Knowing when and how to add age-appropriate exercise is hard to define. Being a serious runner means you want to get the maximum benefit from the time you have together. Longer distances and frequent runs will eventually affect their body–just as it does with humans. The extreme athlete typically would benefit from a major medical insurance policy. A torn ACL or ligament can mean a sizeable Veterinary bill. One such injury often leads to another. No one wants to face such a situation. Nevertheless, this type of thing is a reality even if you have done everything right along the way. Insurance–another consideration when speaking of you and the Weimaraner.

Joint development is affected by various things–their DNA, how fast they grow and the amount of high-pact exercise they see before the growth plates close. Typically, we expect the growth plates to close sometime between a year and a year and a half. During this time of development, recommendations are to keep the runs shorter–about 3 miles a day. With the very high-energy Weimaraner, this seems like too little. It is easy to forget the caution when you are trying to achieve a tired Weim pup. In light of this dilemma, we always suggest swimming. The water retrieve is the best and the safest way to burn a lot of energy without causing harm to the developing joints.

Speaking of high impact exercise–things like playing the frisbee is equally hard on the young Weimaraner. Jumping and beating their feet on the pavement should be avoided. The dirt or grass path is much easier, but still, we feel it is wise to hold off on the pounding regime of a long distance runner until they for sure have those growth plates closed. Only an X-ray can determine if the growth plates are closed. So, for the longevity you want, please take to exercising the young Weimaraner with care. Also, we mentioned it earlier–make sure they grow slow. Feeding the large breed (rather than the regular puppy) food is vital to the hips and joints. That puppy chow stuff will fill them out like a butterball and cause them to grow even faster. Slow growth is preferred. Regardless, they grow to adult-looking before the six month birthday. It is shocking!

Rule of Thumb–about three miles should be fine from day one until about a year. From there on out, you have to kind of guess. No one can speak to your exact situation. Of course, the Weimaraner is capable of running more than a nine-minute mile. The biggest concern is the pounding of the pavement or whatever surface on which you run. It is the impact factor because the growth plates are at the end of the bones. Click Here to read a blog on this topic.

 

More Comments from Shela and Cliff

 

We like to say the Weimaraner has two speeds–on and off. Wiggle your toe while watching TV and they might assume you are getting ready to do something and in turn fly off the sofa.

More than anything the Weimaraner is all about the relationship. If they want to please you and they respect you and you them, it is a beautiful thing. You are off to an awesome beginning. We wish you all the best on your journey.