This is an X-ray of a 2 week old puppy, it really shows how far the bones ๐ฆด have to grow before they become a proper joint! ๐ฎ ๐ถ Puppy exercise is sooo important as young dogs undergo significant physical changes. ๐ถ Most growth takes place between the ages of 4 to 8 months however, in some large/giant dog breeds the growth plates may remain open up to 18-20 months! ๐ถ There is no question that puppies LOVE to exercise & we want nothing more than to make them happy BUT puppy exercise limits MUST be applied to prevent damage to the puppyโs developing skeletal ๐ฆด system. So hereโs a guide to help; โฌ๏ธ ๐ถ Over-training, such as long-distance running, is unhealthy for young dogs and the benefits are minimal. Some dogs are driven to exercise and, as owners, we feel we are doing them a service by giving them what they want… So… what is enough?๐ค Appropriate Puppy Exercise 0-6mths ๐พ Walking โ slow, short walks up to 30 mins, with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to stop & sniff sniff sniff ๐พFormal skills training โ sit, stay, down, touch โ no more than 2 mins per session. ๐พFree play โ no more than 10 mins; discourage rough play, such as body slamming. ๐พ Chasing objects โ roll balls and drag toys along the ground. Avoid repetitive ball throwing & chasing. ๐พTugging โ do not pull against the dog โ hold the toy and let the puppy pull against you; keep the toy low, to maintain the puppyโs neck in a straight line with its back. ๐พAvoid โ direct running ๐ , jumping, indoor/outdoor stairs, fast turns, sudden stops like chasing a ball! ๐พ ๐พYoung puppies, up to six months, should not be exercised with the intent to increase strength or endurance. These puppies should be allowed to play naturally, i.e. self-directed play. ๐พ Jumping is often encouraged, with little understanding of the damage it can cause a young pup. Do not allow your puppy up on high objects without good supervision and assist them when getting down. We hope you share this with all your friends, students & puppy owners – Letโs spread the word and make positive changes ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ 1 Comment | Uncategorized Read More »