Puppies
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Treadmill/exercise for puppy
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Treadmill/exercise for puppy
I have a 6 mo old hound mix (45 pounds) that I recently welcomed into my home. He is currently crate training with 4 or so obedience lessons per day. We live in a neighborhood that is… less than perfect for long walks together. Stray dogs, cats, unsavory people are typically out in great numbers. My question is two fold: how much continuous, “rigorous” exercise should my puppy be getting outside of fetch sessions and training? Also, should I invest in a treadmill for him (would not be top of the line treadmill, most likely a dog pacer) and how hard/long should I allow him to run on this? I know he is young but I’m worried I’m not giving him enough exercise throughout the day. Any advice will help tremendously. Thanks!
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2 Replies
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I would stay away from long walks, particularly on hard surfaces, and repetitive jumps till he is at least 1 year old. His growth plates, being a large breed, will not close till he is 18 months or so. Perhaps this is an opportunity to train/practice neutrality/non-reactivity given that you have so much going on in the walks. I do long walks with my 6 mo about once a week, and that is about 3 miles round trip. I have no experience with treadmills. Maybe someone will jump in.
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At 6 mo and 45lb I am thinking large breed. For many large breed dogs their growth plates don’t close for over a year to a year and a half. What is bad for them is the constant pounding on the joints on a jog/run. I am certain Robert says at least a year. What you are doing now appears fine to me. You can wrestle with him a little, a little tug. You want to avoid a continuous pressure on the joints.
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