
- Meet your Vets if required
Related Questions:
Q1. Is My German Shepherd bored?
The tendency of German Shepherds to be active most of the time, they do a lot of physical activities to exhaust their energy like other dogs but if they neglect to do such types of activities or exercise they may be bored.
They must not get proper attention from their owners or may live alone because of which they may be feeling bored.
However, you should monitor their behavior and observe any neglection play or doing exercise then you must take important measures to prevent such type of issues in your German Shepherds. You can spend more time with them or play with them to avoid such types of issues.
Q2. What do German Shepherds need to be happy?
German Shepherds are happy to breed but you can also make them happy by taking some steps:
- Playing with them
- Giving them treats
- Meeting vets regularly
- Grooming them
- Regular meetings with friends
- Show them your love
Q3. Are German Shepherds low energy?
German Shepherds are fully energetic breeds so the answer to this question is no German Shepherds are not less energetic. However, if they are not following a nutritious diet plan or doing daily exercise they may feel less energetic which may result in their laziness behavior.
Q4. Is the German Shepherd a lazy dog?
No, the German Shepherd is not a lazy dog. They are known to be highly active and energetic, which makes them great companions for those who lead an active lifestyle.
They need regular physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. German Shepherds love engaging in activities like running, playing fetch, agility training, frisbee or flyball competitions, tracking events, and more.
Q5. What happens if German Shepherds don’t get enough exercise?
If German Shepherds don’t get enough exercise, they may become restless, destructive, and even aggressive.
Without regular physical and mental stimulation, these active and intelligent dogs can quickly display unwanted behaviors such as barking excessively, digging holes in the backyard, chewing on furniture or other objects, pacing around the house restlessly, or engaging in self-destructive behavior like over-grooming themselves.
Q6. What do German Shepherds do when they are bored?
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent breed and need regular mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
A bored dog may start to misbehave by chewing on furniture or other items, barking excessively, digging up the yard, or engaging in destructive behaviors.
Q7. How much exercise does a German shepherd need every day?
A German shepherd needs at least an hour of exercise daily. This is the minimum amount required to keep them healthy and happy. Depending on their age and energy levels, they can need more or less. Puppies require more frequent short walks while adult dogs may be able to handle longer and more vigorous activities like running or swimming.
Final Thoughts:
German Shepherds are known for their energy and activeness that why they always remain the first choice for every dog lover. But if your German Shepherd acts lazy then you should find out the fact behind this.
There may be a possible reason behind the laziness behavior of your German Shepherd. You should always monitor their behavior and if there is suddenly a change then you must do important measures for making them active. Always spend most of the time with your GSD and meet your Vets at regular intervals.