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I am confused about exercise for my 6 month GSD - father german import - mother, german/english, hip score 5/7 . At the moment he gets free running off lead with my friend's collies, for about half - three quarters of an hour with my other GSD (10 years old)- then my pup is put into his crate to rest for an hour or so.I also go to obedience classes once per week, but do no formal lead walking other than that .His weight seems ok - I can feel his ribs if I press just a little. can you help?

Submitted: 662 days and 20 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $12
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Age: <1; Male; Breed: GSD

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Accepted Answer

Hi Graf,

I am not sure I understand what you are asking regarding exercise. It does sound as if he is getting a good amount of it. You should be able to feel the ribs when you press on them, if you don't feel them then the dog is overweight. Also pups go through a gawky stage where they may look thinner for a time but then catch up at around a year old.

 

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Expert: Sally Grott
Pos. Feedback: 99.3 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 1/30/2008

dog training consultant

24 years training & behavior,pet first aide, Therapy dog eval., PA Animal Response Team

662 days and 12 hours ago.

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Thanks for that. However I have been told that I should only exercise a gsd pup for 5 minutes per month of his life or the growth plates in his legs will be damaged, and cause orthopaedic problems later.It was that particular aspect I was concerned about, but don't know if it refers to lead walking,or off lead,for the same amount of time where my pup will be able to decide for himself when he has had enough.( ie sits down)

Posted by Sally Grott 662 days and 12 hours ago.

Answer

Thank you Graf for that information. German Shepherds are prone to panosteitis which is inflammation of the layers of bones as the dog grows. There is no way to prevent this but if you should notice lameness, fever or loss of appetite then the dog should be checked as an anti inflammatory drug may be needed along with rest. Here is more on this. http://www.petplace.com/dogs/panosteitis/page1.aspx

Elbow dysplasia is another problem with this breed so again if you notice lameness coming on or stiffness after resting then the dog should be seen.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/elbow-dysplasia-in-dogs/page1.aspx

Degenerative myelopathy will be something to watch for as the dog enters senior years. This unfortunately does not have a great prognosis at this time.

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/degenerative-myelopathy/page1.aspx

You may want to think about adding cosequin to the daily diet to further help the joints. This can be purchased on line or from your vet. Be sure to talk to your vet about this.

http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/glucosamine-and-chondroitin-cosequin/page1.aspx

Also large breed dogs should be fed a dog for made specifically for large breeds to slow bone growth and help prevent bone problems in the future.

When a pup tires then rest should be given as most young pups can sleep 12 to 18 hours during a 24 hour period. Leash walking and listening to commands would not be the same as a free romp as leash walking is controlled and the pup is less likey to hurt himself.

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