limits to exercise

[samjuniper]

I have a 10 week old german shepherd puppy called Indie. I understand that there are limits to the amount of exercise to give them initially. I have heard conflicting stories though. The breeder told us up to 1/4 mile until she's 6 months and up to 1/2 mile until she's a year. The vet told us 2 - 3 miles until she's a year old. Does anyone know what is correct?

[John Thomson]

Hi,
at that age 'formal' excersise limited.....5 or 10 mins at a time on leash is fine.
The main danger for GSD's is joint damage hence the need to restrict it.........there are no hard and fast rules plus everyone has an oppinion! Use common sense, for instance don't spend a lot of time playing fetch on hard concrete........quick speed and direction changes like this put more strain on joints than a gentle walk on grass.

Best of luck with the puppy.

john
_________________
John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk