running with puppy??
- Thread starter cscarro
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4 months is a long way too soon for running with you. In fact, its really not that appropriate until the pup is around 18 months old. The growth plates on boxers - which are a slow maturing dog for their size - do not completely close and harden until somewhere between 14-18 months. And since you can't really know if your pup's plates hardened at 14 months or at 18 months, you're better to play safe and assume the latter.
The problem with running with her any earlier is that your pups WILL do all she can to keep up with, or (very likely) to try to outpace you. It is what is known as forced exercise - NOT because you're dragging an unwilling pup along, but because she will force herself to keep up or more. She will not take all the short breaks and micro-pauses that she would if she were off leash just running around and playing, and hence she will not be giving her still-soft growth plates the relief that they need. That sort of constant pounding on soft, immature bones and joints can lead to permanent damage.
At this age, it is far better that the pup has her exercise needs met by offleash running and playing. Better to hold on the running till 18 months of age than risking damage - you have, after all, then many years of a running companion.
The problem with running with her any earlier is that your pups WILL do all she can to keep up with, or (very likely) to try to outpace you. It is what is known as forced exercise - NOT because you're dragging an unwilling pup along, but because she will force herself to keep up or more. She will not take all the short breaks and micro-pauses that she would if she were off leash just running around and playing, and hence she will not be giving her still-soft growth plates the relief that they need. That sort of constant pounding on soft, immature bones and joints can lead to permanent damage.
At this age, it is far better that the pup has her exercise needs met by offleash running and playing. Better to hold on the running till 18 months of age than risking damage - you have, after all, then many years of a running companion.
I would definitely defer to the others on this one, but I know what you are saying, OP. My girl would rather run than walk on a leash. It appears that even though I am in decent shape, I am still too slow for her pleasure. We are just up to a half hour walk, and that is not nearly enough for her to tire out a little.
So, to compensate, we may run (on pavement) for about 100 yards, and we go back to a super slow walk. But, all that does is temporarily satisfy her happiness because she sort of got what she wanted. Really, we are starting to play lots of ball, frisbee, and doing boxer burns in the backyard.
Another thing, introduce her to another puppy/dog, if you can. That will work the best of all.
So, to compensate, we may run (on pavement) for about 100 yards, and we go back to a super slow walk. But, all that does is temporarily satisfy her happiness because she sort of got what she wanted. Really, we are starting to play lots of ball, frisbee, and doing boxer burns in the backyard.
Another thing, introduce her to another puppy/dog, if you can. That will work the best of all.
RoxyBigBaby
Boxer Buddy
My girl is exactly one today (happy birthday Roxy!) but I have to agree with gmacleod...your pup is way too young to run with you. I still make sure to limit my walks with Roxy to two 30 minute walks (one in the morning and one and the evening) and simply give her off leash play time in the yard whenever her energy levels seem to start getting a bit too high. 
. I don't plan on taking her for runs with me until maybe the end of the year when she's about 20-21 months.
If you don't have a yard, I know friends who live in apartments that use a closed tennis court in their complex to let their babies run around free (but i prefer grass-- especially for younger puppies.) The way I see it...I don't want to take any chances in having her develop a painful condition later on in life because of something I could have avoided. At the same time, I know how hard it is not to give our babies what they want--that's why back yard play time was a perfect compromise for me and Roxy-- she gets what she wants (to run wild) and I get peace of mind.
Best of wishes for you and your puppy!
. I don't plan on taking her for runs with me until maybe the end of the year when she's about 20-21 months. If you don't have a yard, I know friends who live in apartments that use a closed tennis court in their complex to let their babies run around free (but i prefer grass-- especially for younger puppies.) The way I see it...I don't want to take any chances in having her develop a painful condition later on in life because of something I could have avoided. At the same time, I know how hard it is not to give our babies what they want--that's why back yard play time was a perfect compromise for me and Roxy-- she gets what she wants (to run wild) and I get peace of mind.
Best of wishes for you and your puppy!
Peppermint
Boxer Buddy
Thanks for the advice about tennis courts. I will give that a try! The only option I have is to drop the leash in the mini "dog park" which is the sidewalk along the river but the apartments are fenced off. I keep the leash on because he sometimes likes to walk right up to the edge of the small cliff and doesn't seem to have great depth perception LOL. Or for when people come walking by.
cscarro
Boxer Buddy
thanks for all the advice! I understand what you are saying and dont want something bad to happen either. I usually try to limit our walks to 2 30 minute ones a day. I will keep to this and cut out the running.
the older she gets, the more energy -- it is getting harder and harder to wear her out!! and i work from home so it is difficult because she demands attention! we do have play dates with other dogs regularly so that helps. We also have a backyard but it is all rocks...i let her off leash out there to play but she ends up digging or biting sticks mostly instead of running around.
the older she gets, the more energy -- it is getting harder and harder to wear her out!! and i work from home so it is difficult because she demands attention! we do have play dates with other dogs regularly so that helps. We also have a backyard but it is all rocks...i let her off leash out there to play but she ends up digging or biting sticks mostly instead of running around.
To 2nd that...
Kongs and beef bones from a butcher are fabulous for stimulating them mentally. Also, if she is only chewing sticks in the backyard, she is still occupying her mind. My dog chews sticks, too, and at least that's something in addition to everything else we do. Her favorite is playing frisbee. I dont throw it, I roll it. She gives chase like it's a rabbit, and 15 minutes later is whooped.
Kongs and beef bones from a butcher are fabulous for stimulating them mentally. Also, if she is only chewing sticks in the backyard, she is still occupying her mind. My dog chews sticks, too, and at least that's something in addition to everything else we do. Her favorite is playing frisbee. I dont throw it, I roll it. She gives chase like it's a rabbit, and 15 minutes later is whooped.
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