THANKS JEANGENIE FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE SENSIBLE ADVICE,BUT WHY DO THE BREED GUIDES I HAVE READ ONLY SUGGEST WALKS OF ONLY 200-300YARDS UP TO 6 MONTHS OLD AND THEN UP TO 800YARDS FROM 6 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR IS THIS BEING OVER CAUTIOUS?

I think they are being foolishly over cautious Guest. The 5 minute rule is a sensible figure, particulaly taking into account the need for socialising a puppy. Everything is a compromise, a compromise between over doing it and risking damage to the hips and elbows and a poorly socialised puppy.

You cannot make poor hips better but you wont make them worse by sticking to this rule.

Regards, John