Brave, intelligent, caring — these are just a few words proud parents of German Shepherds might use to describe their fur-babies. German Shepherds make excellent working dogs and even worked as search-and-rescue dogs in the aftermath of 9/11. Plus, they're graceful hounds — the most successful show dog of all time was a GSD! It's no wonder why German Shepherds consistently rank among AKC's top 5 most popular breeds.

May 10 is National German Shepherd Day, so there's no better time to show your barking buddy they're the best of the bunch. Here are 5 ways to spoil your GSD this National German Shepherd Day!

If your German Shepherd is a bit of a couch "puptato", why not plan a mutt-friendly movie night? There are tons of dog-themed films your pup will love, from comedies to adventure flicks. Snuggling up for a Scooby-Doo marathon or blitzing through the Beethoven series is just what the vet ordered after a long week. Don't forget the snacks!

German Shepherds love lots of mental and physical stimulation, so a day of agility training will get their tails wagging. Agility training combines exercise, training, and problem solving for the "ultimutt" day of fun for a GSD. You might get lucky and find a local park with an agility course for your pup to enjoy. If not, you can book your GSD in for an agility training class, or even set up your own course at home!

If there's one thing all dogs love, it's dinnertime. This GSD Appreciation Day, treat your German Shepherd to a dinner date at a dog-friendly restaurant. Major cities like San Francisco, New York, and Atlanta have no shortage of dog-friendly restaurants. See if you can find a spot with a meal for canine customers, or bring along some homemade dog treats so Fido doesn't feel left out.

Related: Best Dog Food for German Shepherds

Fancy taking your GSD for the walk of a lifetime? Many pet parents are unaware that you can take your dog to many national parks across the US, as long as they remain on a leash and don't stray from the trails. Your German Shepherd will love strolling along Maine's stunning coastline at Acadia National Park or taking in breathtaking views at Yosemite National Park. Just make sure to check the rules before setting off on your adventure!

Nothing says "I love you" like homemade baked goods. Making your GSD some bacon and cheddar dog biscuits or some salmon brittle is one of the best ways to show Spot they're special. You can even involve your kids and make it a family activity. Check out our favorite dog treat recipes of 2022 for some inspiration.

Do you have a German Shepherd in your furry family? Share pics with us in the comments or on Instagram! Don't "furget" to tag #wagwalking for a chance to get your GSD featured on our socials!