Quote: Carol Blumlein

My vet said walks were good for my GSD puppy, ...

That is what confuses me about the advice I get. There are as much advice for as against walking. Now in this case, when a vet says it's ok, then I wonder, how many GSD's does a vet see compared to a breeder with 40 years of breeding experience. I can imagine that a customer would tell the breeder, that his dog developed health issues later in life, and I also assume that the breeder would ask more about the circumstances of that dogs environment. In this scenario I have to assume that the breeder has more experience than the vet.

Michael,

No way of telling, if any problems that arise later in life were actually caused by the vet's advice or the breeder's or anyone's at all?

I guess it is up to you to make the decision who's advice to follow.

How is a no forced exercise routine going to harm the pup? You can work on any obedience exercise without running the dog into the ground.

OTOH, there is evidence that too much hard surface running at a steady pace can be detrimental to the dog. It seems an easy decision to me.

I will still take a puppy for a walk, but it's not a regimented thing, and is totally at his pace. We're not heeling or marching along at a quick pace, like you may with an adult dog. We're just out for a stroll, checking stuff out along the way. I use a 30' leash and harness, so I have control over the dog, but he can move at his own pace.

 Quote: Michael Soldwisch

I also assume that the breeder would ask more about the circumstances of that dogs environment. In this scenario I have to assume that the breeder has more experience than the vet.

If the average breeder has one litter a year, and is in direct contact with even 1/4 of these pups past a year, and has an average litter of eight (all leaning towards the breeder here, and as a rescue volunteer, I will say that less than 10% keep in touch and smaller litters) that is a 160 dogs. Add in another 20 for the breeding animals... Less than 200 dogs. Also, knowing how many of these breeding dogs (and their relatives) were screened for any joint issues, and how many of the pups were would skew the "experience" levels.

Most vets will see five or more large breed dogs a day.... That is about 1300 in a year..... Add to that that they tend to see the sickest of the population... The "average" dog with issues but that are within most owners comfort level or budget will not be seen. And honestly most large breeds have a similar incidence of joint issue.

What I will say is that it is not uncommon for breeders that are worried about the hips/joint status of their litters to hedge their bets by claiming (erroneous and/or intentionally) that walking a dog causes hip issues.

Shallow hip sockets are shallow hip sockets. They are not made MORE shallow by normal use of them. And exercise strengthens muscle, tendons, ligaments and bones where a lack of exercise compromises these things. Excessive use or abuse (intentional or not) can hurt these structures, so caution is recommended.

Using caution and preventing a pup from jumping excessively, respecting their need to rest by not pushing them beyond their ability, and not forcing them to repetitively do atypical things for a pup (most pups would not run for a mile straight on their own...) they will only benefit from exercise. Ambling walks are WONDERFUL for both mental and physical growth.

My pups go on walks with me almost from the day I get them. It's just a matter of watching them and being careful how far. It's amazing how quickly their endurance grows.

"Shallow hip sockets are shallow hip sockets. They are not made MORE shallow by normal use of them. And exercise strengthens muscle, tendons, ligaments and bones where a lack of exercise compromises these things. Excessive use or abuse (intentional or not) can hurt these structures, so caution is recommended."

Interestingly enough, I know one lady who had many shepherds ( German Shepherds) and she said one of them had such bad hips they weren't even in the sockets!! And YET... the dog lived , without limping, to the age of 12!

The vet said her muscles were so strong, it just supported her.

Wish I could get my knee that strong!!!

Edited by Carol Blumlein (04/13/2013 12:54 AM)
Edit reason: addition

 Quote: JessicaKromer

 Quote: Michael Soldwisch

I also assume that the breeder would ask more about the circumstances of that dogs environment. In this scenario I have to assume that the breeder has more experience than the vet.

If the average breeder has one litter a year, and is in direct contact with even 1/4 of these pups past a year, and has an average litter of eight (all leaning towards the breeder here, and as a rescue volunteer, I will say that less than 10% keep in touch and smaller litters) that is a 160 dogs. Add in another 20 for the breeding animals... Less than 200 dogs. Also, knowing how many of these breeding dogs (and their relatives) were screened for any joint issues, and how many of the pups were would skew the "experience" levels.

Most vets will see five or more large breed dogs a day.... That is about 1300 in a year..... Add to that that they tend to see the sickest of the population... The "average" dog with issues but that are within most owners comfort level or budget will not be seen. And honestly most large breeds have a similar incidence of joint issue.

What I will say is that it is not uncommon for breeders that are worried about the hips/joint status of their litters to hedge their bets by claiming (erroneous and/or intentionally) that walking a dog causes hip issues.

Jessica;

You left out one other factor... less than half of these breeders are reputable, and less than half of those that are really know what they're talking about.

"Hedging their bets" is putting it very mildly.

I never limited any of my dogs' activity as pups. As long as it isn't a "forced march" and the pup is setting her own pace, I simply don't buy into the notion that a healthy pup should be restricted from ordinary activity.

I have a giant breed dog so I know different things would apply but we have a saying within our breed "Don't walk your puppy any further than you can carry them home."

Seeing as these pups go home at 8-9 weeks weighing upwards of 20+ lbs, that's not very far.

I believe moderation is the key. Numerous slow short wanders to explore the world around them and stop before they get too tired.