How much exercise is safe?!

[brindledog]

Grendel is now 14 weeks old. I got her titer tested and she is now fully immunized after two sets of shots. Yay!

She went on her first outside walk the other evening. And she walked quite a bit. We came home. She chased the cat all over. I took her to the park (on leash), she chased dogs. I walked her to the store, we came home, she ran all over the house.

Today was the same. I have read that a small puppy should not walk very far or for very long as it can mess up their bones and joints. But then what do I do with all this energy?!

I walk 8-10 miles a day on average. I know I can't have her doing that! But how much is ok?

I've called the holistic vet for guidance, but have yet to hear back.

Anyone have an answer?

Thanks!

Lisa

[Dutchringgirl]

Search around the other posts, I know there was just a post about this. Def no jumping though.

[k9lexi]

I don't know the answer to your question but it sounds like she is continuing her exercise even when you think it should stop. Similarly, I don't walk or exercise my dogs an hour before or after eating I had an Akita with bloat years ago, emergency surgery, she recovered . So I feed my dogs, one in the backyard and my dutchie in a big kennel. Neighbor dog comes down along the fence line, all dogs excited, and Lexi is running circles around the kennel after eating I'm sure same thing happens when I feed breakfast and leave for work. Unless I crate her, I really don't have a lot of control to restrict activity. Maybe chasing a cat around the house is different on their body than a long walk.

[brindledog]

Arrgh! The jumping thing really worries me as the dog park has picnic tables and Grendel kept climbing to the top of one trying to get away from other dogs. Before I could stop her she had jumped to the concrete ground from on top the table. She did this a few times before I could stop her.
She gets really nervous/fearful around alot of dogs.
I am going to have to keep her under better control while at the dog park.

[Dutchringgirl]

I would stay away from dog parks, they cause more harm than good.

If she jumps up, to get away, then its too scary for her. You dont want to get her so scared that she wont want to be around anyone and then she may start growling and biting. Listen to her.

[brindledog]

She calmed down within 10 mins. I'm concerned about her socialization as she hides behind a chair at puppy class. I even bought a stroller to get her out before she was immunized, which really helped. She's not afraid of street noise, bikes, etc. And she's better with people, including kids. But she'll bark at random people and doesn't like small dogs. At the park she was scared, but once she calmed down she went to the biggest dog there, a giant malamute, and tried to play with him.
I'm not sure how to get her dog socialized if not at park. The puppy class is miserable for her.
Suggestions welcome.

[Dutchringgirl]

I am not a fan of dog parks and advise people to not go. What about the town you live in? I live in a quiet town with tons of other parks and places to go. My town is quiet too with alot of sidewalks.

Why do you want her to get along with everyone? This is a herding breed that is not meant to be social.

I would take Sadie to town and walk and when people approached, I would go to the side and put her in a sit and have her look at me. I want them to more ignore them than get along with them. Sadie will never be like Thalie, go running happily to everyone, and I respect that. I dont want her to anyway. They are to protect the herd, not be every ones friend.

I know we are getting away from your original question of exercise. Did you do a search? I know someone just mentioned it.

Found it, Kira posted it. The rough rule is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age.

[brindledog]

I did find it. I also heard back from the holistic vet. She said 20 minute walk fine, then home for rest. Then more walks/play as desired but with rest periods between.

As for the socialization-I'll see how it goes. I don't need Grendel to be everyone's friend, but I don't want her fearful, either. Or like my neighbor's Mal and DS, who bark at the neighbor's kids, everyone that parks on the street, and everyone walking by. Since we live on the same block as a school, that type of behavior is not desirable.

I live in a small city, and there are alot of dogs in my neighborhood. I don't want to be the obnoxious dog owner with the always barking, unfriendly dog. Plus, she is going to be accompanying me everywhere, including on public transportation, while traveling, etc. I want her to be as calm and well-mannered in those situations as possible.

Sorry-This is way off topic!

Lisa

[centrop67]

I know we're getting off topic a little, but I don't think it's all bad.

Be careful of your own signals causing issues. If you're nervous she'll pick up on that.

As for the exercise, there's a general rule, and then there's your puppy's personal needs/capabilities. I'm thinking tug is a great way to burn lots of energy.

[Owned-By-Hendrix]

Yup, 5 minutes per month of age. I used it as a guide for official walking time per day (since that was fairly continuous motion) or anything with lengthened duration without stops (like running at a park). Obviously with high energy and high drive you can't say "okay, twenty minutes you're done for the day!" They would bust that an hour after waking up and you'd be left locking yourself in the liquor closet. The rest of the time we were indoors doing fun stuff or out exploring which was stop and go movement so less harsh on joints, and plenty of rest in-between.