What does this mean, enquiring for a friend, as im new to showing really i dont want to tell her what i think it is and infact it be incorrect.

Also is it something they will grow out off? her bitch is about 14months old.

Thanks

Pasterns are the section between the back of the foot upwards to the first joint - if described as soft or weak this refers to there being too much of a slope between those points.  It can be almost always be strengthened with exercise, particularly road work and at 14 months (especially if in a larger breed) the condition is probably as a result of restricting exercise while the dog is still growing.

HTH,  Teri  :)

That is interesting Teri, one of my dogs is weak in the pasterns and I was told it was due to too much free running while still growing.  I restricted my next dog on her exercise when young and hers are fine.

In my own (medium) sized breed, I personally don't restrict exercise at all and have never had this problem but have met many that do.  Inappropriate exercise of course can be more costly than anyone being too restrictive so I'm not advocating that anyone should follow my lead on not restricting their youngsters.  However usually those restricting exercise will by necessity then put in extra road work hence the pasterns should be firm .....  

FWIW, mine free run from a week after their first vacs and have always had strong pasterns. 

regards, Teri :)

I also restrict the giants until about 18 months, they have free exercise, but no real road work. From around 18 months I gradually increase to 3 to 4 miles of road work with a section of free play in the Park. They always have free play in a large garden at home. I have never had a problem with pasterns or joints. All the best, Dawn

Ditto.

It also depends on the type of ground they are on.  A dog exercising on harder ground will likely have stronger paterns then those excersing on soft ground.

Also it's not all down to nurture, nature will play a part in weak pasterns although normally road walking does stregthen then :)

Hydrotherapy helped strengthen my boys pasterns. I've always restricted exercise with my breed although they have free running in the garden and he is the only one who has had a problem with his pasterns. He was a huge puppy though so that may not have helped.

Road walking is very good for tightening pasterns. Another great way to strengthen pasterns is to exercise regularly on a pebble beach or cobblestones, if you are lucky enough to have access to any!

Thank you all so much for the replies... im sure she will find this very interesting.. and informative....

I Would have just about told her right, always best to check though!