Exercise

[Wolfspirit]

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Hi everyone I hope you and furbabies are all well.

I have another question (no surprise) lol.

My Sighthound cross saluki greyhound x whippet Samson is 4mths. How much or how little exercise, especially running should he have? At this age.

I have heard bits and pieces about how exercise can damage their growth until a certain age. Would anyone be able to enlighten me on this please?

 

[JoanneF]

The kennel club advises five minutes per month of age, twice a day. That's for things like walking, play can be on top of that.

But - there doesn't seem to be clear evidence to back it up scientifically. However it's a sensible enough starting point.

 

[Finsky]

Hi everyone I hope you and furbabies are all well.

I have another question (no surprise) lol.

My Sighthound cross saluki greyhound x whippet Samson is 4mths. How much or how little exercise, especially running should he have? At this age.

I have heard bits and pieces about how exercise can damage their growth until a certain age. Would anyone be able to enlighten me on this please?

The theory is that too much exercise on early age can damage those growth plates and soft bones in their body that may contribute to further issues iater on the life. I haven't read any research about it, just the usual 'advise' that is being repeated so I don't know how true these claims are. My personal belief is that it would be quite a major fault in a canine species if such a claims would be entirely true..HOWEVER…!..
There is a difference what kind of surface you dog is walking/running about. Soft ground...grass/forest floor has totally different impact to the body than hard street pavements and paths. On hard surfaces such a limits are quite sensible thing to follow...but allowing them to play, run and play on grass etc.? I just don't see it. Soft ground is forgiving and particular when their are young and body weight still low too..the impact from their movements would not still be that much weight bearing .
It can be hard to hold the little ones back when they have such a growing energy reserves, but if given variety of scenery and different surfaces and levels from early on, it pays to build up their muscles, joints and body strength and balance. Given this variety, it will also make their walks that more interesting that even if it is just short distances, they will be more entertained for it. It is difficult to give exact advise as already just for the reasons above there is many affecting factors. Little and often is safe way to start...not pushing it so that pup shows tiredness and if it does, stop the fun and get home for a rest...or at least for a slightly calmer time until your pup is ready to go again

 

[Wolfspirit]

Thanks you that sounds like good advise. I just feel worried as I'm not used to sighthounds and maybe I'm thinking they are more delicate than they really are...

 

[Rinkydinkydo]

Personally I don't let them run,there's a big difference in puppy play and running. Most of the advice about lurchers and longdogs is based on them being working dogs. Other dogs don't hit speeds of 40+ mph when running,they do. That's a lot of strain and pressure on them slender legs at them speeds,looking after them legs when they are growing will not do any harm at all.

 

[Wolfspirit]

Personally I don't let them run,there's a big difference in puppy play and running. Most of the advice about lurchers and longdogs is based on them being working dogs. Other dogs don't hit speeds of 40+ mph when running,they do. That's a lot of strain and pressure on them slender legs at them speeds,looking after them legs when they are growing will not do any harm at all.

Thanks that's what I was worrying about. At what age are they ready to run do you think?

 

[Rinkydinkydo]

Thanks that's what I was worrying about. At what age are they ready to run do you think?

Don't think you will be far out at 12 months,just keep measuring to see when he stops growing. After that his body shape could start to change as he starts to develop his muscle mass. Third year they develop a brain....(only joking)

 

[Wolfspirit]

Don't think you will be far out at 12 months,just keep measuring to see when he stops growing. After that his body shape could start to change as he starts to develop his muscle mass. Third year they develop a brain....(only joking)

Haha yep they do seem on the dopey side that's for sure...