is it harmful to his health (joints & bones), it doesn't seem to bother him as he has lots of energy-even after we run 2 miles.
2006-06-22 11:15:20 · 14 answers · asked by stino 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
NO, especcially considering they are prone to hip dysplasia. It may not bother him energy wise but it will effect his hips. Think about it. Kids are not allowed to lift weights until they are teens (if the doc has anything to say about it) because their bone has not fully developed yet. It is the same with a dog. I am waiting to be able to run my dog and just got this speil from my vet. Wait tell 18-24 months. I know it stinks but you will be able to run with him for a lot longer into his life if you wait.
2006-06-22 11:22:36 · answer #1 · answered by Lauren 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You got a bunch of yes answers and a bunch of no answers. Here is the deal. Some say yes and some say no. They say it can bring on hip problems sooner IF your dog is prone to hip problems. But only time will tell that. IF the parents have been OFA'd and they are good at about 6 or 7 years, then I would go for it. BUT I would just run em around the yard so they don't go on along run full out right away. Just like a person you need to build up to it.
I take my que from the Germans. They originated the breed and just to show em in Germany they gotta be able to run 12 miles. This test is supposed to weed out any dog that has congenital heart or hip problems. Does it bring on hip problems early? Ask 100 vets and you will get 2 sets of 50 that will agree. I have had a couple of Boxers and about 8 or 9 months is when I really started exercising them like mad. Why? They are a ball of energy and it will make your life easier if they are worn out.
2006-06-22 19:31:46 · answer #2 · answered by mts4life2000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he has the energy to burn off in a 2 mile run, let him! Just make sure to take it easy on him, go from a run to a brisk walk to a slow walk and back and forth until you condition him for a straight run.. Also make sure you are giving him a good food.... Something like Hill's Puppy Large Breed. A few store bought foods that are good are Eukaneuba, Iams and Purina.. Just make sure its a Large Breed Puppy Food... the food is made specially for those big guys to help their bones and joints develope along side their quickly growing bodies! Plus puppy food is loaded with calcium.. Good stuff!
2006-06-22 18:19:22 · answer #3 · answered by Life Is Just... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just keep him on puppy food that is used for his joints and bones but other then that your boxer will be able to run with you even in the grave! they love to be out side and excirsize I have a fawn boxer the best dog I ever had!
2006-06-23 02:15:15 · answer #4 · answered by live2rac 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, start running. I started running my lab/collie mixes at about 6 months. Five years later, they are still going strong, running up to 15 miles per day, 4-5 times per week. I strongly recommend staying off pavement as much as possible. It will be easier on their bones and feet. I found local triails to run on, and worked up to running them off-leash. Now they can't wait to get to the trialhead
2006-06-22 19:01:01 · answer #5 · answered by ohiotrailrunner 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your boxer should be your guide here. If he is rip snortin' and ready to romp, then take him. But, as stated above, do keep him on the grass :-) And be careful of the temperatures where you run as well. Overheating can be a problem for them.
I have two boxers and they are a hoot!
Happy running.
2006-06-22 18:22:21 · answer #6 · answered by kelly24592 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It certainly is fine! Boxers are very high energy dogs. And now is just about the time he will start losing his baby teeth and start getting in his new big boy teeth lol. So definately romp and play with him until he is tired so he won't start to chew up everything.
2006-06-22 18:17:42 · answer #7 · answered by Kate 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check with a vet first you dont want to over tax growing joints too soon. also make sure he has access to water during your runs and don't run in the hotest parts of the day or on hot pavement.
i hate to see people walking their dogs on 100 degree days on the scalding pavements.
2006-06-22 18:29:53 · answer #8 · answered by kaylamay64 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can exercise him as much as he can handle. If he's still hyper, keep going! And, he's only going to get more energetic from here. He'll be a "puppy" till at least 3 years of age. The only concerns are what you're running on. Stear clear of black top (too hot) and rocky areas (may be sharp). And, don't forget to keep him well hydrated, too!
2006-06-22 18:22:02 · answer #9 · answered by castawaycp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably the best thing you can do for him! Exercise is the #1 thing dogs need, before love. Ever since mine were puppies (younger than 6 months) I've taken mine mountain biking with me and they run along side my bike through the woods & they love it! The only thing you need to watch for, is they won't stop even if they're in pain. My one dog wore through his foot pads from running on rocks, so watch for that. But if you're only runnning with him, he can definitely outrun you so you have nothing to worry about.
The most important thing is to keep him HYDRATED!!!!!
2006-06-22 18:21:42 · answer #10 · answered by Lotus 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋