High energy puppy

Kev · 01-01-2012, 08:31 AM

Hi, will be picking up my czech x wgwl puppy in 6 weeks! I recently read up on exercise for a puppy and know that they shouldnt be forced to exercise or over work themselves because of the damage that is done on their joints. My question is, how will I be able to drain the energy out of my pup without forcing him to exercise? I know physical exercise is important and so is mental exercise but I only know two games, "find it" and "hide and seek". Can some people give me suggestions on some other mental exercises?
What I'm scared of is a pup like this

You Tube

btw- what are the uses of the boxes in the play pen for?

**Castlemaid** · 01-01-2012, 09:36 AM

I love this pup! The boxes are just in there as toys - you can see how the pup plays with them by flipping them around and jumping in.

Plenty of exercise is different than 'forced' exercise. Forced exercise would be taking your puppy jogging with you, and making it run several miles on pavement without giving the pup a break. Most people really underestimate the exercise needs of GSD puppies. The key for meeting that need for them safely, is to allow them to self regulate. Let them run around off leash on grass or dirt or some other soft surface to their hearts content. They can run as fast as they want, as slow as they want, and stop and rest when they are tired, and start again when they are rested.

See this thread for examples about exercising our pups (make sure to click on the linked videos in the thread).
Proper Exercise for puppies

For mental stimulation, the games you mentioned are good ones - you can add some basic obedience training (just a minute or two to start with, that is about the attention span of a young pup), doing small and easy puppy obstacle courses, and once they are up on shots, taking them to new places for socialization and exposure to new things.

Here are a couple of threads with examples of dogs being challenged and stimulated - you would of course keep obstacles and outings appropriate to the age and level of development of your pup:

Agility in the 'real' world

I want photos/videos of puppies being socialized.....

**jocoyn** · 01-01-2012, 09:47 AM

I would also look to the threads for offleash walking in the woods. Young pups are at a great age as they are not inclined to run away and can learn so much about ignoring distractions etc. Beau would always come back from one of those walks and be relaxed, well, kind of.

**MaggieRoseLee** · 01-01-2012, 09:50 AM

Glory B (11 wks) and Bretta Lee (5 yrs) Wildhaus Hiking at Toms Ck (PA) - YouTube

Here's what I do...

Plus this stuff ---> Engagement - Key to Training

Kev · 01-01-2012, 10:12 AM

Thanks for the great information guys!
I found a video on how to socialize puppies and I want to know your opinions on this type of method for socializing

How to Socialize Your Dog to New People, Places or Things with Michael Ellis - YouTube

**Castlemaid** · 01-01-2012, 10:33 AM

Anything that Michael Ellis sais is Gospel.

Completely agree, and have seen fearful dogs improve tons with this approach.

**jocoyn** · 01-01-2012, 11:06 AM

I need some Michael Ellis stuff - everything he says makes sense. FWIW that is how I socialize Beau.

Last night we were doing obedience with fireworks going off. It was great.

carmspack · 01-01-2012, 12:55 PM

that is high activity which does not equate with high drive

this video does not define the "working dog" breeding.
there is a video of this dog later on as an adult and the dog still shows difficulties in focusing.
I think your focus should be on the appropriateness or wisdom in the combinations on this pedigree.
There are several working breeders on the forum, including the new one from Quebec

01-01-2012, 09:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
Castlemaid Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern British Columbia Posts: 9,089	I love this pup! The boxes are just in there as toys - you can see how the pup plays with them by flipping them around and jumping in. Plenty of exercise is different than 'forced' exercise. Forced exercise would be taking your puppy jogging with you, and making it run several miles on pavement without giving the pup a break. Most people really underestimate the exercise needs of GSD puppies. The key for meeting that need for them safely, is to allow them to self regulate. Let them run around off leash on grass or dirt or some other soft surface to their hearts content. They can run as fast as they want, as slow as they want, and stop and rest when they are tired, and start again when they are rested. See this thread for examples about exercising our pups (make sure to click on the linked videos in the thread). Proper Exercise for puppies For mental stimulation, the games you mentioned are good ones - you can add some basic obedience training (just a minute or two to start with, that is about the attention span of a young pup), doing small and easy puppy obstacle courses, and once they are up on shots, taking them to new places for socialization and exposure to new things. Here are a couple of threads with examples of dogs being challenged and stimulated - you would of course keep obstacles and outings appropriate to the age and level of development of your pup: Agility in the 'real' world I want photos/videos of puppies being socialized..... __________________ Lucia Keeta BH, OB1, TR1, AD (HOT) Rottweiler/Hairy Dog mix?? Shelter rescue Gryffon Vom Wildhaus BH, OFA Good (HOT) "Bites Through the Sleeve" Cuddlebug, b: Mar 2009 Last edited by Castlemaid; 01-01-2012 at 10:34 AM. Reason: fixed typo

01-01-2012, 09:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
jocoyn Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 8,048	I would also look to the threads for offleash walking in the woods. Young pups are at a great age as they are not inclined to run away and can learn so much about ignoring distractions etc. Beau would always come back from one of those walks and be relaxed, well, kind of. __________________ Nancy www.scsarda.org Grim (Grimmy Bear) & Beau (Bo-dee man) Waiting at the Bridge: Cyra, Toby, Rainbow, Linus, Oscar, Arlo & Waggles

01-01-2012, 10:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
Castlemaid Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern British Columbia Posts: 9,089	Anything that Michael Ellis sais is Gospel. Completely agree, and have seen fearful dogs improve tons with this approach. __________________ Lucia Keeta BH, OB1, TR1, AD (HOT) Rottweiler/Hairy Dog mix?? Shelter rescue Gryffon Vom Wildhaus BH, OFA Good (HOT) "Bites Through the Sleeve" Cuddlebug, b: Mar 2009

01-01-2012, 11:06 AM	#7 (permalink)
jocoyn Moderator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: South Carolina Posts: 8,048	I need some Michael Ellis stuff - everything he says makes sense. FWIW that is how I socialize Beau. Last night we were doing obedience with fireworks going off. It was great. __________________ Nancy www.scsarda.org Grim (Grimmy Bear) & Beau (Bo-dee man) Waiting at the Bridge: Cyra, Toby, Rainbow, Linus, Oscar, Arlo & Waggles

01-01-2012, 12:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
carmspack Knighted Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: ontario - Posts: 3,325	that is high activity which does not equate with high drive this video does not define the "working dog" breeding. there is a video of this dog later on as an adult and the dog still shows difficulties in focusing. I think your focus should be on the appropriateness or wisdom in the combinations on this pedigree. There are several working breeders on the forum, including the new one from Quebec

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