plt

On this forum, I learn new things about dobbi. This one worried me
I might have made mistake. I started taking my female dob cycling (read: she runs on-leash beside my bike) when she was just 7 months. Since her 9 months to this day, have been running with full speed for the 1st 8-15mins of the cycling routine. Even at the 1st 5mins, I allow her to pull the bike. Usually the cycling routine (combination of full speed, slow speed, a 3min break then a slow speed) is up to 60-90mins daily (or at least 4 days a week). Now I just learn that I should not doing this too early. She is 18 months.

I do gave her 4x500mg per day Calcium when she was 5-12 months; then 2x500mg per day till today. Is this needed?

Que:
1. Our next Vet visit, for her yearly vaccine, is due sometime in this month. What should I ask the vet to check for to examine any possibility of health issue related to this bad running practice?

2. At what age a dobbi should be introduced for a serious running (cycling beside dobbi)?

3. At what age a dobbi should be introduced for jumping exercise?

thanks

SamK

I can't be much help but I have consistently received the same advice about running - the problem is the repetitiveness of running, especially on hard surfaces, so while your dog might play for a long time in the park, the strain she is putting on her joints from that activity is different to the strain from running. The growth plates close when the dog is 18 - 24 months old which is why they say don't run or jump the dog until this age.

A breeder I spoke to said one of his pups was run too young and the problem only showed up when she reached 8 years of age. The vet can x-ray to see if the growth plates are closed but will probably not be able to see if any damage has been caused. Definitely have a chat to your vet about it and find out what signs you could look for so you can manage any symptoms as she gets older.

Also do a search on this forum for running - this comes up alot.

Good luck and please let me know what the vet recommends.

ZeldaRules

Some reading for you:

Jogging With Your Dog Improves Overall Fitness and Health - Whole Dog Journal Article

When to Run With A Puppy – ActivEdge Fitness & Sports | Durham NC Health Club | Personal Training

Went To Start Training

Bones and Joints - Dog Health


Did you consult with the vet and breeder about supplementing calcium at that young of age?

Rouleaux

^^ Same question regarding calcium supplementation here!

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AlyssaN

ZR - thank you for the links, great reads for those of us who want to run with our dogs at some point.

Interestingly, my vet said that it was fine to run at the age he is now, just not quickly. I dismissed her advice, having done research on it myself, and am holding off.

Honestly, it's too bad that you've done it, but you needn't beat yourself up. Rather, I'd consult a couple of vets and see what they think you should do.

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MeadowCat

The damage may already be done, as far as her joints. I would still stop cycling with her, though, until she's 18 months of age or her growth plates are confirmed to be closed via an x-ray.

If you dog is eating a correct diet she should not need calcium supplementation, and, in fact, in can cause harm. I would discontinue that as well.

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plt

ZR, thanks for the links. They are v. informatif.
Here, It's not easy to get a good Vet who understand dog. Most of them even don't own dog themselves.

The calcium was recommended by the 1st Vet who happen to sell the product as well. That time, my dog started teething. I'd stop it. (I've switched to another Vet, closer to my housing complex)

No wonder, here, I seldom meet active dog above 7-8 yrs old; were not properly raised (due to lack of knowledge as I do).

This discussion confirms me to stop cycling w/ my dog. We used to cycling at the asphalt road and paved block track.

I didn't consult w/ the breeder re. the cycling activity. He only reminds me to regularly bring her for a long walk. I learn that it's hard to get G tired/exhausted from the walk and she is calm with the build-up energy. I took the cycling innitiative. The breeder was suggesting swimming at the pool as the exercise (he has the pool which I don't have).

It seems that I have to abandon my cycling routine and switching it for a combination of walking and light jogging.

Again... thanks all. I'll bring her to the Vet tomorrow. Hopefully not too much damage.
I am worry but there is nothing I can do to undo my mistakes

ZeldaRules

Hey, the important thing is you are here and you are learning. You aren't the first person to make that mistake and surely won't be the last. Now you have the knowledge to help inform and educate other puppy owners


Have you tried a flirt pole? Incase you don't know what it is. Here is a video I made of my dog playing with one. It's a very easy and effective way to exercise and wear the heck out of your dog in a short amount of time

flirtpole

Patches Mom

To me jogging a young dog is not worth the possible damage I would wait until the growth plates are closed better to be safe than sorry.

AlyssaN

I looove my flirt pole, it's cheap and easy to make. There are many great discussion if you use the search tool on how to properly use one to minimize potential damage.

You're right, a walk does not tire out a doberman like we'd like. You'll have to get creative. The best exercise is that which is mentally tiring such as teaching tricks and training. You should look into toys that dispense food such as these: Reviews of Food Toys/Puzzle Toys

Please keep us up to date on what the vet says.

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plt

The flirt pole is a nice trick, she loves it. We still playing tug (Rosamburg gave a good instruction of playing w/ tug and practicing a strong grip of bite work). But this flirt pole thing is great, can be played whenever we are on mood. My wife starts enjoying playing w/ her. She says thanks to you ZeldaRules.

I happen to do the x-ray last Sat. There is only 1 place to do it here (at the only 1 animal Hospital in this capital city). And the technician was so scared of dobermann (while I must out of the room). It’s cheap though, cost me only USD 9 for 1 shot.

The vet (she is a sr vet) said it is not so bad BUT the joint bone, as you all keep saying, has not been fully growth. She was angry to me finding out that I allow my ‘big’ puppy to pull the bike w/ her collar. She told me NOT only teaching my dobbi for heeling walk/jog BUT also in cycling. It must always on the loose lead in anytime. This vet owns a Dalmaltin. She also told me to not only feeding G w/ the dry dog food. According to her she needs a piece of 80-100 grams of raw lamb meat, 2-3 times per month. Not only for her metabolism but for jaw muscle as well.

She said I must teach my dog to ‘run using her 4 legs’ (fast walking style, at any time there is always 2 legs touching the ground). Before 30 months, I should not let her running using 2 legs (leaping/stroking), where there is a time 4 legs above the ground.
I have been learning how to control her to ‘run using her 4 legs’ (fast walking style) using the prong collar. I am practicing the right timing to do the correction just before she positions herself to ‘running using 2 legs’ things.

It’s so different when we meet the real Vet. They treat the dog not just an object.

My goal is that by this June, I could ride a bike w/ my wife on rear holding the loose leash and Gamma does the fast walking on our left. And we pause for each 10-15 minutes, giving time to G to take back her breath while we 2 freeze our moment, Carpe Diem.

Still I feel guilty for abusing my dobbi for months for not knowing. It’s good to meet you all at DT.
Thanks all

AlyssaN

Thanks for the update!

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