I searched for about 20 minutes and couldn't find an answer. I heard(from boxerworld.com) that you should be very careful about exercising/over exercising your boxer until about 15 months because of their growth plates. Major is 9 months old, 24" at the withers, and about 50 lbs. I run him at the dog park 3-4 times per week, and he loves it. Once he's tired we go home. I also take him on walks. I don't want to stunt his growth or ruin his growth or anything because he exercises too much, but he has soooo much energy. Any thoughts?
Exercise and Growth
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I apologize, it said 18 months, not 15. Here's the article:
In general, boxers will grow in height until around 12-15 months of age and then continue to fill out until they are two or three years old. The growth plates will not fully close until 18 months though, so be very careful to avoid over-exercising your puppy until this age.
In general, boxers will grow in height until around 12-15 months of age and then continue to fill out until they are two or three years old. The growth plates will not fully close until 18 months though, so be very careful to avoid over-exercising your puppy until this age.
That is right- boxers (any dogs really) shouldn't be doing much "forced" exercise until 18 months. Forced means- on leash. Short walks are okay- about 5 minutes for each month of age per day.
The dog park is a good way to let him exercise b/c he isn't being forced to walk on a leash- he can run when he wants, and stop when he wants to rest. I love taking mine to the dog park- you just have to be careful to make sure his experiences with the other dogs are positive ones.
The dog park is a good way to let him exercise b/c he isn't being forced to walk on a leash- he can run when he wants, and stop when he wants to rest. I love taking mine to the dog park- you just have to be careful to make sure his experiences with the other dogs are positive ones.
That is what I have heard too (quite a few times on this forum) and IMO I think it is better not to so that there no leg or hips problems from over exercise later in life. I do not plan to start Kiah in agility until she is 22-24 months old to be on the safe side. I also have heard the recommendation for walking dogs on hard surfaces is 5 minutes for each month of age or 45 minutes since your dog is 9 month old.
There are several posts on this with a lot of information so you can do a search on it.
There are several posts on this with a lot of information so you can do a search on it.
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I called my vet because I was worried about it too. We are an outdoorsy family and I was worried that I'd have to wait an entire summer before spending time at the dog park or hiking, etc. She told me that it's fine to take him out, but go at his own pace. She said I may want to hike for a hour, but the dog might have other plans. She said it's not the age of the dog, but their own stamina as they will tell you what they want. If he wants to stop ... stop. Bring lots of water and make sure there is plenty of shade.
I guess a forced walk on cement would be different, although I didn't ask that.
I guess a forced walk on cement would be different, although I didn't ask that.
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Definitely TRY to keep away from concrete, it is harder on the joints, really at any age, but more so til the growth plates are closed. That's why you don't start agility until after 18 mos....Soft surfaces, like sand, grass, dirt are much better, so hikes on dirt trails would be fine, and yes your dog will let you know when he's had enuf...Dog parks are great cos like was already stated they stop, start, but are not constantly walking or running at one speed....
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My boyfriend and I were discussing the same thing. We will get our new fella as an 8 week old puppy in August. Now we go mountain bike and too are very out doorsy (hikes, canoeing, camping) we were hoping he'd be ready to come mountain biking with us "next" summer. He'd be just under a year. I wouldn't want to do anything to him/her that would cause him problems in the future.
I never knew about this though until about 2 years ago and haven't had any problem with any of our 4 boxers or sled dogs (malamute and siberian).
I never knew about this though until about 2 years ago and haven't had any problem with any of our 4 boxers or sled dogs (malamute and siberian).
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I think it's good for preventative measures but doesn't mean all dogs have joint problems because you walked them to early. Some develope problems even when not excercised at a young age.
If you only live near concrete I still feel it is better to get them out for 15 minute walks so they can socialize and burn off some enregy.... Keeping them in the yard until 15 months seems impossible ... :lol:
If you only live near concrete I still feel it is better to get them out for 15 minute walks so they can socialize and burn off some enregy.... Keeping them in the yard until 15 months seems impossible ... :lol:
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