5 Minute Rule - right or wrong?

[AJS View AJS's Profile Find AJS's Posts Find AJS's Threads Send AJS a message E-Mail AJS]

Quote:My vet said the '5 minute rule' for puppies is a myth perpetuated by breeders looking for a get out if a pup develops genetic problems.

Not my comment, but very interesting.

Kennel Club Wrote:Puppies need much less exercise than fully-grown dogs. If you over-exercise a growing puppy you can overtire it and damage its developing joints, causing early arthritis. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown, i.e. 15 minutes when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer.
It is important that puppies and dogs go out for exercise every day in a safe and secure area, or they may become frustrated. Time spent in the garden (however large) is no substitute for exploring new environments and socialising with other dogs. (Make sure your puppy is trained to recall so that you are confident that he will return to you when called).

Do you think the 5 minute rule is right or wrong?

[Andy View Andy's Profile Find Andy's Posts Find Andy's Threads Send Andy a message E-Mail Andy]

Well 5 minuets no but i do believe while the pup is growing you should keep exercise to a minimum as they are still growing and developing and don't want them to get joint problems.

[AJS View AJS's Profile Find AJS's Posts Find AJS's Threads Send AJS a message E-Mail AJS]

I believe it's more to do with forced exercise, i.e. when the dog is on lead and has no choice about exercising.

I never limited the amount of exercise Jayjay got as a puppy.

[fabfifty View fabfifty's Profile Find fabfifty's Posts Find fabfifty's Threads Send fabfifty a message E-Mail fabfifty]

re 5 min r
When marley had his injections i was told by a vet that i should not over exercise him but give him short walks 2 or 3 times a day if on soft ground, but to use five minute rule if walking on hard ground as this could hurt his joints.

[Andy View Andy's Profile Find Andy's Posts Find Andy's Threads Send Andy a message E-Mail Andy]

i only took trixie round town when she was a pup as larger dogs especialy labs can develop hip displaycia

[whocky View whocky's Profile Find whocky's Posts Find whocky's Threads Send whocky a message E-Mail whocky]

Was just going to say, dont labs suffer from joint problems anyway?

[Andy View Andy's Profile Find Andy's Posts Find Andy's Threads Send Andy a message E-Mail Andy]

Labs can suffer joint problems and as with all large breeds will probably have bad hips when older and more prone to hip displaycia.

[PBB View PBB's Profile Find PBB's Posts Find PBB's Threads Send PBB a message E-Mail PBB]

I'm no expert but I think it is important to allow a puppy to explore whenever possible. I don't know how much is really too much but as long as it gets some play time, I think it is acceptable.

[Andy View Andy's Profile Find Andy's Posts Find Andy's Threads Send Andy a message E-Mail Andy]

They say puppies don't need lots of exercise as they get lots of exercise from play

[PBB View PBB's Profile Find PBB's Posts Find PBB's Threads Send PBB a message E-Mail PBB]

(04-11-2010 05:14 PM)Andy Wrote:  They say puppies don't need lots of exercise as they get lots of exercise from play

remember back when parents/experts used to complain that kids are spending more time in front of the TV rather than playing outside. Then it led to kids spending too much time playing rather than focusing on school or homework. But yeah I guess too much of anything or lack of it is bad. Poor puppies though, now that there are more of us they have to live by what we deem right or the rules we set out for them.