What's normal activity level for Rotties

[webangel2b]

I'm truly concerned about Dixie's activity (stamina) level. I've been walking her, taught her how to run/trot beside my bike.

She does not have the activity level I would expect of a (born in November) nearly 3 year old dog. She's done with trotting/running beside the bike before we make it around one block. She's done with walking much earlier then I would think normal as well - she's ready to quit after 15-20 minutes and I want 30-45. I'm not overly fast at walking especially towards the end but she's almost dragging behind me.

I see the vet again on Saturday - any suggestions about what to tell him or questions to ask him (tests to run)? Someone mentioned a thyroid panel due to weight gain and the eye problem we had recently. Could thyroid be the cause of her down right laziness?

TIA to all!

[SaranBear]

What type of shape is she in? Have you recently started this exercise routine? Dogs need time to get in shape. I see you live in FL... what are the temps like when you're exercising her?

[Ayoka]

How is she during any other activity?

I ask because I wonder if she's bored and lagging behind because she really doesn't find a bike ride or walk that interesting or stimulating.

If she's lost energy or stamina all of a sudden I'd be going to the vet.

[webangel2b]

We only exercise about 7 or 8ish in the pm to avoid the heat (humidity is impossible to avoid lol). She is definitely not in great shape, we've been doing the walking stuff on and off forever but daily for a week today. See my concern also stems from the fact that her indoor play level has also diminished. She sleeps all day long and then goes to bed with us, sleeps and gets up just to lay down again.

[jakesfostermom]

Webangel - my first thought was like SaranBear's - I live in central Texas and the heat will zap my VERY fit dogs QUICK when exerting energy like trotting after a bicycle. We walk briskly every evening and we have to wait until almost dark, or the boys (2.5 and 5.5 yrs old) will lag behind before the end of our routine walk because of the heat. Don't push her too hard if heat is the reason - it can go from ok to serious very quickly if heat is causing her to hold back. I agree on a vet check to insure nothing medical is going on.....but as the temps change in the next month or two, I know my guys will perk back up and we'll be adding distance to our walks because their stamina will be back to normal Good luck - I hope it's nothing serious with her and just plain old "too darn hot" in her book for this nonsense

[webangel2b]

We exercise late in the evening, between 7 and 8pm. Even last night we walked probably 15-20 minutes and I meet up with a friend at her house. We hung out there for almost an hour, grabbed some water and on the way home she was still dragging bootie.

I think since we have an appt for Saturday I'm going talk to doc about this along with a thyroid checkup (if she's not had one). She's not even playing in the house like a dog her age should do. Part of me has been ignoring is because I'm afraid of something VERY serious.

[SaranBear]

A week is not very long.... It's a bit much to expect 45 minutes of sustained effort on her part after only a week of CONSISTENT exercise. She may be tired and sore after all this relatively sudden exercise.

AND you stated (in another post) she is 107 lbs.... up from 89 in January... If she is almost 20lbs overweight then that is quite an extra load for a dog to carry. Even a couple pounds make a difference for a dog.

PLUS she has an eye infection that is being treated right?

So some of those things may be slowing her down. Still it's probably a great idea to bring her in if you feel like she's not herself.

Once your vet says she's good then I'd just EASE into the exercise slowly and consistently. Walk before you run...

[webangel2b]

Thanks Saran I hope you're right.

I maybe expecting too much from her - especially now. I think she's lost weight and if that's the case it is doing her some good. Our Saturday appt is a followup to her eye infection so we must go anyway we might as well make the most of the visit.

Appreciate everyone's input - I love my girl. I'm thankful for this site and all this experience/expertise it offers - thanks to you all!

[Lola B Marie]

Don't be discouraged. Lola is 17 months. In the fall and winter she can out run any dog. She sounds like a race horse rounding a track. Her speed and agility is amazing. In the late spring andsummer into the fall, three sprints and it's over for a roll in the grass and several belly rubs. On leash she is just dragging behind looking for a chance to lie down. The vet said, she just can't tolerate the heat. He said rotties don't push themselves.They start out with a bang fueled by excitement then just trail off. She will be ready to run again when the weather cools and the humidity leaves.
I have truly found the perfect breed.