Just a quick question about movement and exersise.

At training I was told to stop taking my pup for walks as it was building up too much muscle and he was too close behind, it was only 10 mins down to the end of the road and back before bedtime then I was to increase with age, this from what I read in breed books. But I stopped walking him as I didn't want "ruin" him.

So now I've stoped I am being told by some one else I need to walk him more as he's not got enough muscle and move's too loose in the back.
There are some really experienced people where I go to training but they all have completely different breeds to me, nobody actually has the same breed as me or even a dog of similar type. So maybe they don't quite understand how my breed should look/move at 11 months?

Personally I thought what I was doing with regards to the book was correct but I listen to all advise and take it on board as I'm only a novice.
Can anybody here help with this and what is best to do?
Thank you :)

Is that a boxer I see?

If your youngster pulls on the lead or does too much 'upper body' work he will developed what we call ' puffed sleeves'. It's a fairly common thing in a young male and much frowned upon. Their muscles should ' stand out plastically under the skin' but not bulge.
Good free running and steady walking on the lead  (not pulling, tongue hanging out) will build gradual, smoothe muscle around that area.
The close behind problem is common in young lads and particularly if he has long hocks and weak second thighs. Steady does it and almost all baby boys will improve in this respect.
You need Breed Specific advice regarding growth stages of your breed, generalisations are of some use but someone who has seen the development of your breed and in particular, your pup's family, will be of most use. The breeder of your babe may help you there.
If you haven't got a boxer then someone on the forum with specific expertise will be along soon.

Hi tooloz,

Yeah he's a boxer, I wasn't sure if I was ok to say what breed I had.
He's not over developed in anyway anywhere, I think he looks fine for his age. He's good on the lead(as long as he's got stick to carry) But I've never actually taken him off lead free running. Again this is down to "no as he's too young" "yes as he can go at his own pace" "no as he'll run too fast and hurt himself" etc etc
What would your advice be on how long to let him run free?
Thank you :)

I'm a great believer in free running for dogs, not in packs because they will T- bone each other..if you know what I mean.
Find a secure place for your lad to run and let him just do that...run. No need to throw anything, Boxers just love letting off steam.PM me if you want more help.

Mine's like a missile when I let him off - great to watch though!!!
BTW - he's not great at stopping, or turning quickly for that matter, so watch out.  I taught mine a 'steady' command as he can be a bit keen on recall sometimes and I'm sure it would hurt if he crashed into me.

I know what you mean by T boning each other, my other two older one's do that alot lol
I will keep the young to run on his own.

Thanks for your help, muchly appreciated :)

georgepig - I've had that happen to me - I got crashed into and went back in to a BIG mud puddle ha ha they didn't help they just jumped around in the puddle like it was a game lol

Oh I can imagine mine jumping all over me thinking it was a game too.  They like fun too much - but I wouldn't have it any other way :-)
The 'steady' command does fall on deaf ears sometimes tho LOL so I am prepared for a quick side jump!!