Help! I recently got a GSD puppy, at 7 wks,  she is now 13 wks, has had her injections and so can venture out into the big wide world. People and books have been telling me that you should not overwalk a GSD puppy to prevent damage to not fully formed joints. This sounds logical but how much walking is over walking? How far or for how long should we walk her?
I don't want her to be underwalked. My neighbours and friends also have dogs who she often plays with. Surely a walk around a park is better for joints than tearing around the garden with another puppy.
look forward to hearing from someone experienced in this. i'd hate to think i was contributing towards early HD, CDRM or whatever. Thanks Stella xx

Hi,

I would personally not give more than 10-15 mins on a lead pavement walking,the rest of her exercise will come from being in your house and garden.This of course may not sound alot  but it is more than enough,it does not prevent you from socialising.Too much exercise
too soon definately causes damage to joints,as does very rough play with other dogs so watch other dogs don't get too excited and fall about etc on your pup or hand brake turns in your garden.Stairs are another,I would not advise your GSD pup to be going up and down stairs until at least 9 months.
As your dog get older you very gradually increase the amount of exercise.
I'm sure others will be along to advise as well,you could also join a local dog club excellent for advice and training.

Briony:-)

There's an interesting article in the January 2004 issue of 'Your Dog' magazine, entitled 'Too much, too young?' that might interest you.
:)

The key to good exercise is to build up gradually. Controlled walks on the lead are invaluable for building up a youngster's muscle before they start running round like lunatics.
I start my puppies on about 5mins, building up over a couple weeks to 10 mins & then gradually make it longer. Running round on her own in the garden is fine, but injuries usually happen when they are playing with adults or (especially) bigger puppies.
She sounds a lucky puppy to have such a sensible owner!

she is lucky to have such a sensible and may i say lovely owner (me!).
The problem i face is not training my pup but training my husband who wants to walk her and is ignorant about such things as over exercise. He is a stubborn so and so and thinks i'm nagging him. Whilst i've been looking at books, websites etc to check how to do things right, he wont take any notice of me-his parents always had german shepherds and "they were always ok".
I will perservere with hubby, try to get him to read your advice. I will also get the jan edition of your dog & force him to read it, so thanks for that idea.