This is sad, but is also just a case of someone deliberately or accidently misunderstanding the guidelines.


there doesn't seem to be any scientific proof that over-excercising a pup will cause harm in later life, but there are certainly plenty of articles on the web from vets and dog-experienced people (including those with working dogs) to support the argument.

Personally I think irrespective that scientific proof may not yet be available, it is better to play safe. If I had a dog who developed arthritis or other joint problems when older and I knew I had over-exercised him/her as a pup, I'd always feel guilty in case I had caused the problem.

But I don't mean that a pup should have no excercise - just that some thought should be given as to how much and what sort.

I know a lady with a large breed dog (don't know what kind he is), but it's a breed prone to HD, cruciate ligament problems etc. She is fabulous with the dog, and walks it umpteen times a day on lead. There's certainly no lack of care or willingness to look after the dog on her part. But it's afraid of other dogs (including tiny ones) and never, ever gets off lead. It always strikes me as 'not quite right' mentally. She told me that because the breed was prone to joint problems the dog never got outside of the house until it was 10 months old, and then for only short lead walks. The dog has NEVER had any problems with it's joints so she feels that she made the right decision and would do the same again. Some people might take a different view. It's not a question of right or wrong - just doing what you think is best for your dog.

The RSPCA say more than 50% of the nations dogs are overweight and consequently suffering from health problems. Experts say unfit, inactive children rarely turn into fit, active adults. The same appears to be true of dogs.

We've heard from lots of people that experts have told them it's fine for smaller breed dogs to get plenty of exercise. There are experts that claim that even with large breed dogs the most important thing is keeping a pup lean and growing slowly. Some studies have shown that large breed dogs that are allowed to run free have fewer HD symptoms than those that have restricted exercise simply because running around requires calories and calories used for running aren't used for rapid growth.

You really do need to give thought to how much exercise a given dog needs and what sort. And you need to ask questions of lots of experts - specifically in relation to YOUR dog. Playing it safe doesn't mean going along with what's most popular on discussion forums - it means looking at the latest research, talking to your vet, breeders etc. And doing a risk analysis that's relevant to your dog.

It's perfectly normal for people with different dogs to come to different conclusions about what 'playing it safe' means.

I'm not sure if I mentioned it on this thread, but why not think about taking your pup for hydrotherapy at a centre with specialised vets? We did that with ours and as well as ensuring that the dogs are getting good, safe exercise for their joints whilst still young we had a specialist vet and physio keeping a close eye on their development. They get to know your dog and you well and can give highly relevant and personalised advice regarding any activities you want to do, or length of walks etc.

Hi
My eldest has elbow dysplasia and has been going to hydrotherapy for 3 years now and it's made a massive difference. Therefore when we got Bramble we started taking her once she was 12 wks old. She didn't go in for a while but from taking her at a young age really built her up. For a golden retriever, she's built more like a bulldog! lol.
So we are definately taking the new pup now aswell.
She went for the first time last week and curiousity caused her to fall in but I'm sure she'll be in on her own in no time.

I'd recommend it to anyone

Ok.

having raised a giant this is what i was told...................

20mins off lead running per day is fine for burning off energy.restrict pavement pounding to the 5min rule until 9 mths old even then restrict to walking to the nearest park/open land until 12-18 mths. build up for longer walks. walking on pavements builds muscle which should be avoided until the bones have fully grown.

any activities such as agility should NOT be attempted until 18-24 mths old.

it's advise i have found invaluable and i stuck to it. i didnt want a crippled dog especially one so big.

hope this helps.