Walking

[calibra]

Hi

I have just been told off by my dog trainer for walking my dog too long.

I take my 5 month old puppy for a walk every night for about 1 hour.

Rosie is off the lead as it's over a field.

Rosie is a pointer of some sort.

How long should I take her out for each day?. The trainer said I could damage it's legs.

Thanks

James

[Doberluv]

I talked to my vet about this and he said that it's not free running and playing that dogs do. It's repititious, same speed, same thing over and over that is damaging to the bones. Like jogging with your dog for miles and miles or riding a bike and having the dog run alongside for a long time. They can't stop, can't rest, don't make turns, don't go from trot to walk or to canter. It's all the same. This stresses the bones and joints when they're not fully developed. But running loose off leash (in a safe area) is different. They can stop when tired, walk a bit. They change their pace. I would caution not to tire the dog out excessively. Perhaps at this age, cut it to a half hour. That's all I did with my Dobe at that age....about 1/2 hour a day plus little romps in the yard.

Why don't you get a couple of opinions from a couple of reputable vets instead of only taking what your trainer says. I gave you my ideas, but I'm not a vet. I got some of that info from my vet, but some of it is my own interpretation too.

[brock23]

I would think since it is off lead and mostly off pavement it is not that big of a deal. It would be more of a concern if you only walked the dog around a neighborhood on a sidewalk or such.