How much is too much when it comes to exercise?

[Jennifer]

I just recieved our 10 week old Boerboel this past Tuesday.  My husband and I are both a very active couple and believe that all dogs require exercise, therefore our dogs are walked daily.  We currently have 3 St. Bernards (all were rescues so we did not have them as small puppies) so I know that with the giant breed dogs that you have to be careful not to over exercise them as they are developing. 

 

I would love to have advice on how much is too much exercise is too much for a growing puppy.  Last night we took him for his first walk of probably a quarter of a mile or a bit less in which he did absolutely fine but then dropped to the ground as soon as we where in front of the gate. 

 

As I have said before we love to walk and do on average about 1.5 miles per day and cannot wait until Shango is able to join us for the full walk.

 

[jim l.]

Hi Jennifer, I really wouldn't worry tto much about exercise at this young age, just watch out letting him run and play on slick floors as to protect his hips now. as pups they love to eat and sleep alot,

[Marcella Burgess]

Hi Jennifer,

 

Free play and free run is one thing, BUT.. I have always told all of my puppy buyers that if you are a person who likes to go for long walks outside... let it be off leash initially and on soft ground.  Do not make the puppy especially under the six month mark to walk on paved sidewalks go on a forced lengthy walk.  The repetitive pounding does more harm than good to those unfinished joints ( elbows, knees and hips ) than any sort of long time hard free playing on grassy areas could ever do.

We have always had either hardwood flooring or else laminate flooring.. and the benefit to those is not only does it build up strength in their feet and front leg muscles... BUT GREAT FOR CLEAN UP.

I know that there are many a breeder out there who is going to disagree with me.. but.. here's the deal... the dog is born with a certain set of genetic makeup to start with.... it is either going to be prone to having HD/ED or it is not.. but... by excersising it heavily prior to the 18 month mark ( when the growth plates close ) is helping it to lean towards causing trauma within those joints that may not have been there necessarily.  Sliding into home base on a slippery floor... that's like normal wear and tear in my books ( dogs playing with other dogs in a playground area )...

Just food for thought.

 

[Jennifer]

Thank you both, I will continue to walk him short distances for a while.  I know he loves already to follow my other dogs and I think it is a very positive learning expereince to walk beside them and learn how to walk calmly and not to pull!  We took him on an outing yesterday where we did a light walk on a trail (off leash) and some swimming.  I will have to post the pictures soon!