I have been told to introduce more road walking to 'tighten up' my dogs pasterns. How does this help and how much daily roadwalking is realistic to show improvement. She gets lots of exercise but usually in fields and woods.

Hi Star.
Road walking does tighten up pasterns, but it will not rectify a construction fault. Sorry I can't remember what breed your dog is but, German Shepherds are well down on their pasterns but this is how the breed should be. The majority of other breeds should have strong pasterns. Look at your dogs feet, do they look at little flat? if they do , should the breed be this way, if not, there is a good chance road walking will help.
Dawn.

Yes, it will help an adult dog Sue :-) You would have to do it daily and it is an ongoing process. My lot get a minimum of twenty minutes road walking a day, but I also have an excercise area/kennel run that is 'loose' pebbles and concrete. Pebbles are also very effective for tightening feet up. Dawn is also right, if it is a construction problem you will improve it but not get rid of it.

Thanks
we have been doing it for a little while and there does seem to be some improvement so we will persevere. how exactly do I know for sure whether it is construction or not. She probably did not roadwalk as much when a puppy as our others due to a house move where the environment is different

The Dobe people (and probably others for all I know) give vitamin C 1000mg a day to help this

Jo and the Casblaidd Flatcoats

Hi
I do know a man who has helped his pup with the same thing by giving him liquid calcium.
I can check how much and how often if you want?

Carolyn

As long as your dog is an adult, I would suggest 4-6 mile a day...thats what ours get, building upto 8/9 /10 when due to commence working season.

Don't give liquid calcium - this can cause more damage.

Change his diet instead to incorporate natural calcium in the correct balance - back to feeding raw again

Christine

Christine

He was/is feeding a raw diet,I cant say anything either way
as I havent seen the pup before or after
but im only going by what he said.
No one has to convince me to feed raw,all mine are on it and giving a 5 week old pup a bone to gnaw is very pleasing :-)