How far is too far?

Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
155
Likes
0
Points
0
#1
for walking a 3 month old German/puppy.

I used to walk him at least about 1.5-2 miles a day. I don't know for sure how long it was but considering the distance and time I'm sure it was at least 1.5 miles. I typically take him for a walk before I go to work (so around noon-1pm) for probably about .5-1 mile. Later in the day I'll take for another walk which I'm guessing is 1-1.5 miles or close to that. It varies and some nights I'll take him for longer walks than others. Another thing that came to my attention is the fact that I usually walk him on paved paths or sidewalks.

It seemed a good amount to me, because I never forced him to go any further than he wanted to. Whenever he lagged behind or seems tired I'll pick him and carry him most of the way or all of the way back home. The reason I'm wondering if I took him to far was because at this puppy preschool class I went to, the instructor said that I should only walk him a block or so. That seems like a little short for my dog and he always has tons of leftover energy after being cooped up in his crate all day. The main reason I walk him at night (which is also very cool temp-wise, around midnight) is to get rid of excess energy so he will go to bed easier.

So my basic question is; How far is too far? I really don't want him to have joint problems as he is a growing puppy.
 
F

fastpitchchic

Guest
#2
I think the reason the instructor said about a block or is because the pup is still growing, and that could a lot of stress on a pup so young...i'm sure some one more knowledgable than me can explain.
 

Buddy'sParents

*Finding My Inner Fila*
Joined
Dec 26, 2005
Messages
25,377
Likes
0
Points
36
#3
I think the reason the instructor said about a block or is because the pup is still growing, and that could a lot of stress on a pup so young...i'm sure some one more knowledgable than me can explain.
I've heard the same things... young and especially, large breed puppies, should not be walked great lengths because of their growing bodies. I could be wrong though.
 

MomOf7

Evil Kitty taco eater
Joined
Apr 25, 2006
Messages
3,437
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
WA.
#4
I've heard the same things... young and especially, large breed puppies, should not be walked great lengths because of their growing bodies. I could be wrong though.
Exactly. Regular puppy play and short walks are perfect.
 
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
155
Likes
0
Points
0
#5
So is a mile or so too far? What about just 1/2 a mile? I've already taken him for some long walks but usually with a few breaks.
 
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
155
Likes
0
Points
0
#6
Also, is it okay to walk him on the sidewalk/paved walkway or should I try to mostly keep him on the grass?

I'm guess 1/2 is short enough....or should it be shorter?

I guess I was mistaken but I just didn't think he was getting enough exercise just for a walk around the block and playing fetch or something for an hour or so everyday.
 
Joined
Jul 17, 2005
Messages
5,634
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
35
Location
Ontario, Canada
#7
There''s a difference between a "walk" and a "stroll." A walk is a quicker pace with determination of getting excercise for you and your dog. A stroll is where you go at a very leisurely pace and are just out more to spend time with your dog than to get excercise. When OC was a puppy we would stroll a lot and explore new things. But we never went further than a mile at a time.

It is a good idea to stay away from pavement and concrete as much as possible for growing joints and even adult joints but if you''re just walking or strolling that''s not *as* important as opposed to if you were jogging.
 
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
155
Likes
0
Points
0
#8
There''s a difference between a "walk" and a "stroll." A walk is a quicker pace with determination of getting excercise for you and your dog. A stroll is where you go at a very leisurely pace and are just out more to spend time with your dog than to get excercise. When OC was a puppy we would stroll a lot and explore new things. But we never went further than a mile at a time.

It is a good idea to stay away from pavement and concrete as much as possible for growing joints and even adult joints but if you''re just walking or strolling that''s not *as* important as opposed to if you were jogging.
OK thanks a lot. The only problem is, I live near the city. There is a grassy strip that I used to walk him along but for some reason he never wants to go along it anymore. he seems to prefer sidewalks and the street or a paved path.


But thanks for the advice. I'll definetly try to keep him on softer areas now. I hope I haven't caused any potential joint problems from what I've done so far.
 

dogstarsleddogs

The dog is never wrong!
Joined
Jun 7, 2006
Messages
605
Likes
0
Points
0
#9
I think 1/2-1 mile should be perfectly fine. When Ranger was about 2.5 months old, he began his harness training, where he was walking/jogging and pulling (light weights at first) for about .5 mile. By 4 months, he could pull me for about 1.5 miles. (Going slow, abt. 8 mph).
He's 4 now, with no problems whatever.
 

Dizzy

Sit! Good dog.
Joined
Sep 14, 2005
Messages
17,761
Likes
1
Points
38
Location
Wales
#10
The general rule is!

FIVE MINUTES FOR EVERY MONTH

So - at 3 months of age he should be walked NO MORE than 15 minutes.

This goes up to a year to 18 months of age.

Especially in a breed renound for bad joints.
 
Joined
Jul 17, 2005
Messages
5,634
Likes
0
Points
0
Age
35
Location
Ontario, Canada
#11
I wouldn''t worry about what you have done with him so far. They''re not that weak ;) If you can''t get to the grassy area then no worries. He probably prefers the sidewalk because of there being so many more interesting smells. Good luck with him!
 
Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
1,544
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
london, Ontario
#12
The general rule is!

FIVE MINUTES FOR EVERY MONTH

So - at 3 months of age he should be walked NO MORE than 15 minutes.

This goes up to a year to 18 months of age.

Especially in a breed renound for bad joints.
Hmmm, so I should be walking charlie for 40 minutes. I would kill him :lol-sign:
Definatly a guide for bigger dogs :D
 

fillyone

But please, call me Barb
Joined
Jun 12, 2005
Messages
820
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland Oregon
#13
The general rule is!

FIVE MINUTES FOR EVERY MONTH

So - at 3 months of age he should be walked NO MORE than 15 minutes.

This goes up to a year to 18 months of age.

Especially in a breed renound for bad joints.
Where did this rule come from, can you site a source?

Thanks
 

DanL

Active Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2005
Messages
3,933
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
61
#14
I think as long as you are not running him, but doing a leisurely walk, a mile is ok. As a pup you want to limit things like jumping and repetitive pounding type motions like a long jog. As he gets older you can up the level of activity but keep an eye on him. Panosteosis (growing pains) is pretty common in larger dogs so if you see signs of that you'll need to back off the activity. The other rule I've heard is no jumps over elbow height till they are a year old. I didn't really follow that, but I didn't let him jump over high things more than a few times a week.
 

Members online

Top