How to Make German Shepherd Back Legs Stronger: Practical Exercises for Your GSD

German Shepherds have a specific slope of the back, which affects the health of the back legs. This can lead to specific diseases peculiar to the German Shepherd breed. These include hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis, which greatly affects quality of life and longevity.

No owner wants that for his GSD, so it is important to start prevention in advance by strengthening the joints, ligaments and back leg muscles. So, how to make German Shepherd back legs stronger?

Causes of Weakness in Back Legs of German Shepherds

The internet often mentions the problem of weak back legs in German Shepherds that occurs with age. It is about the weakness and atrophy of the back leg muscles in GSDs, so the dogs are less able to lean on these hind legs. This problem can be caused by several factors, each of which is discussed separately below.

Causes that reduce joint mobility in German Shepherd dogs

The activity of the joints is influenced by multiple factors. There can be a lot of reasons for the decline in joint mobility:

One of the reasons affecting joint mobility is excess weight. Most owners do not think about the fact that overfeeding their pet, cause great harm. If the pet’s ribs are not palpable, it is worth putting it on a diet and bringing the weight in line with the standards.

Increased activity (usually in champion dogs and small dogs endowed with increased mobility) accelerates joint wear. Due to hyperactivity, the musculoskeletal system does not always have time to recover and leads a four-legged friend to the risk zone.

Causes of back legs failure in GSD

The reasons why German Shepherd’s back legs bend their paws are different. Let’s look at a few basic.

It is typical for german shepherd back legs of small breeds with a genetic predisposition to instability of intervertebral discs. As a rule, these are pugs, Pekingese, French bulldogs, poodles. The displacement of the discs leads to compression of the spinal cord, which, with the most unfavorable outcome, can lead not only to complete immobilization of the limbs, but also to death. Due to the fact that the dog begins to experience acute pain, she tries to limit herself as much as possible in movement.

He often freezes in a certain position, hunching his spine and pulling in his neck, trembles and eventually just falls to the floor. If the pain is not very critical, then the external signs may be less pronounced. The pet will, as it were, drag its paws behind hind legs it, dodge jumps and sudden movements, bend over with difficulty.

Diseases of the hip joints

The risk group usually includes german shepherd back legs — Dobermans, Rottweilers, great Danes, St. Bernards, etc. Often a similar diagnosis is made to sheepdogs at the age of 6-12 months. Problems with joints can be periodic, subsiding and getting worse under the influence of various reasons.

For example, from insufficient or excessive physical activity. The dog may fall on his paws after waking up or an active walk. It is not necessary that the disease will affect both limbs at once. There is a high probability that the german shepherd back legs will pull only one paw. Possible causes of hip dysplasia for german shepherd back legs:

• Genetic predisposition;
• Malnutrition;
• lack of vitamin C, vitamin D;
• heavy body weight;
• dog food (proper diet)
• Improper conditions of detention.

Congenital pathologies of German Shepherd breed

Severe injuries. During the rehabilitation period, it is necessary to minimize the load, incrementally increasing and making it possible to gradually restore the mobility of the joint. Insufficient formation or improper distribution of muscle mass.

Old age. It is very important to monitor the health of the dog from puppyhood to old age. Over the years, complications with joints only increase.

Pay special attention to the hip, with which the german shepherd back legs constantly.

Injuries of german shepherd’s hind legs

This category includes all injuries and injuries suffered by an german shepherd owners accidentally or intentionally. For example, a german shepherd puppy may get hurt in a fight, get hit by a car, slip on ice, fall into a pit or hit hard on some hard surface. If the spine is damaged as a result of the injury, then the probability that the dog will have problems with coordination is very high.

Swelling appears at the site of the injury / wound, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and adjacent nerves. Blood circulation in the damaged area is disrupted, therefore, nerve cells do not receive adequate nutrition and die. The “delivery” of nerve impulses to the peripheral system becomes difficult, tissue sensitivity is lost. The presence of a serious injury can lead to irreversible consequences — a rupture of the spinal cord.

What Exercises Strengthen Shepherd’s Back Legs

Start with the simplest exercises, increasing the load gradually. Later, you can add weights to make your workout even more effective. Treat training as a game so your dog enjoys it. Praise your dog and give him a treat for every successful exercise. In case of hot weather, offer water as needed.

All activities performed should developmuscle strength, joint and ligament stability, so the exercises are divided into groups.

Exercises to strengthen the back legs of German Shepherds

To strengthen the dog’s hind legs, there are many exercises.

The stand on the hind legs is carried out by the order “to serve”. To make your pet stand on its hind legs, motivate it with your favorite treat. Increase the standing time step by step. Jumping up can be provoked by throwing a toy or a piece of food. Running up the stairs perfectly strengthens the dog’s hind legs. Don’t forget about the leg muscles.

A staircase in a park or a multi-storey house is suitable for this exercise. Spend the lesson in the form of a game. Throw a ball up the stairs and demand to bring it. Vertical squatting using a small stool under the front paws no higher than the dog’s elbow. The back legs should be on a low flimsy surface.

The dog is required to sit down without removing the front paws from the elevation. At the same time, the leg muscles of the hind legs are strained as much as possible. The exercise perfectly strengthens the leg muscles of the dog’s hind legs. You can seek help from a vet physical therapist.

If your dog gets emotional and barks excessively during training, check out our post How to Stop German Shepherd Barking: Detailed Answers to Frequent Questions.

Strengthening the joints and ligaments of German Shepherds

To strengthen and guarantee the stability of the joints, the dog should have sufficiently developed leg muscles in the hind legs, back, and part of the leg muscles of the shoulder girdle. In order for the muscular “bandage” to properly protect the joints and ligaments, it is recommended to walk competently with the dog.

It may be funny to most, but the correct muscle formation is affected by whether a pet is walking on a leash, or without it. This state of affairs is explained quite simply. Free from the leash, the animal independently chooses the pace of movements, loading itself to a minimum. Dogs are very rational in their actions and movements.

Therefore, do not be lazy and periodically walk your pet on a leash at a relatively fast trot. To improve blood circulation in the joints, practice aerobic exercises (swimming, running, walking) every two days, alternating them. More often is not recommended. Measure the dog’s pulse from time to time. After loading, it should not exceed 30%, in comparison with the state of rest. In case of deviations, undergo an ultrasound of the heart.

Exercise to strengthen the pastern of German Shepherds

Do not try to strengthen the ligaments and reduce their elasticity until the dog is fully formed. With proper care, everything comes back to normal by the time of growing up. But the pasterns should be protected from infancy. A growing pet should be provided with a full-fledged calcified diet and special supplements and vitamins.

The puppy is not recommended to walk constantly on slippery surfaces (linoleum, parquet, laminate). To strengthen the pastern, walking on small pebbles or gravel is necessary. The owner is obliged to protect the growing pet from excessive loads during games, jumping from an impressive height. At a tender age, the dog’s paws have not yet become stronger, which can provoke injuries. This is especially true for large breeds.

Strengthening the forelegs and back legs of German Shepherds

To strengthen the forelimbs, the dog should be encouraged to do push-ups. The dog is in a standing position, and you lure her down and pull the treat along the floor from the dog, not allowing her to lie down. Feeding paws from a lying position strengthens the forelimbs well. Lifting the elbow off the floor, the pet works out the shoulder perfectly.

Alternate paws. With the help of a toy or a treat, we encourage you to stand on your hind legs German Shepherd’s back legs, as vertically as possible in relation to the floor. The German Shepherds stands with his front paws on the table, and at the command “Hide”, puts his head between the table and the croup, thus sagging on his front German Shepherd’s back legs.

It is important to observe muscle mass in order to avoid unnecessary loads on the front legs and hind legs. With a normal weight, that is, healthy weight, the physical health of the dog will be excellent, hip problems will disappear, the joints of the dog will not hurt, which will allow you to take daily walks and long walks.

Safety Precautions When Exercising a German Shepherd

Before starting classes with a dog and performing exercises, take into account some factors. First of all, check the condition of your German Shepherd. You may not be aware that the disease is progressing for this period, and do not pay attention to the symptoms until the dog falls from a sharp attack of pain. If classes are held indoors, make sure there are no slippery surfaces in order to avoid injury.

Avoid overworking the German Shepherd. Aerobic exercise is given to the dog no more than 1-2 days. Walking should be monotonous, at the same rhythm, on a short leash, for at least 1 hour – if you do not adhere to these rules, such training will not be considered an aerobic exercise. It is not recommended to force the dog to run long distances every day. For running, find cushioning surfaces – and its duration should not be more than 15 minutes. It is forbidden to run on paved paths!

As for swimming, the maximum monotonous swimming time is 10 minutes. Do a warm-up and stretching for the dog. Stretching increases the amplitude of movement, reduces pain. It can be of 2 types: active and passive.

Do not forget that when stretching the shoulder, it is strictly forbidden to bring the paw to the side and sharply upwards, it is recommended that the toes look towards the nose – that is, the paw stretches slightly to the center.

To summarize all that has been said about the exercises, watch the video German Shepherds Exercise Needs and Ideas by Barkercise:

What is better not to do in training German Shepherd’s back legs

You should not give the German Shepherd pain on the stretch, stop at the moment when you stumble upon resistance, hold in this position for a few seconds and release. Stretching goes after warming up, so as not to harm the dog.

If the warm–up takes place before classes, then stretching after training can be a hitch. Be attentive and caring towards your four-legged friend! The German Shepherd legs should always be in motion but do not overwork.

The Importance of Proper Nutrition for German Shepherd

To strengthen the hind legs limbs of the German Shepherd dog, cottage cheese and other fermented dairy products, raw meat, vegetables, and gelatin should take place in the dog’s balanced diet. Young animals need to be provided with sparing physical activity for their hind legs. Do not overfeed under any circumstances, regardless of age.

Dog’s age can also affect the condition of the dog’s joints. Senior dogs often refuse active daily walks. The affected joints begin to collapse, the progressive disease begins to weaken the animal. Bad hips stop practically moving. The dog cannot play games, the joint condition is worsens, and neurological disease.

Daily calorie requirements for GSD

Active exercise requires a nutritious balanced diet. The number of calories depends on your dog’s size, age, and status. Use the information compiled by Animal Mecical Center of Chicago to dose your dog’s food.

Body weight (pounds/kilos)	Puppy up to 4 mos.	Puppy over 4 mos.	Neutered adult	Intact adult	Obese prone	Weight loss
1 / 0.45	115	77	61.5	73	58	/
2 / 0.90	194	129	104	123	97	/
3 / 1.36	264	176	141	168	132	/
4 / 1.81	330	220	176	198	154	110
5 / 2.26	390	260	208	234	182	130
6 / 2.72	447	298	238	268	209	149
7 / 3.17	501	334	267	301	234	167
8 / 3.63	552	368	294	331	258	184
9 / 4.08	603	402	332	362	281	201
10 / 4.54	654	436	349	392	305	218
11 / 4.98	702	468	374	421	328	234
12 / 5.44	750	500	400	450	350	250
13 / 5.89	795	530	424	477	371	265
14 / 6.35	840	560	448	504	392	280
15 / 6.80	885	590	472	531	413	295
16 / 7.26	930	620	496	558	434	310
17 / 7.71	972	648	518	583	454	324
18 / 8.16	1017	678	542	610	475	339
19 / 8.61	1059	706	565	635	494	353
20 / 9.07	1098	732	586	659	512	366
25 / 11.34	1299	866	693	779	606	433
30 / 13.60	1491	994	795	895	696	497
35 / 15.87	1674	1116	893	1004	781	558
40 / 18.14	1848	1232	986	1109	862	616
45 / 20.41	2019	1346	1077	1211	942	673
50 / 22.68	/	1458	1166	1312	1021	729
55 / 24.95	/	1566	1253	1409	1096	783
60 / 27.22	/	1670	1336	1503	1169	835
65 / 29.48	/	1774	1419	1597	1242	887
70 / 31.75	/	1876	1501	1688	1313	938
75 / 34.01	/	1976	1581	1778	1383	988
80 / 36.28	/	2074	1659	1867	1452	1037
85 / 38.55	/	2170	1736	1953	1519	1085
90 / 40.82	/	2264	1811	2038	1585	1132
95 / 43.09	/	2358	1886	2122	1651	1179
100 / 45.36	/	2450	1960	2205	1715	1225

Necessary Prevention for German Shepherd Dog

To exclude the possibility of hip dysplasia, the following rules must be observed:

• feed your dog only with properly balanced food;
• do not overfeed the shepherd to avoid gaining excess weight;
• properly distribute physical activity for the animal;
• carry out preventive diagnostics.

Weak back legs, as a rule, are due to a small amount of training, but also, weak back legs can be a sign of congenital defect.

How to strengthen the back legs of a German Shepherd

It’s time to answer the question, of how to make German Shepherd back legs stronger. In order to strengthen the articular ligamentous apparatus of the German Shepherd, it is mandatory for German Shepherd:

1. adjusting the balanced diet of the dog (back legs);
2. use of specialized supplements;
3. physical training for German Shepherd;
4. physiotherapy procedures (massage, swimming, gymnastics regulations);
5. strength training that strengthens ligaments and tendons;
6. static dynamics aimed at intensity in the motor range;
7. comprehensive exercises to improve the condition of joints and ligaments, designed for the age scale and the general well-being of the dog’s body and back legs;
8. preventive examinations at the veterinarian and tests;
9. a comfortable place to rest, not subject to drafts;
10. your love and care.

The main thing to remember is that it is always easier to prevent the disease than to cure it.

Final Thoughts How to Make GHD’s Back Legs Stronger

Thus, answering the question, of how to make a German Shepherd’s back legs stronger, you can answer that proper dog food and training will help strengthen the joints. It is very important to pay increased attention back legs. The back legs also need constant medical supervision to prevent the risk of various diseases. We also advise you to train your leg muscles most importantly, remember, the German Shepherd is healthy when he lives in love, has proper weight loss, has a proper diet, and comfort.

The German Shepherd’s health, like that of any other dog, is very important. Insufficient amount of activity and vitamin D, and vitamin C can lead to the health issue, hip issues, and degenerative myelopathy. Daily exercise and a proper diet plan will help reduce pain, the condition of the joints will improve, and good health will appear. The main thing is not to forget the right vitamins.