Since labs have a possible hip displasia problem, would it be bad to teach her to jump in the bed of the truck

Answer 1

Many labs participate in Agility, where jumping is the norm. The jumping itself will not bring on HD unless your dog is genetically predisposed to it (i.e. parents passed it on to the litter). Hopefully the sire and dam have good OFA ratings which will greatly reduce the possibility of your dog having HD. If there is no testing done of the parents you can at least have your dog tested at 2 yrs old to determine if it is an issue you should be concerned with.

Answer 2

Not all Labs have hip dysplasia. Just becasue you have a Lab doesn't mean she has hip dysplasia (no they don't "get" hip dysplasia..it is something that is there and can be detected by x-rays as early as 16 weeks if a PennHip is done and prelim at 12 months if OFA).
Labs can jump, run, do whatever..

Answer 3

If the dog is physically able thats fine, BUT its best to wait till she's at least a year when the growth plates close. Escerise does not cause hip dysplasia and in fact a very fit dog is less prone to show symptoms
PS make sure you have a cap or a harness to keep her from falling out of the bed going down the road - it has happened.

Answer 4

Not all labs have that problem, mine does not, but, she was x-rayed and not only does she jump on the back of trucks, but through car windows and pallets and 6 foot walls. Have your dog x-rayed and see how her hips are before you decide to put too much stress on her hips. Good luck.

Answer 5

If she's sound it shouldn't be a problem. You know your dog, and you also know how high your truck bed is. Some of those full size monster trucks are so high, you'll have to teach the dog to pole vault!

Answer 6

Depemds on your dog. You may want to have it OFA or PennHIP certified (ask your vet about these) to make sure she does not have dysplastic hips or other joint problems.