As athletic, strong, focused dogs, Beauceron exercise requirements are pretty high. Since they were developed to herd and protect livestock, BCRs are sharp and task-oriented, and will need varied activities--everything from simple walks to running obstacle courses--that stimulate them mentally as well as physically. They make great jogging and bicycling companions as well. Because of their dominant personalities, though, these dogs will need to be closely supervised at all times to avoid potential incidents with unknown people or animals.
The typical adult BCR, depending on its age and overall activity level, will need about 90 minutes of proper exercise per day, which you can accomplish with a couple of long walks, jogs, or bike rides and an extended period of play. (Suffice it to say--these dogs are definitely best for active owners!) You can start exercising your BCR puppy by taking it on short (10-minute) leashed walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the puppy grows. And these short walks are a great opportunity to start teaching your BCR pup obedience, by way of leash training: make sure the puppy walks beside or behind you on the leash instead of being able to lead or "tug" on it. This, in the puppy's developing mind, establishes you as the leader, and will usually make training easier as the pup matures.
Some other precautions to keep in mind when exercising your Beauceron: first, puppies younger than nine months old shouldn't participate in activities that include a lot of jumping, running on hard surfaces, or navigating of stairs, as doing so can injure their still-developing joints and bones. And regardless of age, all Beaucerons must be leashed when in public. These dogs have very strong herding instincts (and dominant temperaments in general), and they're often suspicious of and defensive around strange people and animals. This means your BCR may try to control other pets, bicyclists--and even cars!--if given the chance, so a leash is a requirement. Even when exercising in your own yard, the area will need to be securely fenced to keep the BCR from running off when it spies a potentially "herdable" person or thing.
Safeguards aside, exercising your Beauceron every single day is a must. If they become bored or restless, these focused, strong dogs will turn destructive, disobedient, and at the worst, aggressive--so consistent exercise is great for the dog's peace of mind, as well as for your own sanity and safety! A few exercise ideas:
- Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 45-minute walks (or 30-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
- Tug-of-War: Great indoor, rainy-day activity; use a rope or old towel
- Obstacle Course: Set up a series of jumps, tricks, etc. in the back yard
- Swimming: BCRs usually love the water
- Canine Sports: These dogs can excel at obedience and agility trials, cart-pulling, and other competitive events
- Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash
When indoors, it's a good idea to give your BCR access to one or more balls or chew-toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also recommended that you establish a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and a play period in the afternoon.
