Jeremy Dalton Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 My Alaskan Husky puppy scarlet is 17 weeks old. I'm a runner and she loves running with me. A couple times we went as far as 3 miles (always on trails, never on pavement). I would stop to see if she needs a break and she'd literally look at me like "come on man, you're holding me back, let's go." which I think is hilarious. I have learned however that as much as huskies live to run, I shouldn't let her run very far as it can cause issues with her growth plates, and/or hip or elbow dysplasia. Could someone give me some guidance on this as the last thing I want to do is hurt her. Her parent's were all sled dogs and I know that she'll go crazy if I don't take her out for some amount of runs. But I wasn't her to grow up to be a healthy dog without problems. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 I would wait with full pulling a scooter of bike till age 18 months you can run when a bit older as long as she is not pulling weight... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Moved to the working section for u :-) it's usually best to wait till 12 years till u start light work with them and 18 months like robke says to do any major working/running with her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Dalton Posted September 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Ok. Thank you. I assume you meant 12 months, not years. He's a picture of her. She is really adorable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Yes I think Nix would mean 12 months... she is a beaut... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MollyCharly Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Mine is 21weeks now and i think she would love to run too... I am not a runner although i enjoy high pace walking with her. So i am going to hijack (sorry) your thread and ask, how about walking? How far can they walk at this age without risk of growth damage? I read about the 5mins per month rule but i dont think a husky puppy will be happy with this rule ;-) For now we do a lot of dog park (3-4times a week) plus morning/afternoon/evening walk, around 30-45 mins, low pace walks. Once a while i walk her alone then we walk very fast and the faster we go the happier she is.. :-) Any advise appreciated.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 I have never had pups so l leave this one to peeps who have had pups... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Please just take it easy. If you over work the pup at a young age it can damage the joints and tendons. However this won't become apparent until years later when the dog develops hip and joint problems much earlier than you would normally expect. Of course the pup is urging you on for more, you have to be the physical and moral compass that holds them back until they are physically ready for that level of exercise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Dalton Posted September 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 I am holding her back now and no longer taking her on those long runs. And I know that at 12-18 months I can start taking her on more serious runs carefully increasing her distance. But what I'm really wondering about here is what is she able to do now at 17 weeks. Obviously I now realize that I can't take her on any more 3 mile, or even 1 mile runs, but what is appropriate? Can she do 1/2 or even 1/4 mile? I just know that if I keep her penned up in my yard, she'll go nuts, not mention become a fat puppy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 you can also do mental training with commands and teaching tricks will also tire them out and not make them fat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 1 mile at her age is fine. Try to wear her out with mental stimulation too teaching obedience and tricks. Give her an empty coke bottle with treats in. get a kong and fill it. or puzzle balls. you can also do mental training with commands and teaching tricks will also tire them out and not make them fat Darn it Rob you beat me to it again. . . lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Mental stimulation as Rob mentions is great - I used an old hoola hoop and had them jumping through it when they were younger - now they just want to eat it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 1 mile at her age is fine. Try to wear her out with mental stimulation too teaching obedience and tricks. Give her an empty coke bottle with treats in. get a kong and fill it. or puzzle balls. Darn it Rob you beat me to it again. . . lol Sorry Andy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Sorry Andy... LOL Great minds. . . great teamwork Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Yes I did sorry , I was typing on my phone quickly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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