Before you invest in a Belgian Sheepdog, make sure you have both the time and room to exercise him. This highly intelligent breed requires a great deal of human interaction and exercise. They are not well-suited to apartment living unless you have a large area where you can exercise them frequently. This dog breed is not happy to sit around at your feet and be petted. They are herding dogs, and herding dogs always have to have something to do to keep them busy. If you don't use your Belgian Sheepdog for herding, you have to find activities to keep him busy so that he doesn't become bored.
Though most breeds will be happy with playing fetch with their owners all day long, the Belgian Sheepdog will become bored with this game quickly. They need something more stimulating such as games of agility that will stimulate their minds and their bodies. It's important for this breed to keep active and have social interaction as well. In fact, they are the most content when given a job they know requires their assistance such as offering assistance to a disabled person. This helps keep their mind alert because they know they need to be on guard at all times for those moments when their assistance is needed.
If you are not experienced in the kind of activities that are best for your Belgian Sheepdog, you may want to invest the money and enroll him in agility classes where you and your dog can work together to find the best ways to keep him both physically and mentally stimulated. The breed is very easy to train and eager to please, so once you learn the types of activities that he enjoys most, you can keep him stimulated and happy as much as possible. They do not do well with families who are frequently out of the house because of their need for frequent exercise, so they fare best with a family where at least one family member is home the majority of the time. Their need for something to do at all times may cause them to get into mischief if there is no one there to provide frequent stimulation and exercise.
The kind of exercise you provide your dog must keep him active and happy. Herding, agility activities, and helping humans in need are what he enjoys best. He has to feel that he is doing something worthwhile, agility training allows him to do something that he enjoys while receiving the praise of his human at the same time. He thrives on praise so always praise him for the good things he does whether it's part of his exercise regimen or something separate. Exercise is an integral part of the life of a Belgian Sheepdog, and if you don't have the time to devote to that, you will not find a compatibility with this breed.
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