How much exercise is good?

[gmo1379]

Hi all,

My girl's 4 months old and weighs 35 pounds. My question is how much should I walk her a day (not including going outside for potty) and for how long? Someone had mentioned 5 minutes for every 1 month old, so in my pups case 20 minutes. Not sure how many times a day goes with this rule of thumb.

Currently, I'm walking her once a week for 20-30 minutes. Other walks are just to potty, so only for a few minutes.

I know that Hip problems are common in large breed dogs (this is my first large breed) so I'm not really sure how much to exercise her. I don't want to over or under do it.

Any advice would be very appreciated!

Much thanks!

[leanershnitzel]

I would let your pup tell you when she's had enough. Instead of taking her on a formal thirty minute walk, take her out to your yard on a flexi lead with some toys. Let her romp and fetch, when she flops down with a toy and doesn't want to run around anymore..she's done. I didn't start formally walking my youngest until he was over a year old. That is not to say she should not get out for the ever important socialization. Enjoy! I miss those days.

[brunie's mom]

Take her out for a couple of walks everyday...not just once a week.
Two 10-15 minute walks per day are great. Also free play and running around the yard.
If puppy is lagging behind in walks, then shorten them up...if they still have energy when almost home...then lengthen them by 5 minutes.

Gina

[Diva Satanica]

Brinks is almost 5 mths (on the 19th) and he gets two 45 min walks perday. Anything shorter than that, and he is still bouncing off the walls when we get home. One walk is laid back and he can sniff and be casual (usually the nighttime one). The other walk is more disciplined and I work more on his leash walking and we walk more briskly.

[PRANTSYPANTS]

I also have a 4 month old female she was born on 1/5/08 but is smaller weighs about 26 lbs. I take he for about a 20 minute walk i mix it up and i do a little walking slowly on the sidewalks just to familarize her with sights and sounds. I also have a 2 1/2 year old male that she plays with or should i say that she totally beats up on and he is such a sport just come to me when she is hanging off his jowls. Keep in informed on how she is growing my female seems a little small but he feet are huge so maybe she is a little slow to mature.

[TBeau262]

My female was born 1/7/08 and weighs 39.7 lbs. I take her for 3-5 15 minute walks every day. No other dogs to play with but i do have the neighbor kids come over and run with her around the house and when it is nicer she will be introduced to our lake. I'm sure summer will be good sleeping days. lol

[gmo1379]

Thank you for the replies everyone. I guess I was being a little to careful with her, I just don't want her to get HD. She'll start getting more exercise starting today!

Prantsypants, your pups weight sounds healthy to me. I will let you know how my pup is growing though.

[rush123]

my son is 5 months old today. last vet visit was 3 weeks ago and he was 35 pounds hes prolly 40 or so now. I take him out every day when I get home from work, I alternate walks and "play/training" sessions. when it comes to play/training sessions, we go to a local park and run around and do obedience work. I let him go at his own pace. If he wants a break he lays down. I usually will do this every other day for an 1.5 hours, other days we go for 30 minute walks. You should definetly take your dog for a walk more than once a week. Take her to a park and find a secluded area and let her play off leash with you. Your dog will love it, make sure you take a backpack with water, treats etc. and dont force her to play.

[rush123]

8 to 10 pounds per month is normal growth rate.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by rush123

my son is 5 months old today. last vet visit was 3 weeks ago and he was 35 pounds hes prolly 40 or so now.

I know this is just your use of words....but please don't call your puppy "my son"....he is very much a dog...not a human.
This is when people get into trouble with this breed....they treat their dogs like humans...and then wonder where they have gone wrong.

Gina

[rush123]

Yes Gina I am fully aware that he is a dog, but he is still my "son". His father who was also my "son" since 8 weeks is now a Sch3 dog. Giving your puppy a title such as "son" or "daughter" or whatever has nothing to do with how the dog is raised my dogs are raised like dogs, but love liked sons. Maybe more people should care for their puppies as much as their sons or daughters and then we wouldnt have all the problems with dogs today.