running puppies at what age.

[ozzy]

I have a 5.5 month old presa I was woundering when I should begin running him If I should at all he has alot of room to go on his own fee will but what about any extra?thanks in advance. :rolleyes:

[ButchCappel]

Ozzy, good question, at one time a lot of exercise was considered bad for pups joints. It has swung back the other way to belief in exercise.

At 5-1/2 months growth plates at the end of the joints are still a little vulnerable to shock, so avoiding high impact exercise like jumping down, hard surface sprints, etc. is important. But greater activity at an earlier age seems to lead to better athleticism as an adult, and some indications of even greater size. So, tumble, rumble, sprint, & tug it is all good for the pup.

Avoid shock and trauma for the joints and all should do well.
Nature has a good warning system for when a young dog is going over the limit to harmful exertion, it is called pain or lack of wind, when this happens the pup will stop, you should too!!

At 1 year the skeletal growth is close to being finished going up. At this point the growth plates are fixed and more traumatic activities can be benefically added.

Do as much exercise on natural surfaces, grass & dirt, as you can and respect natures warning system and you will have a great athlete for a dog.