[Todd]

Hey guys. A few weeks ago, I asked if not enough nutrition from food can stunt the growth of a puppy. Now, I have another similar question. My neighbor just got a labrador puppy. The pup is about 5 months old. They literally walk the pup for 2 and a half hours every day, whether it's just walking or spending an hour at the local dog park. Could too much exercise as a puppy potentially stunt the pup's growth? Thanks in advance!

[Lara's mom]

I can't say for sure but, I sincerely doubt it.

[Lunareclipse]

I do know that too much exercise for large breeds as pups could lead to bad hips but I don't think it stunts growth. My critters lay around most of the day and look how big they got!

[Lara's mom]

I was curious about this question so I emailed my vet and asked him. He said that exercise will not stunt a dogs growth. He also mentioned that for certain large breeds of dogs, it should be moderated for medical reasons.

[OrangeDog]

it will not stunt growth but to much or wrong type of exercise especialy in large/giant breeds can cause hip and/or elbow dysplasia

[Todd]

Originally Posted by OrangeDog

it will not stunt growth but to much or wrong type of exercise especialy in large/giant breeds can cause hip and/or elbow dysplasia

Isn't hip dysplacia only a genetic disorder with the pup being born with it?

[OrangeDog]

it is partly genetic but you can take a dog who parents are both OFA excellent do OFA prelims at 8 months that come back GOOD and you can still trash a dogs hips with the wrong exercise, diet, etc.

[Yogi]

also being a form of arthritis, many dogs who's breeds are not disposed to this illness can contract arthritis.
Too much exercise I found in a Miniature Pinscher totally stunned me. The owners were avid hikers I mean AVID. When I saw their Pin he was so disproportionate due to excessive muscle build up that I don't think that dog ever made it to 10 years of age.
Like in humans, exercise is good and needed but again with humans, there has to be a limit on it. Especially with puppies. Granted, a tired pup makes for a quieter evening and good night sleep but this does not mean you take a 6 month old pup for a 8 or 9 mile run.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Yogi

also being a form of arthritis, many dogs who's breeds are not disposed to this illness can contract arthritis.
Too much exercise I found in a Miniature Pinscher totally stunned me. The owners were avid hikers I mean AVID. When I saw their Pin he was so disproportionate due to excessive muscle build up that I don't think that dog ever made it to 10 years of age.
Like in humans, exercise is good and needed but again with humans, there has to be a limit on it. Especially with puppies. Granted, a tired pup makes for a quieter evening and good night sleep but this does not mean you take a 6 month old pup for a 8 or 9 mile run.

was the pup disproportional because of too much exercise as a pup or just too much exercise throughout its life in general?

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by Todd

was the pup disproportional because of too much exercise as a pup or just too much exercise throughout its life in general?

Both. These people simply went way overboard. He looked like a Miniature Pinscher on steroids literally. The dog had muscle over development everywhere.