Hi Group. I have a two year old GSD. He is well trained and fairly laid-back in personality. He eats a raw diet and gets at least one good long walk in the woods a day or if I'm pressed for time, a raucous session of Chuck-It. Sometimes he gets both! I've noticed that since he turned two his energy level is really changing. Now after he eats dinner and has some outside time (no exercise after dinner he comes in, hangs out with the family for awhile and then goes to his bed in my room around 7PM. He lays on his bed and if I don't really nudge him to get up and go out he seems happy to lie there until wake-up time (around 6AM). Is that much rest in the evening "normal"? Am I used to the high-energy puppy days and he's just getting settled? His appetite is stellar, he has no fever and has been vaccinated for Lymes (a concern in my heavily deer populated area). Thoughts?

"Normal" is.....well.....normal.

If you are concerned about a health issue, a wellness check at the vet might ease your mind.

Otherwise, if you know your dog isn't sick, then I'd say normal is normal is normal.:smile:

If your really concerned, like Michael said, I'd go for the vet check just to rule out a physical problem.

It could be that he has adapted to a new routine as well. I know mine will adapt to any kind of schedule change or change in my routine with differences to her own.

 Quote: Michael_Wise

Otherwise, if you know your dog isn't sick, then I'd say normal is normal is normal.:smile:

There will be diffenences in needed activity levels between working line dogs, show line dogs & breeds within these 2 catagories.

Most WLs require a great deal more activity (mental & physical) then show line. Some WL dogs have higher activity needs then others. What is NORMAL for one dog, may not be for another.

Most dogs after getting past the 'puppy' stage will better 'settle' in the house, due to training & impulse control that they learn. Most older dogs also learn the home routine & beging to adjust to that with age.

My adult dogs know that after dinner & a full tummy(they get their bigger meal at night)it is quiet time in my home (obviously there is still some short play time with a puppy) & the day is over & settle in on their beds for the evening in the den or living room, usually where ever I am. Then they get a quick trip outside before bedtime & then we head into the bedroom for the night.

So you will have to decide if you think it is normal for your dog. If mine start being resless & are walking about etc in the evening...I get concerned...because that is NOT normal for MY dogs.

Thanks Anne. My GSD is from very strong working lines but was specifically chosen for me because I wanted a laid-back companion dog. I'm not complaining! It's just interesting to see my dog settle into this rhythm after all the "spaz mode" of the last two years. He's wicked smart so I guess by now he has figured out that when the sun sets it's wind down time for everyone.

Thanks for your input.

Vanessa

 Quote: Vanessa Grebe

Thanks Anne. My GSD is from very strong working lines but was specifically chosen for me because I wanted a laid-back companion dog. I'm not complaining!
Vanessa

I requested the same with my WL pup and got exactly what I wanted. He is a downright bum compared to my other GSDs, even the one who has very similar lines.

With your dog, it sounds like he is settling down a bit, but I would just keep an eye on him.