I know this has been covered already as I've done a search but would like to ask those of you who own large breed dogs how you manage
to balance play/walks/training etc without over-exercising? My pup is large breed,22wks,very active & energetic.He races around the garden on his own throwing toys etc & also playfights with our older dog.When I take him out I try to keep his walks short & interesting,he attends training classes & is a very sociable dog. I'm sure if you take everything into account he's doing too much (based on the 5 minute per month guide). I'm starting to get really paranoid about exercising him. The vet said he is in very good condition & developing well. I would especially appreciate advice from owners of huskies & shepherds.

My breed (Norwegian Elkhound) is smaller, but you are doing about right.  The point of the 5 minute guideline is for lead excersise over which the pup has no real choice.  Playing at home (assuming he isn't runing up and down stairs and jumping ofn and off sofas) is fine as he will play rest play rest.  If he is playing with adults (not young mentally immature) dogs then chances are he will not be overtaxing himself as they will usually get tired of him quite quickly.

So his 25 mins lead work - how many walks would you split it into? I like to take him out atleast 3 times a day so he meets lots of people etc but it hardly seems worth stepping out of the door if you know what I mean.Hubby thinks I'm being over protective.

With mine I limit each walk to the 5 minute rule - so at 5 months they'd be getting two or three 25-minute walks, well spaced during the day so that there's plenty of rest time between them.
:)

Are yours sibes Jeangenie?

No, I have dalmatians - again an stamina breed, who, when adult, should be able to maintain a steady trot for hours, covering many miles. Building the skeleton and muscle gradually is vital.
:)

>>I like to take him out atleast 3 times a day so he meets lots of people etc

How about walking him where theres a bench where you can sit for 20 mins (or whatever) that way he's experiencing lots of people passing etc without the excersice :)

I'm trying that already - he will sit for a short while, he's a bit like a toddler, has a short attention span, bless him.

So has our kai, much rather be off chasing something than just looking and sitting quietly :)

Hi, I own Newfies and certainly wouldn't walk them for 25 minutes at that age(maybe I misread it??) I would limit to a 5 or 10 minute walk, then a play for 15 mins, increasing it weekly. By the age of 18months they are pretty much done and can cope with longer and longer walks. My two go out for a 4mile hike everyday(me in me scooter...a strange site I know!!! but I can't walk far and they love the pace at around 4mph...and boy does it condition them well!!) We walk around 2 miles, they have a play in the Park chasing frisbee, then 2 miles back. I would also be wary about unsupervised rough play...it only takes a minute for a jarring or bump to cause joint damage, maybe I'm over cautious though??? But then again I've never had a problem with any of my Giants! All the best, Dawn.