Walking a young dog/puppy

MSeel1984
MSeel1984 Posts: 2,297 Member
in Chit-Chat
I had a question about my boxer dog.

So I have two of them and one is just about five months now. I wanted to take both dogs for about an hour long walk today, but I heard that walking a puppy too early for long periods of time can cause problems with bone and joint health. She seems to love going for walks but I wouldn't want her to suffer down the road.

Any suggestions/information would be helpful. Thanks!

Replies

  • benne070
    benne070 Posts: 51 Member
    At 5 months old, I'd say walks are fine. As long as your puppy has all her shots, she shouldn't have a problem. I'd maybe start out a little shorter than an hour and see how she does. I have a pit bull who loves walks, and I started walking him as a puppy too :)

    Good luck! Dogs are great!
  • Cp731
    Cp731 Posts: 3,195 Member
    This is going to sound ridiculous but you can get a puppy stroller.
    You don't want him/her to form Hip Displasia.
    Those types of pups are better off doing a 15 min walk on grass, soft surfaces.
  • trying4real
    trying4real Posts: 113 Member
    I have a 5 month old Siberian Husky that I take on hour long walks almost daily, I always go in the morning before it gets too hot for her, she does fine with it and I havent noticed any problems, only positive results so far.
  • Quest529
    Quest529 Posts: 103 Member
    Would it be possible for her to have the option to walk on grass next to the sidewalk or on trails?

    It is true that they can develop joint issues due to over exercise (especially on hard surfaces). Most "hard" exercise (running, agility, etc) is put off until 1 to 1 1/2 years (sometimes two years for large breed dogs). I'd just build up to long walks and see how she does.
  • MSeel1984
    MSeel1984 Posts: 2,297 Member
    Would it be possible for her to have the option to walk on grass next to the sidewalk or on trails?

    It is true that they can develop joint issues due to over exercise (especially on hard surfaces). Most "hard" exercise (running, agility, etc) is put off until 1 to 1 1/2 years (sometimes two years for large breed dogs). I'd just build up to long walks and see how she does.

    So the trail we take varies between paved surface, dirt trail and grass...But there's grass next to the trail pretty much the whole way once we get to the lake.

    Thanks everyone for the input!
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    I got my pup when he was 8 or 9 months and got cleared from the vet the day I took him home to run and hike and walk the heck out of him. He gets 2 hour long walks a day... If not more. Plus long hikes on the weekends.

    Just keep an eye on the dog. You should be able to tell when the pup is getting tired and ready for the walk to be over.
  • fitfreakymom
    fitfreakymom Posts: 1,400 Member
    my dog has been doing 10 to 15 k walks since we got him at 5 months old.
  • TinaBean007
    TinaBean007 Posts: 273 Member
    An hour long walk on mixed surfaces is not strenuous for a boxer, especially at that age. If your boxers are anything like ours was, they wrestle and tumbles 6 hours a day almost non-stop. He would have considered an hour walk "down-time. :)

    I would read up on hip dysplasia to understand the facts. Physical activity is a leading prevention mechanism and is only harmful to puppies unless it's extreme or high impact. Walking is a great low impact for them... as well is swimming. Also know you're breed. Boxers are of the working class, which means they require more exercise. Of course, above all, follow the recommendations of your vet. They will know the specifics of the breed as well as your dog.

    Having a Boxer in our family was an amazing experience. I hope you enjoy every minute... and the minutes you don't, you can laugh at them later ;)
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    I'd check with your vet
  • hbrittingham
    hbrittingham Posts: 2,518 Member
    Walking the pup that far shouldn't be bad for her. Running her on the other hand can do some damage to the joints if you start too young.

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