I am trying to really do my homework before potentially adopting a very
large mostly-GSD puppy (55 lbs at 4 months). I just came accross some
information that makes me hesitate. I was reading about Burmese
Mountain Dogs (for curiosity only) and so this may not apply. The gist
was that since BMD's are so large, "high" activity levels, such as
jogging, are not good for them. Would this also apply to a 90-100 lb
GSD? Come to think of it, I have never seen anyone jogging with a GSD.
Is this a bad idea? I generally run on trails, and it's very stop and
go (my mutt dictates our pace, which I find quite fun). We do it in
all kinds of weather, though, and I would like to bring our new family
member along as well... I'll appreciate your thoughts on this.

"Lynne" wrote in message:

The gist
was that since BMD's are so large, "high" activity levels, such as
jogging, are not good for them. Would this also apply to a 90-100 lb
GSD?

Generally speaking, it is better for giant breed puppies to have little
forced exercise (long walks, jogs, runs) but lots of free play. The
difference is that the pup gets to regulate the amount of exercise they get,
and it is considered better for their overall joint development. This only
applies to puppies however, so once their growth plates have closed, the dog
should be able to join in on any activity you both enjoy.

And yes, I do know people who jog with their GSDs (and Danes even), and GSDs
are quite good at physically demanding stuff, so what you have read probably
does not apply entirely.

Suja

Suja wrote:
"Lynne" wrote in message:

The gist
was that since BMD's are so large, "high" activity levels, such as
jogging, are not good for them. Would this also apply to a 90-100 lb
GSD?

Generally speaking, it is better for giant breed puppies to have little
forced exercise (long walks, jogs, runs) but lots of free play. The
difference is that the pup gets to regulate the amount of exercise they get,
and it is considered better for their overall joint development. This only
applies to puppies however, so once their growth plates have closed, the dog
should be able to join in on any activity you both enjoy.

And yes, I do know people who jog with their GSDs (and Danes even), and GSDs
are quite good at physically demanding stuff, so what you have read probably
does not apply entirely.

Suja

Just look at the stress a dogs body goes through in schutzhund. A GSD
should be fine jogging once they are mature.

Nick

ya, most of the internet says not until 1 year old, and always, check with
your vet first

wrote in message
oups.com...

Suja wrote:
"Lynne" wrote in message:

The gist
was that since BMD's are so large, "high" activity levels, such as
jogging, are not good for them. Would this also apply to a 90-100 lb
GSD?

Generally speaking, it is better for giant breed puppies to have little
forced exercise (long walks, jogs, runs) but lots of free play. The
difference is that the pup gets to regulate the amount of exercise they
get,
and it is considered better for their overall joint development. This
only
applies to puppies however, so once their growth plates have closed, the
dog
should be able to join in on any activity you both enjoy.

And yes, I do know people who jog with their GSDs (and Danes even), and
GSDs
are quite good at physically demanding stuff, so what you have read
probably
does not apply entirely.

Suja

Just look at the stress a dogs body goes through in schutzhund. A GSD
should be fine jogging once they are mature.

Nick

On 29 Sep 2006 10:50:41 -0700, "Lynne"
wrote:

I am trying to really do my homework before potentially adopting a very
large mostly-GSD puppy (55 lbs at 4 months). I just came accross some
information that makes me hesitate. I was reading about Burmese
Mountain Dogs (for curiosity only) and so this may not apply. The gist
was that since BMD's are so large, "high" activity levels, such as
jogging, are not good for them. Would this also apply to a 90-100 lb
GSD? Come to think of it, I have never seen anyone jogging with a GSD.
Is this a bad idea? I generally run on trails, and it's very stop and
go (my mutt dictates our pace, which I find quite fun). We do it in
all kinds of weather, though, and I would like to bring our new family
member along as well... I'll appreciate your thoughts on this.

GSDs are just fine with being active and, in fact, need physical
activity. They were bred to work, not as lap dogs, though I know some
who would love to be lap dogs in between bouts of physical activity if
they could manage it. The biggest concern is with the age of the dog.
They shouldn't have a lot of stress on their joints while still
growing, and a four month old would fall in that category. They can
still walk with you, but don't do the jarring stuff like jogging until
the vet lets you know that they are old enough and grown enough for
it.


--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay

Paula wrote:

GSDs are just fine with being active and, in fact, need physical
activity. They were bred to work, not as lap dogs, though I know some
who would love to be lap dogs in between bouts of physical activity if
they could manage it. The biggest concern is with the age of the dog.
They shouldn't have a lot of stress on their joints while still
growing, and a four month old would fall in that category. They can
still walk with you, but don't do the jarring stuff like jogging until
the vet lets you know that they are old enough and grown enough for
it.


--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay

Thanks Paula, everyone. I didn't realize the issue with large dogs
were with their growth plates. This makes perfect sense. It also
makes me think that adopting a 1 to 2 year old dog as I originally
planned is probably the way to go since I don't want to leave my new
family member out of any adventures.

On 29 Sep 2006 18:42:18 -0700, "Lynne"
wrote:

Thanks Paula, everyone. I didn't realize the issue with large dogs
were with their growth plates. This makes perfect sense. It also
makes me think that adopting a 1 to 2 year old dog as I originally
planned is probably the way to go since I don't want to leave my new
family member out of any adventures.

There are plenty of GSDs of that age who need homes. Check out
petfinder.com or your local GSD rescue. They are great dogs.

--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay

Paula wrote:

There are plenty of GSDs of that age who need homes. Check out
petfinder.com or your local GSD rescue. They are great dogs.

--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,

It's depressing how many beautiful dogs are available... I've been all
over the local rescue web sites and petfinder. I've submit
applications to 2 GSD rescue groups, 1 "any breed" group, and 2 lab
groups. I've already met about a dozen dogs. How do I pick just one??

*note - I am only going to pick one, but it's tough...

I have a 7 month Belgian mix, when he's old enough I'll take him on 2 mile
runs but for now we just do good paced walks with some sprints and 100-200
yard jogs mixed in, a lot of it is based on how much he wants to run, if
he's ahead of me I try and keep up, if he starts to fall back I slow it
down.


"Lynne" wrote in message
ups.com...

Paula wrote:

GSDs are just fine with being active and, in fact, need physical
activity. They were bred to work, not as lap dogs, though I know some
who would love to be lap dogs in between bouts of physical activity if
they could manage it. The biggest concern is with the age of the dog.
They shouldn't have a lot of stress on their joints while still
growing, and a four month old would fall in that category. They can
still walk with you, but don't do the jarring stuff like jogging until
the vet lets you know that they are old enough and grown enough for
it.


--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay

Thanks Paula, everyone. I didn't realize the issue with large dogs
were with their growth plates. This makes perfect sense. It also
makes me think that adopting a 1 to 2 year old dog as I originally
planned is probably the way to go since I don't want to leave my new
family member out of any adventures.

On 30 Sep 2006 08:38:58 -0700, "Lynne"
wrote:

How do I pick just one??

I'm not the one to answer that. I can't remember the last time I had
just one dog and I still have to stay away from adoption sites even
with four.

--
Paula
"Anyway, other people are weird, but sometimes they have candy,
so it's best to try to get along with them." Joe Bay