Puppy Bones, Growth, Exercise-

This is an X-ray of a 2 week old puppy. Look at how far the bones have to grow before they become a proper bony joint! This is why you should never let puppies jump, walk up/down stairs, over- exercise or over-train. Doing too much impact activity at a young age will cause serious issues later in life, or even at a young age, as hip dysplasia and other orthopedic conditions are rising in puppies. Remember the puppy rule- for every month of age, you may increase the puppy's activity by 5 minutes. For example, an 8 week old puppy only needs 10 minutes of physical activity a day- a 6 month old puppy only needs 30 minutes a day of physical activity. *Physical activity includes- going for a walk, training, playing fetch, running, playing with other dogs, etc. Genetic testing is only goint to tell us so much. So do not allow your puppy to jump off of things, and do not allow high impact sports before 6 months of age. Make sure that the puppy has a proper diet with good food ( Not Ol Roy). Keeping their weight ideal helps for growth and structure as well. Don't allow the puppy t be over weight, but also make sure their nutrition is kept well or they can loose bone density and muscle mass when they are malnourished. Spaying or neutering them at a later age, helps to make sure their hormones develop thier muscles and bones. We as breeders try to create sound, healthy puppies. It's up to you as a new puppy parent to make good choices regarding your pupps health oce they are in your care! Don't be afraid to yuse your breeder and Veterinarians' knowledge when in doubt. Ask them questions. That's what they are there for. Enjoy your new puppy, but remember you wouldn't make a 6 month old baby run a mile a day, so don't make your puppy either!

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