Dog age and activity level..........?

Question

I have been getting a lot of comments about my dog from other dog owners when they see my dog running after a ball in the dog park, for easy an hour or more non-stop flat out, they think he's a puppy but he is four going on five, when I tell them his age they seem amazed, he's getting a bit of a reputation. He is an 85# Bouvier with it seems endless energy. Is this normal, should I encourage him or slow him down.?

Answer 1

There are more factors to a dogs energy level than age. Breed, health and routine all play a part in it. A dog that was permitted to lay around bored will not maintain the same energy level as a dog that has be routinely exercised. Play with your dog for as long as your dog is comfortable. Don't worry what others think. If your dog seems younger and is in excellent health that just shows others how well cared for the dog has been. Be proud of that. Only encourage a dog to slow down if the dog is showing signs of pain or inability to keep up. Nature will eventually take its course but sounds like they are a bit jealous.

Answer 2

I think that's normal. 4-5 years old is still young for a dog. I have known dogs 14-15 with that energy level. They only slowed down when they got health problems/ cancer a short while before they died.

Of course, generally a dog will get more "relaxed" around your dog's age. But, depending on the breed and personality of your dog it could be more or less a puppy for most of its life.

Answer 3

Definately encourage it. Make sure if you see the dog wearing out but still putting forth the effort to take it down a notch. Some dogs will keep going past the point of exhaustion to please the owner, and that is when it can be detrimental to the dog. My dobie easily runs for 3 hours through the woods when we go camping. Over the course of a weekend she'll log in maybe 16 hours of running, and she loves it. Keep it up, it keeps the dogs healthier longer.

Answer 4

4 or 5 is the prime of the dog's life. If he enjoys playing, let him play!! You'll know when he starts getting tired..Trust me. I have a 9 yo Australian Shepherd and I can certainly tell she's slowed down a lot in the last year or so. He'll slow down on his own...just let him take the lead on how much and how vigorously he wants to play.

Answer 5

sounds perfectly normal to me! 4 going on five isn't a puppy, but it definitely isn't a senior either. he's in his prime! if he likes to chase the ball for an hour, let him! a tired dog is a good dog. the only time i would worry about limiting his play is in extreme weather (heat or cold) some dogs will go go go even when it is way too hot or cold.

Answer 6

If after all that running around and playing his joints seem stiff at night or he has trouble getting up in the morning, I would say yes slow down. Dogs tend to overexert themselves for fun activities, ie labs and fetching or swimming constantly. Monitor your dogs behavior and enjoy his exuberance- he seems like you take great care!

Answer 7

4-5 years old is not elderly. A large dog is not considered a 'senior' until about 7 years of age. As long as he doesn't have any bone or joint problems, there is no reason why he can't be as active as he wants to be.

Answer 8

Unless the weather is really warm or hot outside then you should limit his outdoor ball fetching but no he's in his prime and is having a really good time.
I have one male Golden who is a ball catching machine and I dont limit his play time unless the weather demands it. As long as he is healthy and shows no signs of destress after playing that hard then I say go for it.

Answer 9

a dog will slow down when he feels the need to i have an 11year old goldie who runs round like a maniac for the first hour and then slows down to walking pace he knows when hews had enough of the maniac stage with n o prompting from me

Answer 10

Sounds like you have a very healthy 4 year old. Keep it up!