The Rottweiler has a strong willingness to work and can be quite independent, though always loyal to its owner. Irresponsible ownership can bring out potentially dangerous behavior in the Rottweiler. Rottweilers have a strong instinct to protect. If this instinct is not nurtured and is guided in the wrong direction, the Rottweiler can be a handful indeed. This breed is an excellent herding dog, thought to be one of the oldest herding breeds, and is known for its forceful method of herding. Rottweilers are known to be able to herd especially tough stock, but have also been known to bond and be affectionate with the sheep it may be in charge of herding as long as the sheep do as the dog commands.

It’s obvious that the Rottweiler can be a tough and independent breed to own. The Rottweiler is certainly not suited to every owner. So how much exercise do Rottweilers require to stay in their prime mental and physical condition?

A daily run, walk, and active in-yard play is the minimum amount of exercise that your Rottweiler should be getting daily. If you feed your Rottweiler too much or exercise it too little, this breed can be prone to gaining weight quickly. While many Rottweilers are known for their placid and calm demeanor, exercise is very important to maintain this temperament.

The Rottweiler is a very versatile breed and is suited for many different types of exercise and dog sports. It can handle and enjoy anything from personal protection sports like Schutzhund to Carting and, of course, Herding.

Make sure to socialize your Rottweiler from a young age with people and other dogs. They are known to be quite aloof and may not warm up to strangers easily. Socialization and play with other dogs from a young age will help you to raise a fit, balanced dog.

If you live in an apartment and are considering getting a Rottweiler, please think long and hard about whether or not you’ll be able to give this amazing, independent, active breed the exercise it needs to stay healthy and happy. Sure, your Rottweiler will survive in an apartment. But this is a breed that was born to run, herd, protect, and do a job. Beware potential behavioral and physical health problems should you fail to provide it with sufficient exercise.

Obesity can cause serious health problems in dogs. Weight gain and loss can also be caused by underlying health problems. If your Rottweiler is obese or experiences sudden weight gain or weight loss, it is always recommended to take it to a vet for a checkup.

Terri adopted Lola from the Humane Society. To exercise Lola, Terri takes a 2 mile jog with her at 6:00am four days per week and also walks 1 mile every evening with her 6 year old Beagle Buddy.

In Lola’s first year of life, she was kept in someone’s backyard, she did not know how to walk on a leash when we adopted her. She pulled and fought us every step of the way. This was a way for me to teach her how to walk on a leash, how to heel and at the same time, keep her busy and in shape. She is a working dog and when she is not exercised regularly, she gets into trouble! She needs daily stimulation just like we do, this keeps us both healthy in our body and mind. – Terri

Because Lola didn’t know how to walk on a leash when Terri adopted her, they had to start gradually:

I would start walking with her short periods, teaching her she had to stay on my right then increase to a mile then 2 miles. I had to use the pinch collar for about 5-6 months as a training tool, she is very aware of her surroundings and gets distracted easily. She had zero impulse control and would literally drag me to see people or other dogs in our path. – Terri

Terri and Lola

Once Lola learned how to walk politely on a leash, Terri started jogging. She taught Lola to move off of the sidewalk and onto the grass when other people and dogs pass by them and Lola now does this naturally without Terri having to give her the “over” command.

I asked Terri if she had any advice for people with larger dogs who pull like Lola used to when they’re starting out trying to jog.

I guess my advise would be to start slow and be consistent. Your dog will learn the routine, make it fun for them praise them as you go, scratch them on the head, talk to them. – Terri

Jogging with your dog is a great activity to take up for both your dog’s and your own fitness. Big thanks to Terri for sharing her dog exercise experiences and tips with us!

If you’d like to submit your own story about exercising with your dog or dog fitness in general, please e-mail 1 Fit Mutt at info@1fitmutt.com