Safe To Start Swimming?

[GABBA]

Hi all, I have asked this question elsewhere, but figure this is also a place where I can get a variety of answers from. I have been reading several pages and have come accross several that mention swimming is a good treatment for hip displacia. My Mastiff-breed is now approx. 10 weeks and although he shows no signs of having bad hips, I would like to make his chances for good future hips better (his parents have good hip scores).

So I am wondering, when would be a good age to let him start swimming, and is it safe (as I know excessive running while a pup is not good)?

Secondly, does anyone know of some good dog-friendly lakes in the Sydney (western suburbs) area (obvioussly not beaches - too rough), that I could take him to?

Thanks.

[poodlefan]

Gabba ANY forced or excessive exercise is not good for a pup. Talk to his breeder or other Molosser folk but I'd be limiting his exercise to appropriate offlead play until he's at least 6 months old and probably longer.

Swimming's a great method of exercising a dog but other than getting him into water and swimming (sooner the better) I'd not be introducing it as part of an exercise regime for a long time yet.. maybe next summer.

Edited February 17, 2010 by poodlefan

[kelpiekaye]

Best thing you can do to prevent problems later is keep your dog lean and dont over excersise. 10 weeks is probably a bit young to start swimming but is a great fun when dog is older. As the parents have good hip scores your pup should be good. Enjoy....

[Greytmate]

Maybe at this age, start off with a clam shell pool with some shallow water and some toys. That way he can get used to the feel of the water and associate it with fun things and playing, and not just associate water with baths and being restrained.

[Kustali]

Hi, a gentle walk and a splash around in the water for now will be all he needs. You don't want to over exersize because that will do more harm than good! I didn't start 'swimming' my Mastiff boy for actual exersize and strengthening til he was about a year old.

What sort of Mastiff breed did you get??

A good diet is also a must for any large breed, you don't want to 'grow' them too quick because that can also be harmful. You want nice steady growth and don't let them get over weight...lean is good but don't starve them either!

Edited February 18, 2010 by HANNAH