I have a 5 month old girl. She is slender and loves to exercise (and sleep.) Obviously she is better behaved and more content when we have a nice walk.

I don't walk very fast, nor do I walk all that far. But I do not want to jeopardize her hips. How far or long is good for a 5 month old if done slowly?


Thanks.

Jason

Hi Jason

I have two 5 month old GSD's and I live out in the counrty. We have hundreds of acres of pasture and fields. Since the ground is soft, I walk with my pups twice a day (seperately) and about a mile to a mile and a half each time. With a rest period. We have a little creek that they love to play in.
Some of the time is on-lead and some of the time is off-lead so they can run around and be puppies.
On hard ground or concrete, I would probably cut that in half or more.

 Quote: Carol Boche

On hard ground or concrete, I would probably cut that in half or more.

I agree! At 5 mos you can start teaching them leash manners, but it should be kept short. Walk a few blocks, then let the pup run around & jump in grass etc....while on leash of course!

For me, as long as the exercise isn't overly repetitive (jogging on a treadmill) or too much high impact (going up and down uncarpeted stairs all day) I'll take those dogs walking as long as they can.

Personally, I've found OFF leash exercise works the best because the pups can regulate themselves with running, walking, sitting in a puddle, walking, whatever. Clearly you need to to this in a safe location. But my dogs could go over 5 miles like this at 5 months old. And without exercise like this my dogs were not nearly as well behaved because they were just bouncing off the wall.

I love the picture of the boxers above this posting, cause THAT'S how I know my 5 month old GSD's can run/play/tear around the yard all day. And the sprinting, wrestling, and all that involves is WAY more than any 'leashed' activity. And those are NORMAL activities for growing dogs to have NORMAL growth of bones/joints/etc.

Here's an article about how exercise is good for our puppies:

http://www.showdogsupersite.com/hips.html

And there's also articles that suggest Esther-c is helpful if we are worried about our pups hip health:

http://www.yourdoghealth.com/dog_ester-c_study.htm

http://www.tropicokennels.com/vitamin_c.htm

Great Article ... Thanks for sharing the Link!

So here's my dilema ... What is better for my 6 month old pup. To come to work with me and stay in his crate from 10 until 5:30 with perhaps one potty break and brief walk in the afternoon;

OR

to be on his Tie Out in our yard, where he has access to his alternate crate inside the shed. Where he can go in and out, as needed to go potty or to play and dig in the yard.

I've opted for the latter, as I think his need for fresh air and freedom to exercise outweigh his being penned up all day, even though I am nearby.

When he is older and past his puppy stage, then coming to work and not being crated all day may be an option.

Thoughs?!?!?

When he is older and "past his puppy stage" you will have missed alot of opportunity to train and bond with him.
Like, getting rid of that muzzle you talk about quite a bit.

I have to say, that is one of the most bizarre training methods I have ever heard of and it seems to be a bit of a crutch for you instead of properly training the dog.

Why is he tied up? Why have you not gotten him a kennel run? He is better off going to work with you and being crated than tied up.


OOOOPS, sorry Mods, this thread was a bit hi-jacked and I noticed too late.

 Quote: carol boche

When he is older and "past his puppy stage" you will have missed alot of opportunity to train and bond with him.

I agree w/Carol. Not to mention you are going to have a hell of a time with him if you try to take your dog to work after he grows up like that.

Also, Jason, you have been given some really great links there. I still pefer to have the pup on a leash though (20 ft).