In addition to proper nutrition, carefully monitoring your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy’s exercise and physical activity is one of the most important things you, the puppy parent, can do to prevent orthopedic issues from developing. Remember, puppies are NOT born with hip dysplasia, it is a condition developed later in life due to genetic and environmental factors. The Dogue de Bordeaux as a breed is genetically predisposed to the condition. Thus, controlling your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy’s environmental factors are vital!
This is an X-Ray of a 2 week old mastiff breed puppy. Look at how far those bones have to grow before they become a proper bony joint!!
This is why you not let your Dogue de Bordeaux puppy repetitively use stairs, jump on and off furniture, or over exercise. Too many high impact activities at a young age can and will cause serious issues later in life. Hip and elbow dysplasia along with other orthopedic conditions are rising in younger dogs.
Remember this puppy rule – for every month of age, increase activity by only 5 minutes! (physical activity includes going for a walk, training, playing fetch, running, playing with other dogs etc)
For example, an 8 week old Dogue de bordeaux puppy only needs 10 minutes of physical activity a day – a 6 month old only needs 30 minutes a day of physical activity.
Enjoy your new red puppy, but remember, you would not make a 6 month old baby run a mile so do not make your puppy do it either!
DONT’S
- WALKS that last longer than the recommended lengths we discussed above. When figuring out how long your walk should be, you must factor all play sessions into the puppy’s physical activity for the day.
- NO STAIRS!
- Never force a young puppy to exercise.
- Avoid a lot of high impact activities such as RUNNING, JOGGING, JUMPING.
This will not be easy because your puppy will be full of energy and dying to do more. Hang in there! You have to do this for their own good. Moderate swimming is a good alternative and Dogues de Bordeaux generally love water. Keep these Dogue de Bordeaux puppy exercise guidelines at the forefront of your mind. Wait for the growth plates to close, which is not until 18 to 24 months of age, before subjecting them to vigorous exercise.
***DISCLAIMER – The photos in this post are purchased stock images and are NOT my own personal Dogues***