From a recent conversation with a client after receiving advise and reading an article greatly restricting most puppy excercise.

GDCLLC:
Well I never put an actual time frame on it. I suggest avoiding and fast bursts, swift direction changes, high jumps off on obstacles, thing like that and long runs. Long runs as in you are running and a young pup has to keep up with you for extended distances. Chasing balls or especially kongs that take unpredictable bounces with the dog bursting after it and having to stop or quickly change direction are very hard on joints, ligaments etc. Even in mature dogs we need to be mindful and careful with that. Jumping up on obstacles is one thing, jumping off is another. Depending on the heights, that jarring of the land is a concern similar to the abrupt stops or turns. Long runs are less concerning but still, that repetitive jarring I'm sure can cause damage, just like people over time so especially in developing young pups. Long walks, which I'm guessing this discussion stemmed from based on the tired pup pic after your walk, well,,,, can it be a concern due to the repetitive movements? Probably, and I wouldn't recommend young pups do that every day. I would probably consider building up to that distance in that first year or so. In a mile or two you can probably work in some Obedience activities to break up the constant motion and accomplish more both physically and mentally that would benefit the overall growth of the dog with a bit less risk to damaging any physical growth of the pup. There is risk in any and all pup activities especially at young ages and I am not recommending to let them do whatever they want. The best advice I can give, that is always preached to me by a mentor of mine is, what is your dog telling you? If you are walking a long distance is you dog just walking comfortably with you or is it running or struggling to keep up? If he's running, the distance should probably be shorter to avoid the harder repetitive motion for too great a distance. If hes struggling to keep up, you've probably already done plenty and should back off, let him rest and not push much further. Another client and her young pup, had similar questions because she is a distance runner and wanted a running buddy, I recommended to her she build the dog up over the first year or so at much less then she herself is capable of and eventually after the young pup was fully developed she could have the pup run the longer 10+ mile runs. Hope this helps.

Client:
That is super helpful. I’m definitely not a runner lol but he was losing his mind so I thought a walk would help to tire him out. I’ll keep it to shorter distances and pay attention to him. I’ve always heard of the hip problems GSDs can have and don’t want to cause any issues for this guy. I honestly had no idea it would be an issue but the article made some sense so I wanted to hear your thoughts. Thank you.

GDCLLC:
For sure the modern German Shepherd's Dog are very prone to hip and joint issues due to their inherent poor genetics unfortunately. The Dutch Shepherd's Dog and Malinois although less prone to much of those issue are obviously similar in structure and desire to work/please us. I try to incorporate the pups in the obstacle work at training as much as possible but under strict slower movements. I think it helps to build muscles or "find their legs" to help build a more sound muscular structure to help protect the joints/ligaments. In my opinion you may not be able to eliminate some on the genetic issues but it could help prolong the seriousness of them.

Client:
Gotcha. That makes sense. The article talks about periodic xrays at certain periods. Is that something you recommend?

GDCLLC:
Not sure what that would do for the dog? Honestly I think that would only create more concern /anxiety for the human than anything. Besides why expose a dog to a potential threat of xrays that we know for a fact cause issues in humans, by "periodic" no real reason xrays? Would you go to just get "periodic" xrays? And what happens if you are getting that done and find something? Then what? Meds? Therapy? Acupuncture? Massage? Surgery? Just enjoy having the challenge of a young Dutch Shepherd's Dog and have fun.