How much exercise for large breed puppy?
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I wouldn't want to jog (on-leash) with a 5 month old giant breed. That's a lot of repetitive impact on growing, immature joints.
It isn't so much about the pace/speed of the jogging as it is about the fact that by running on-leash (or heeling next to you) she is running in a straight line with similar movements each step and similar impact each step. Particularly if you are jogging on concrete sidewalks (the worst) or asphalt road or path, the impact is greater than on dirt or grass. Personally, I wouldn't run a large (and she's on the large side of what most people think of as large breeds) puppy until 18 months minimum.
Compare it to the overuse injuries seen in young athletes (Little League pitchers for example) where a 12-yr old who pitches a lot of games ends up with injuries not usually seen in college or pro players until after several times as many games.
But you CAN let her run- you can run around in a field, she can run in a fenced area or you can get a 50 foot leash or long line (a horse lunge rope makes a good long line and it easy to find at farm stores like Tractor Supply), anything where not only is she setting the pace but is also both varying her movements and is on a softer surface (grass, dirt or sand).
Swimming is great exercise if you have that option. Hiking where you go up and down hills also give some variety and extra workout (although I wouldn't overdo hiking either for a few more months). Long walks broken up with training sessions to work her mind. Visit public places that allow dogs - college campuses, outdoor restaurant patios, many camping and outdoor type stores, many home improvements stores (many Home Depots and Lowes allow leashed dogs, ask the manager), outdoor festivals etc - after a good walk and do training and socializing there. The extra sights, sounds and people to meet will tend to tire her out too and is great practice for being a well mannered dog.
It isn't so much about the pace/speed of the jogging as it is about the fact that by running on-leash (or heeling next to you) she is running in a straight line with similar movements each step and similar impact each step. Particularly if you are jogging on concrete sidewalks (the worst) or asphalt road or path, the impact is greater than on dirt or grass. Personally, I wouldn't run a large (and she's on the large side of what most people think of as large breeds) puppy until 18 months minimum.
Compare it to the overuse injuries seen in young athletes (Little League pitchers for example) where a 12-yr old who pitches a lot of games ends up with injuries not usually seen in college or pro players until after several times as many games.
But you CAN let her run- you can run around in a field, she can run in a fenced area or you can get a 50 foot leash or long line (a horse lunge rope makes a good long line and it easy to find at farm stores like Tractor Supply), anything where not only is she setting the pace but is also both varying her movements and is on a softer surface (grass, dirt or sand).
Swimming is great exercise if you have that option. Hiking where you go up and down hills also give some variety and extra workout (although I wouldn't overdo hiking either for a few more months). Long walks broken up with training sessions to work her mind. Visit public places that allow dogs - college campuses, outdoor restaurant patios, many camping and outdoor type stores, many home improvements stores (many Home Depots and Lowes allow leashed dogs, ask the manager), outdoor festivals etc - after a good walk and do training and socializing there. The extra sights, sounds and people to meet will tend to tire her out too and is great practice for being a well mannered dog.
Monitoring a Mastiff puppy closely to the age of 18 months is very important when exercising due to this breed's fast growing pace and joint development. Activities should be monitored to ensure that the dog is getting enough exercise. Watch out for signs of fatigue. You wouldn't want to take this breed on too long of a walk, unless you could carry them home. Some playtime with toys is sufficient.
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Teach her to retrieve a ball and then take her to the park or a beach and throw the ball for a few minutes. I second swimming as a top level exercise. Swimming exercises almost every muscle in the dogs body. You do not need to get wet if you have taught the dog to (a) retrieve a tennis ball and (b) you have taught her to like water. Just throw the ball into the water and let her bring it back.
If she does neither then you still do not need to get wet except up to your knees - well I guess it depends on how tall you are. Take the dog into the water on lead until he is swimming then stand and hold the tail, control the head with the lead and keep it up. A 10 minute swim is equal to a 5 kilometer walk.
If she does neither then you still do not need to get wet except up to your knees - well I guess it depends on how tall you are. Take the dog into the water on lead until he is swimming then stand and hold the tail, control the head with the lead and keep it up. A 10 minute swim is equal to a 5 kilometer walk.
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