How to Maintain a German Shepherd's Daily Routine When You're Away?
Follow this schedule to ensure your German Shepherd stays healthy and happy while you're away, with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
Daily Routine
Start your day by feeding your German Shepherd at 7:00 AM. Provide 2 cups of high-quality dry food, split into two meals. Ensure fresh water is available at all times.
At 9:00 AM, take your dog for a 30-minute walk. This is a great time for a bathroom break and some socialization.
Between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, provide your dog with a midday nap. A comfortable crate or a quiet room works well.
At 3:00 PM, it's time for another 30-minute walk. This walk can be more vigorous to help burn off energy.
At 5:00 PM, offer your dog a small treat or a puzzle toy to keep them engaged while you're away.
- 7:00 AM - Feed first meal
- 9:00 AM - 30-minute walk
- 11:00 AM - Midday nap
- 3:00 PM - 30-minute walk
- 5:00 PM - Treat or puzzle toy
Weekly Routine
Once a week, vacuum the dog bed and crate to remove loose fur and debris. This helps prevent allergies and keeps the space clean.
At the end of the week, check the dog's collar and ID tags to ensure they are secure and up to date.
Schedule a grooming session with a professional every 6–8 weeks to maintain your German Shepherd's coat and hygiene.
- Weekly - Vacuum dog bed and crate
- Weekly - Check collar and ID tags
- Every 6–8 weeks - Professional grooming
Monthly Routine
Monthly, inspect the yard or play area for hazards and clean up any debris. German Shepherds can be curious and might ingest harmful items.
Check the fence for any signs of wear or damage. A sturdy fence is crucial for a working breed like the German Shepherd.
Every month, review the dog's diet and adjust portion sizes if necessary. Maintain a balanced diet to support their active lifestyle.
- Monthly - Inspect yard and play area
- Monthly - Check fence for damage
- Monthly - Review and adjust diet
What to Skip on Busy Days
On particularly busy days, you can skip the midday nap if your dog seems tired. They may need a longer walk in the evening instead.
If you're running late, you can combine the morning and afternoon walks into one longer walk. Just ensure it's at least 60 minutes.
On days when you're home late, offer a larger treat or a more challenging puzzle toy to keep your dog engaged.
- Skip midday nap if dog is tired
- Combine morning and afternoon walks
- Offer larger treats or more challenging toys
Daily Checks
Before leaving for the day, check your German Shepherd's water bowl to ensure it's clean and full.
Inspect their paws for any signs of injury or foreign objects after walks.
Monitor their behavior for any signs of discomfort or illness, such as excessive panting or changes in appetite.
- Check water bowl before leaving
- Inspect paws after walks
- Monitor behavior for signs of illness
Keep reading about German Shepherd: German Shepherd care sheet
Related questions
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need when I'm away?
At least 60 minutes of exercise per day is recommended, split into two walks of 30 minutes each.
How often should I check my German Shepherd's water bowl?
Check the water bowl at least twice a day, before leaving for the day and when you return.
What should I do if my German Shepherd doesn't eat their food when I'm away?
If your dog doesn't eat their food after 15 minutes, try leaving a small amount out for them to eat at their leisure.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your german shepherd is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.