[weiroblpay]

I wasn't sure where to post this, so I hope this is OK.

I have a 9 month old pure bred Golden Retriever. Her name is Chloe. We've had her since she was old enough to be parted from her mother. Training has gone well for the most part, but there are a couple of issues to work out. But the question I most need an answer to is about exercise.

I know goldens need a lot of exercise - no problem. We (my wife and I) spend lots of time with her. Our yard isn't very big, but allows plenty of room for playing. We also take her for walks around the neighborhood and on hikes in the mountains from time to time.

Last month (June) I kept track of how much I walked with her and it was about 50 miles. Some days were just a mile and some days were 5 miles and a couple were longer than 5 miles.

I've read that you shouldn't over work puppies because they are still growing. I'm a little worried that I've maybe done too much walking/hiking with her. She really enjoys our walks / hikes and doesn't appear to be too tired. I always carry plenty of food and water with me on longer walks and make sure she stays hydrated and fed (if we're gone a long time). We even play in sprinklers to cool down wherever we find them on our walks.
When we come home from a long walk she is tired and sleeps for a while, but shows no signs that I can see of it being too much for her.

So, can anyone tell me how much is too much? Or is it totally dependent on the individual dog? I love walking with her and it's good for me too. I just don't want to injure her.
Is there some signs I can look for to make sure I'm not overworking her?

Thanks for any help,

Ron

 

[cshellenberger]

The amount you're walking is probably fine, especially if it's not all on concrete. Right now I'd minimize high impact stuff like Jumping and keep running to a minimum other than in the yard when she's playing.

 

[Jr. Dog Expert]

Well it is more about the breed, usually for very large breeds you don't want to over due the walking, smaller breeds tend to mature quicker and will appreciate the long walks. Weight is also a consideration.

I would limit the exercises to playing around the house for the time being (dunno 9 months is getting pretty close to maturing). Not only does it help with the extra energy but it is also a bond-building experience.

If you start to notice limping and extreme fatigue then you may be over dueing it, but it would seem that your particular pooch is just fine. Getting a vet's opinion wouldn't be a bad idea either.

 

[mattielax26]

Had a puppy dropped off at our campsite during a 4th of July cookoff. Took her home and am now loving her. Lucy.

Vet said she was 10-weeks. I usually try and get her about an hour of walking time (20-minutes in the AM, and 30 to 45-minutes at about 8:30 or 9).

She's a dachshund-beagle (apparently this is called a doxle) and weighs about 7#s. I know she's young, but unless she gets the walking time and playtime in the apartment, she goes beserk. I read that you shouldn't over-exercise pups, but she drives me and my gf insane if she doesn't get it.

I usually play games inside since we live in Houston and its about 110F with 4000% humidity right now. She's great and learning fast.

 

[cshellenberger]

She's too young for that much walking. Keep it to play sessions on the grass ONLY and training to wear her out.

Here are some of my favorite training write ups
Doggy Zen
Rev Up/Cool Down
Loose Leash Walking Using Positive Reinforcers
Targeting AKA "Touch"
The Bite Stops Here