Exercise

[Lindsay and Lyn]

Any ideas on what is too much exercise. We have a 12 month rescue male and have taken him for gentle strolls of one hour to one and a half hours at the local beach, almost every day. Because he seems to really love it, we keep going. We have been told that this could be a bit much until after 18 months, and long walks may do joint damage that appears later.
Thanks
Lindsay and Lyn

[Vivianne]

No amount of exercise is too much for a rotty as long as you keep one thing in mind. ALWAYS, ALWAYS let your dog dictate the pace. Watch him carefully. They are a strong breed and love to play, from my experience at any age. I would play with my female "Akasha" all of the time. I would watch for subtle hints that her heart was in it, but her body was getting tired.
We'd rest often between play sessions and if she was tired she'd rest quietly, if I was wrong and she wanted to play more she would become figity.
Watch him well during play time and use rest periods for observation.

A little common sense goes a long way.

[dchilders]

I'm also interested in what folks think about this.

I take my almost-four rottie on about 3 walks per day. 2 1-hour, and 1 long one (2-3 hrs).

She seems to do well on the walks, and definitely sleeps like a log!

I wonder, however if I over-do it. She's under my constant gaze, so I know when she's pooped...But ya read some books saying not to walk them at all until 4-5 months....

Interested,


David

[WorkinDogz]

IMHO I'd rather see a nice 30 minute brisk walk....later some ball playing......swimming.....heeling......etc than a mega dose of exercise all at one time.

Walking is great.....but other exercises use different muscle groups and help keep them in fine shape. Swimming is the ultimate non-stress exercise for joints.

4-5 months is when typically the vaccinations are complete and the puppy can be considered "fully vaccinated". That's why it's suggested to not take them where other dogs might frequent. Risk of illness.

[DixieGrl113]

I agree with WD. I like to keep my dogs active all day. It keeps them in shape and sharp in the mind. In the summer, you can't keep them out of the water! Swimming seems to tire them out more quickly. :) It's the resistance in the water. Throw the tennis balls in the water to retrieve and what a great workout.


I don't think a stroll is going to do any joint damage. He's already 12 months and could actually handle a little more strenuous excersise safely as long as it wasn't excessive. My little guy is going to be 11mos Feb 10th and he does everything the bigs dogs do with no problems. I just keep a close eye on him and if he looks like he's laggin then I make him take a time out or take him for a drink and let him rest for 15 mintues or so. He should be fine on your strolls. If he looks tired, rest and offer some water. Continue when you think he's ready.

[Judy Chrusch]

I have a 16 month old male and we do our brisk walk in a field that measures out to 1 mile and it takes us 15-20 min. depending on how many trees he desides to visit, LOL, does that give you some idea of how fast he trots Then we do a 1 1/2 mi. off lead walk in the evening 3-4 times a week at our breeders and that takes him 20 min. and me alittle longer sometimes :D. All total in a days time he gets anywhere from 2 - 2 1/2 mi. at a pretty good trot. Don't worry it's a safe place to walk off lead, our breeders house with 50 + acres. An hour or longer of just walking could be a bit much and I never walk on hard surfaces, too hard on the joints, at least till their plates close.

Judy