[JaniceH]

I am an avid walker and my 3 year old rottie Teazle and I walk for miles.

However, as a pup her exercise was limited to allow her joints to grow healthily. I didn't take her for a walk until she tired because I think she had more stamina than was good for her joints. But she did go for 2 walks a day. I was careful, and gradually increased the mileage as the months passed and also bore in mind the terrain she was walking on. I live in ther countryside where there are mountains beckoning but she didn't climb her first, which was an easy one, until she was about 18 months old. Because she was to be my walking companion for life it was important to me to be patient with her exercise regime and take things slowly.

There wasn't much difference in the length of the walks during the week from about 6 months of age till the present ie. 2 proper walks a day for about 40-45 mins. These were mainly off leash too but only because of where I live and because it was safe to do so. At weekends we walk anything between 6-14 miles on one of the days, and maybe about 4-5 on the other day.

I am probably the only person who wanted my pup to grow up quickly so we could get out into the hills. She is the best walking companion I could wish for.