I took both Nina and Dexter my 2 Rottweilers to the vets today to be neutered the vet weighed them and Dexter who is nearly 9 months weighs 33 kilos and Nina who is nearly 7 months weighs 32 kilo they are not fat at all but this seems a lot for puppys i was just wondering if there weight is normal for there ages ? Also Nina has a bit of a limp on one of her front legs so I spoke to the vet about it and he asked did i let her off lead which i said yes then he said it is because i let her have free running off lead that she has the limp he reckons that larger breeds should not be let off lead until they are about 2 years old, he said that letting them have free running off lead will cause hip problems and joint and shoulder problems costing £2000 each problem to fix this seems a bit extreme to me i just cant see how that would work puppies need to learn not to run off and to ignore other dogs and master the recall all of which cant be taught as well if they are always on a lead, i just think not letting them have free running exercise and only lead walking would be asking for trouble, can you imagine how frustrated they would be if they never got enough exercise surly if the vet is are giving this advice to new dog owners they are going to end up with a lot of uncontrollable dogs who run off and become dog aggressive and destructive all because they dont get enough exercise, I would be interested in what you all think should i continue letting them have free running together off lead it is never excessive
I dont own rotties-Im sure one of the many rott owners on here will come and answer this better than me. With regards to the off lead exercise...every dog, no matter how big or small(if possible) need off lead exercise- but its all about moderation...Its great for dogs to run and play off lead but you have to put a limit on dogs as heavy boned and as young as yours- I would say a lot of their exercise should be controlled at this age- especially the one who now has a bad leg. Jmo.
the weight sounds ok, as to the off lead, I take it your vet views all off lead exercise as manic tearing around the place, which it doesnt have to be. I have always let my pups have off lead exercise, I do 90% of my training off lead, but you do have to be sensible about it, I would think keeping a dog on lead untill two years old, would make a very hyper dog, who has never had freedom, so will make the most of it when the chance comes.
Thanks for your replies, i do moderate them they are just having normal puppy play chasing each other about for about 30 to 45 min free time a day but a lot of that time is just taking in all the different smells that are about, i think i will stop the ball chasing as that is the only time they really barge each other and i think that's how Nina first hurt her leg, I though what the vets had said sounded a bit OTT, but for the next 10 days they cant even go out on lead walks untill they heal from the spay and castration Nina also had her dew claws removed and hernis fixed poor thing so she has a lot to recover from, but hopefuly by the time she has rested up from the OP her leg should be better
Keeping to on lead excercise for 2 years sounds excessive to me. If dogs can't run for two years of their life without needing surgery (apart from accidental injuries of course), then there's something seriously wrong with their breeding. Definately keep moderation in mind and take into account what your vet has said - I just find this kind of thing quite upsetting. Good luck with them and hope you can find a happy medium.
I know dogs bones are still forming up to they are about 12 months, this is why they don't allow you to enter agility until at least this age. My Basset who is large boned, did not go off lead walks until he was 6 months old and I did not allow him to jump and I was very careful for the first year that he did not do long walks on streets only on soft ground. I do think 2 years is excessive though - sounds like scare tactics to me. Puppies often get injuries because they always so clumsy. Strange vet!
Rotties are very rough players when they meet their own breed is my experiance. With other breeds they can be as gentle as the next man. Have never put any restrictions on my dogs outdoors - they have been off lead, playing & running with other dogs of multiple breeds as puppies should. With a breed like the rottie it is so important to get your dog socialiced, and none of mine have ever come to any harm.
I'd be changing vets - his views are strange to say the least!! I think it is absolutely vital for the dogs health, well-being and mental stimulation to have off-lead exercise. This is especially applicable to a large working breed!! I agree that over-exercise at a young age can certainly damage joints etc, as with everything moderation is key. Marius would have been driven crackers if he had never been off the lead until recently I do agree with Nicedog that Rotts do tend to play rough with other large dogs. It's funny to see Marius bounding around like a Rugger player with his labrador buddy - but then lying down like a lamb to get 'savaged' by next doors Patterdale. They do seem to know when and with whom they can rough-house with Hope Nina's leg feels better soon. xxx
Thanks everyone I thought what the vet said was a bit extreme Nina's front leg is much better she has stopped limpping now, she is recovering from being spayed and having her dew claws removed at the moment and Dexter is recovering from being done also i am looking forward to being able to take them out for a run once they are healed,
Don't have any advice, but I just wanted to put this... We rescued Jess (a GSD) at 20 months, who was kept behind a 6 ft fence her whole life. Never been offlead, socialised etc. She was a terror when out (and still gets humongously excited when its walk time) all because she wasn't used to it all. If your vet saw what Jess was like, I think he would change his advice on that point... Hope your dogs recover from their surgery soon
