Exercising A Large Breed Pup

[DogsLover]

Hello Everyone,

We have a Doberman pup and were wondering how much exercise can we give the pup?

Is it alright for her to climbing up and down the stairs. Is it alright if she runs around the house crazily and sometimes fall over?

I heard that we are not suppose to exercise them too much as it will cause hip problems in the future esp climbing of stairs but she is doing it on her own accord. Do I stop her? What are your opinions?

Thanks

[fifi]

NO stairs !!! and I would be keeping any zoomies for outside in a well fenced yard.

Growing large breeds have growth plates that are still open (the knobbly & bumpy bits on the lower legs)

and you could end up with bits broken off in the cartilage of elbows ect (OCD)

play it safe for the first year, and you will have much less chance of leg problems later on.

fifi

edited to add; stopping her may include things like a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs, and keeping some parts of the house off limits, or having a large crate inside - and teaching her that INSIDE is for sleeping and laying quietly.

Edited May 1, 2008 by fifi

[DogsLover]

Thanks for your advice.

Mmmm, now we have to make extra effort not to let her run around too much.

[fifi]

Let her free run in a safe fenced area, but don't take her for long extended road walks just yet, just a toddle around the block & to socialise, its better for her to develop fitness on more forgiving ground like grass.

fifi