May 19, 2011
I have a 9 month GSD that I've now started to work some basic jumps (heights of 2-3 feet). Is it too soon to work jumps?
Full Question:
I have a question about training my dog with Jumps. I am looking to get my dog in a Schutzhund Club. At the moment the club that I am trying to get into is not taking anymore dogs at this time, so at the moment I've been working with my dog on how to build drive, retrieving, obedience and some basic bite work.I have a 9 month GSD that I've now started to work some basic jumps (heights of 2-3 feet). Is it too soon to work jumps? The dog has No difficulty making the jumps but I do not want to over stress joints or injure the dog if he is too young to do this.
Thanks for your time,
Phil
Cindy's Answer:
I would not be jumping a 9 month old dog. You can teach the basics (like going through the jump uprights) but without adding any height. I know many people jump young dogs, but my feeling is that until they are mature and the growth plates are closed I don’t want to stress the growing skeletal system. Depending on the build and bone structure of your particular dog, I would wait until 18-24 months to begin real jumping.
Just because young dogs CAN do something, doesn’t mean they SHOULD.
Best to you and your dog!
Just because young dogs CAN do something, doesn’t mean they SHOULD.
Best to you and your dog!
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