Bit confused by all this - I've been reading up on Labradors hip / knee problems and read that younger dogs / pups should be only walked for a maximum of 5mins x No. of months. Now the questions I have a) what is a walk defined as ? - i.e on the lead or free walking / trot / run b) is that time per day ? or c) per walk ? Bella's 8 1/2 months old and I walk her 2 to 3 times day - In the week its usually a 30mins approx walk in the morning, a lunchtime time stroll in the week for 15-20 mins and a longer walk in the evening 45 mins or so. Weekend tends to be longer walk in the morning 1- 1.5 hrs and a shorter 30min walk in the evening am I walking her too much ? at what age does a longer walk (say 2+ hrs) become acceptable.
Re: Walking - what is too much ? yes, there is the 5 mins per month rule but to be honest , I think its just down to good old fashioned common sense . Maybe walking them for longer on a hard surface might not be too advisable but on soft ground, its fine to go over the five mins, with some degree of caution . As long as you dont compltely overdo things and allow running up and down stairs etc. I reckon that the socialising of pups is necessary as well as exercise . I was conscious of not overdoing things with Sam until he got to about 10 -12 months when I didnt really consider the distance , just made sure we stopped when he seemed to be flagging, which isnt too often
Re: Walking - what is too much ? I certainly walk Poppy as much as you do Bella. I know some people say it may be too much, but like Kate I think common sense needs to be applied. Dont let her jump too much, and dont do jogging on hard surfaces... dont let her exhaust herself. But as regards joints, I personally think proper feeding and not allowing the dog to become overweight are every bit as important.
Re: Walking - what is too much ? Couldnt agree more Karen , overweight dogs are unhealthy dogs and often do end up having arthritic joints far too young . I met someone this morning on our walk who remarked that Sam was a bit on the thin side, for a Lab , I replied, smiling : , that a Lab or any dog for that matter, is far better being on the slim side
Re: Walking - what is too much ? [quote author=kateincornwall link=topic=1001.msg5593#msg5593 date=1355222727] Couldnt agree more Karen , overweight dogs are unhealthy dogs and often do end up having arthritic joints far too young . I met someone this morning on our walk who remarked that Sam was a bit on the thin side, for a Lab , I replied, smiling : , that a Lab or any dog for that matter, is far better being on the slim side [/quote] And that goes for humans too! As they say - if your dog is overweight, you're not getting enough exercise... I have also read that raw feeding is considered good for joints, because it has the correct proportion of calcium and other nutrients, so does not allow young dogs to grow too fast; and because chicken carcasses contain chondroitin. Also raw fed dogs tend not to be overweight.
Re: Walking - what is too much ? Ah - now you'll get me on to my hobby horse! There are several articles on this site about feeding dogs RAW MEATY BONES (and yes that includes chicken and rabbit). They must not ever get cooked chicken bones, as they can splinter and do the dog real damage. But uncooked bones are flexible - that's why foxes, wolves and jackals can and do eat raw carcasses all the time. Do trawl through the articles a bit, Pippa has written a couple about switching to raw - it's really fascinating, and I have been feeding Poppy a raw diet since she was just over four months old. I have just taken an almost full pack of Science Plan over to the animal rescue centre, because I no longer feed it - just the smell of it makes me feel sick now! In brief - the advantages: cheaper in cost, the dogs smell better and their teeth are clean; their poohs are tiny and dont smell, and argueably it is much healthier for the dog. Disadvantages - for me, there are none. But many people are freaked out by feeding their dog raw meat and bones. You do need a freezer. And lotd og people feel that feeding commercial food is easier. I dont agree - I have an old dog who did not take to raw food, so I have to feed him hugely expensive dog food, which I have to cart back from the pet store, AND I have to clear up his stinky, voluminous poos, AND have to take him to the vet to have his teeth cleaned. Sorry - better stop now - I feel the shadow of a soap box behind me!!!!!!!! ;D
Re: Walking - what is too much ? Lots of info on feeding bones and other raw meat products here Cooked bones of any sort and generally considered much more hazardous. And some people feel that 'recreational' bones (bones fed on their own, not wrapped in meat) may be more hazardous too.
Re: Walking - what is too much ? [quote author=Mowgs link=topic=1001.msg5599#msg5599 date=1355228023] Minefield ! - should have stuck to my original post of walking ! [/quote] ;D ;D
Re: Walking - what is too much ? Ive gone for the common sense approach to rather than the five mins rule. Brodick was out for an hour at eight minths but off lead on soft surfaces and the hour involved plenty of stops for him to paddle or sniff while i threw balls for my older dog or they both did Find its....like the others ive focused on good diet and keeping them both lean....
