Joint Damage From too Much Play??
Oh, and she's finally too heavy for me to lift, so now she's walking up and down stairs on her own. Big girl! |
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I stumbled on a source on the internet before I got Steel when I was looking for training info. General training info.... Refresher courses to remind myself on the details on how to introduce him to my other dogs gracefully, the fine details of potty training, how to not be used as a teething ring - you know all the good stuff! The source was a chart on how much walking/mild exercise a large breed dog should be given to help and also protect their growing joints. It was set up so you could see minutes of walk per month of the dog ratios. Obviously more as the puppy ages. It was a concern of mine as I have some of the dog park activities you describes going on right here in my home! Not so much anymore as he has outgrown the other 2 but Skye occasionally thinks she wants to try to grab him from the rear (if you know what I mean). I looked for a little while and I can't find the chart but it is there. Seems to me the 2 hours is a lot if I am remembering correctly. As for the rough play added to it or separately. I suppose you can view that how ever you like as a parent. Accidents can happen, or the fun will wear her out for sure. My take on the info available is read it and decide for yourself if you want to listen to it or not! Haha! I will keep looking for the chart in my peaceful morning time and let you know if I find it in the next couple of days.....Good girl with the stairs and getting along with the other doggies  |
| I'm assuming the vet has given you all clear for dog park? Around there they urge waiting a bit longer as dogs parks here are regularly closed due to Parvo outbreaks. I'd be concerned if the dogs were that much bigger than she is. But play with dogs nearly her size shouldn't be a problem. And of course she doesn't have the mind to recognize a nasty dog and stay away, you'll have to be the life guard there. Being a pup she is still learning her social manners. If there are two or so dogs who are regularly teaching her how to be a pup and how to act in a social situation.........they could be bigger......your call. Respect when she is tired. Let her rest, you can't carry her home. Maybe a good idea to stop and rest away from dog park, on the way home, let her unwind and you can massage her and generally quiet the puppy mind. Do a bit of extra leash training on the way home. Bet she is all tuckered out at home. |
| Hi All, Thanks for those answers. Yes, Susan, she's had the all-clear from the vet (phew!), but we'll get her in for those next and final shots ASAP. I would LOVE that chart, Aleece. I've tried to find it on my own but to no avail. My main concern is that she get enough socialization and play time to tire herself out because I feel so bad leaving her during the day, but I'd like to find the right balance for her. She seems to gallop after and ahead of us even during the final stretch after a two hour play, so it's hard to feel that it's bad for her, but reading all of this information about "forced play" is scary.It seems like it's all very judgement-based, and I'm not sure she sends clear enough signals to judge, but perhaps I need to watch closer. |
| This is the only table I've come across so far, which says puppies (generic to age) who are sheep herders should have between 10-30 mins of exercise 2-3 times a day. Does that sound about right??? http://m.dummies.com/how-to/content/dog ... ments.html |
| Yes, keep an eye on her. Without a tail she is at a disadvantage for communicating with other dogs. Some dogs get confused and become overly aggressive. Talk with owners with who your pup is particularly drawn to. Perhaps regular play dates from dogs who can understand a tailless dog would be great help. The fact she is "dragging you home" is a good sign, not too much exercise. Watch for lameness, soreness of course and lay off for a few days if they show. Also time for puppy obedience classes. Introducing her to many new places will help her become a good citizen........with your training of course. Slower walks around the neighborhood to see new things, a car ride now and then.......new views, new smells all help them gain confidence. |
| This isn't it, but this is the ratio I was talking about.... http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting ... g-walking/ As always, Susan mentioned a vital point - I think anyway. Steel has a tail. I could/can always tell when he is having fun when he is wrestling with my other dogs. That and the tone of their voices. I know when enough is enough. So if you chose to listen to the guide or not I would certainly try to watch her bum. I'm guessing tail or no there are certain indicators that will let you know. I also agree the socialization is huge but I stated in another post that I took Steel on people visits in public to make sure that happened as I wasn't much concerned about him meeting other dogs. We don't have dog parks near me and I don't trust the care other people provide their pets so I only have my dogs around a few select dogs. People socialization is my main concern. I'm sorry I wish I could find the more specific chart but this is close. |
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