I have an 8 month old lab and frankly his activity level and strength greatly out match me. When he gets bored he is very distructive and I know that exercise is the key. Last night he kept running up and down our stairs. They make a "V" one up one down, there are about 14 of them total with a landing between them. Since he was playing on them I blocked off both entrances and played fetch with him up and down them for about 30 minutes last night. He loved it and its the very first time I've been able to wear him out. I do know that dogs his breed and size are prone to hip displyshia though so I dont want to do anything harmful to him but if this is an ok exercise then I just might have solved his boredom and my ability to manage him. Does anyone know if constant stair climbing is potentially a bad thing? Thanks!
2007-11-11 12:45:14 · 9 answers · asked by Irishangel 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Never thought of this one before. Sounds reasonable. Good thinking!
If anyone can think of something wrong with it, I'll stand corrected.
With pups this young, you don't want to "run" them on hard surfaces like the road for long periods until they are about 18 months old. It's too hard on their skeletal system and their joints as pups.
This exercise, provided you don't over do it, sounds interesting.
2007-11-11 12:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I have to say I sympathize with you, I also have a lab and his energy level exceeds mine as well. He just turned four in may and he still has as much energy as the day we got him. As for exercising your dog on the stairs, it sounds like a great idea. Granted labs are prone to have problems with their hips, but not all do so let your doggy have his fun and just watch him he will let you know if he is hurting anywhere. If this happens find something more suitable for him that does not involve tramping up and down the stairs. If he shows no signs of pain then keep it up.
2007-11-11 12:57:33 · answer #2 · answered by crazybutterfly1996 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd be really careful with the stairs.....
Labs are active dogs, so need lots of walking etc. However, you're right in that they are prone to hip displyasia. Although the bones of puppies are softer and more pliable, you probably don't want to be putting more stress on his bones and joints than necessary. Especially, if he accidently slipped or missed a step - lab puppies are so aloof with their legs!!!
If you are finding that he has far too much energy for you, maybe you could consider getting another dog -that way, they'll not only provided company for each other, but playmates as well, which means you won't have to spend as much time playing with them.
2007-11-11 12:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by miss_tinkerbell_fairy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be all right, but it would probably be better if you took him outside. The fresh air would do him good and he might make some new friends. The stairs shouldn't be a problem, because it's just like running, but check with your vet just in case. If it's obvious that he loves it, it shouldn't do any harm. A little bit of excercise is always good for everyone. As they get older, their energy level usually goes down.
2007-11-11 12:53:32 · answer #4 · answered by Cơơκiε. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the only thing I'd worry about is if it becomes a compulsive type of behavior that your dog will do whenever there is a set of stairs around. if it seems like it's just something he enjoys doing to play and not compulsive, by all means DO IT! Labs have a lot of energy to burn and sometimes all the walking and running in the world won't help so if you've found an activity that wears him out and doesn't wear you down, stick with it.
2007-11-11 12:52:19 · answer #5 · answered by JS820 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd wait till the dog is fully grown. Stairs climbing, and extreme jumping is bad for "developing" hips.
But that's just my opinion.
Late Entry : people, you are wrong. This type of exercise is BAD especially for lab puppies. Even for agility training, the minimum age is often 18 months. Labs are prone to hip dysplasia and stairs climbing is NOT at all beneficial.
2007-11-11 12:51:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do think it could be potentially dangerous because dogs can injure themselves running up and down stairs, when my dog was a puppy he was playing up/down stairs and tripped and fell down may stairs! it was aweful. it can affect his back or legs!
Try dog parks or a doggie daycare facility which usually offers special puppy play groups. or numerous daily walks/runs.
2007-11-11 12:56:02 · answer #7 · answered by Julie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is exactly what I do with my 2 yr old boxer mix when it is just too gross to be outside. Just be careful with an 8 mo puppy. My dog loves it!
2007-11-11 13:02:29 · answer #8 · answered by Sandbaby327 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That sounds like an excellent solution!
Now I wish I had stairs for doggy.
2007-11-11 12:49:59 · answer #9 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋