Not So Fast!
Written by Pam on January 9, 2016
In this blog I want to talk with you about your HGT puppy and what it is capable of doing now and later. Now, at 10-weeks when you go for a walk or a run with your puppy, it should be considered a 10 minute exercise and that is it. Too much of a good thing, too early on is not at all good for the puppy’s joints. Try not to let your puppy overdue the jumping and the over exercising.
My rule of thumb on exercising our HGT puppies is as follows:
+ 8 weeks, they get 10 minutes worth of play and exercise;
+ 12 weeks they start to get 15 minutes of exercise
+ the minutes increase by 5 for every month up until the puppy is 6-months old
+ 6-months the puppy can have a longer duration at walking, running and even agility.
Hip dysplasia/Hip Displacement, as well as other orthopedic conditions, is not only genetic but it can be caused by too much impact activity at a young age that will cause serious issues later in the dog’s life. So truly enjoy your puppy but don’t over do it. Ease into a daily routine and don’t speed up time, don’t go too fast- enjoy the slow(er) moments as well.
In the below video you will see how RiverLea enjoys walking by my side but when she senses a different noise that she is not yet accustomed to hearing, she paws-up and wants me to lift her. As cute as this is, I never pick her up and always use a calming tone – “It’s Okay” or “Let’s Go” and immediately redirect away from the noise. The puppy will learn that just by being with you, she feels safe and you will be the one curbing the distractions. This will make her more comfortable and the trust will become apparent. Eventually the strange noise that initially caused the pawing-up will still be heard but there will not be an immediate reaction.
Remember: that the puppy should NEVER exercise immediately after eating its meal. It also should NEVER exercise before eating its meal. The enjoyment of exercise should always take place 45 minutes before or after a meal to prevent BLOAT. Bloat is a serious condition and should not be overlooked in a young puppy or even an older dog.
Please feel free to comment on any of our blogs – we are always around to answer any of your concerns regarding our puppies :@) Enjoy, Pam