i take him out jogging with me around my block once a day for exercise because people tell me that german shepherds need lots of exercise but then i hear that you shouldn't have them jog alot until one year of age because it makes them prone to hip dyplasia, is that true? and they also said he can't jump off my couch, is that also true? can somebody tell me what's wrong and what's right and what i should be doing with my 9 week old german shepherd?
2007-06-10 07:11:11 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Those people are correct.
2007-06-10 07:22:56 · answer #1 · answered by D 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Your pup should be walking with you, it can injure his joints to jog. No extreme jogging or jumping until 18 mos is recommended. By 6 mos or so you can take him on short jogs or walk then jog a few feet etc. He should be learning obed. so you can try a puppy class they are great for socialization and beginning obed. You can even build a puppy sized agility course and start him with that but jumping off a couch or out of the car is not a good idea. Puppies are not even very coordinated so he could break a leg easily. If you have a dog park he could go when there are a few nice dogs or in the small dog part. The more you socialize him to people and noises etc the better. I take my dogs to a gun range so they grow up not gun shy. Walk the dog on different surfaces and stairs, near a railway, cows horses etc. Try to make his puppyhood an enjoyable learning experience and he will grow up to be a confidant friendly watchdog. I take my pups to Wal*Mart and sit on a bench as I belive that is a great place for the dog to learn about people. While I want my dog to be friendly I don't want him to expect everyone will want to pet him so there he sees maybe 100 people. Out of the 100, 25 may say nice puppy and 15 will pet.
2007-06-10 07:29:17 · answer #2 · answered by ginbark 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Any vigorous exercise is dangerous for a puppy, especially a large breed. Before the pup is mature at around 18months old, the bones are soft and the growth platelets are still open. Regular, scheduled walks are OK, but LONG hikes, running, rough play and jumping for a ball or frisbee can cause permanent skeletal damage.
2007-06-10 07:54:04 · answer #3 · answered by K 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He is too young for it right now. Exercise is good but that is a bit too much for now. Some one said a brisk walk would be fine, I agree but don't make the pup run the whole way.
He is still a baby & you wouldn't run with a human infant, would you. When he reaches a year old he is still just a pup equalivent to a 7 year old child.
Think of his little bones that aren't formed yet & what you might be doing to him by running him.
To strenthen his bones put him on calcium, especially since he is a large breed dog.
2007-06-10 07:31:20 · answer #4 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I got doggy stairs for 10 bucks for my dogs so they wouldn't hurt themselves getting on the bed or the couch. German Shepherd's are prone to hip dysplasia. Also, I read in several puppy books that puppies are still developing and can't handle that type of running yet. Brisk walking would be better and work your way up as he gets older.
2007-06-10 07:18:31 · answer #5 · answered by amyaz_98 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
They are right, larger breed dogs are not supposed to have any sort of strenuous exercising till they are a year old due to their bones still being soft and how prone the larger breeds are to hip problems ect...taking him for a walk at a nice pace would be perfectly fine exercise for pup that young. Jumping off the couch well if you want him on the couch try to just show him to walk down off it instead of leaping off.
2007-06-10 07:16:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's my understanding that hip dysplasia is more a genetic trait. I feel it's a choice whether to let your puppy jump of the sofa or not.
Best advice is to get a good book on German Shepherd ownership and the breed it's self.
2007-06-10 07:22:09 · answer #7 · answered by ♥♥The Queen Has Spoken♥♥ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
9 weeks is too young. Also, has you dog had all of his shots? He shouldn't be too far from home if he is still waiting on his vaccinations. I agree with the contributor who mentioned the link between obesity and hip dysplasia. Short, regular walks, and frequent but short play sessions should be enough for your puppy at this stage. I had to carry my pup up and down the stairs until she was about 5 months, because I was told that this kind of movement might put her elbows out of shape. Then she got so heavy I couldn't lift her, but her elbows seem fine.
2007-06-10 08:20:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jogging around the block is not strenuous exercise for a dog. A nine week old puppy I'm not sure, I'd have to see how he handles it, but generally this is the kind of mild exercise that is good for his hips. What is bad for hips is non x-rayed and non certified parents. The next worse thing for hips is keeping your puppy plump. Keep him slender for good hips. I know most people ignore this. If you don't believe me call your vet and ask. Jumping off the couch could be bad for his elbows and shoulders.
2007-06-10 07:26:27 · answer #9 · answered by John F 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Short walks on leash, romps in the yard with the ball...fine.
Jogging/running is not good under the age of one year. It can damage growing bones and joints, and lead to problems.
I know it sounds contradictory, but that's the way it is.
2007-06-10 07:21:11 · answer #10 · answered by libertydogtraining 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Go throw a ball in the park with him for now. I admire your wanting to do what is best to keep him healthy :-)
2007-06-10 07:23:55 · answer #11 · answered by Linda B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋