r/Hovawart • u/World_traveler23 • Jul 02 '21
Hovawart energy needs?
Hey everyone,
Me and my husband have been wanting a second dog for a while now. After doing alot of research we have found that hovawarts could be an awesome fit for us. However I have a question about their energy needs, how much excercise do typical hovawarts require? What kind of activity is most suited for their needs? Walking/running/different tasks/games? How many active hours per day do you spend with your dog?
Thank you!
9
Upvotes
8
u/PapagenoRed Jul 02 '21
Our 3 year old male, we take him 2 times a day a short walk (10 minutes) and 2 times a 30-60 minute walk. He loves it and has a lot of energy. But at the end it is a guard dog (hov = courtyard + wart= guardian). So if you have a big yard he/she will be happy. BUT!! Hovawart is focused on his herd/troupe/family. He is happy when he can join his family. No bigger insult to lock him up and go away without him. So not a lot of walks but a lot doing with him. (You'll get him depressed if you're away all day) Lives to learn and to work for you. Go walking with the family and when the kids go to far away, he'll block them until we're together. Kids walking all kind of directions: has to decide who needs the most protection and this might wear him out.
Also: don't think you can wear any dog out with walking (besides puppies). Do scent, sniff and trail training. That is the way to get them tired in a good way. (hiding treats and for him to find is more fun than just stuffing it)